Dentigenous infectious foci - a risk factor of infective endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Dentigenous, infectious foci are frequently associated with the development of various diseases. The role of such foci in the evolution of endocarditis still remains unclear. This article presents the concluding results of an interdisciplinary study verifying the influence of dentigenous, infectious foci on the development of infective endocarditis. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study subjects were 60 adult patients with history of infective endocarditis and coexistent acquired heart disease, along with the presence at least 2 odontogenic infectious foci (ie, 2 or more teeth with gangrenous pulp and periodontitis). The group had earlier been qualified for the procedure of heart valve replacement. Swabs of removed heart valve tissue with inflammatory lesions and blood were then examined microbiologically. Swabs of root canals and their periapical areas, of periodontal pockets, and of heart valves were also collected. RESULTS: Microbial flora, cultured from intradental foci, blood and heart valves, fully corresponded in 14 patients. This was accompanied in almost all cases by more advanced periodontitis (2nd degree, Scandinavian classification), irrespective of the bacterial co-occurrence mentioned. In the remaining patients, such consistency was not found. CONCLUSIONS: Among various dentigenous, infectious foci, the intradental foci appear to constitute a risk factor for infective endocarditis.

Temporomandibular disorders in adolescents with headache.

BACKGROUND: Headache is a common complaint in all age groups and is a frequent cause of medical consultations and hospitalization. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of bite and non-bite parafunctions as well as the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in adolescents presenting with primary headaches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Parents of adolescents presented with headaches to the Department of Developmental Neurology within a 12-month period were asked to complete a questionnaire developed by the authors of this study. Of the 1000 patients evaluated, 19 females and 21 males, aged 13 to 17 years, met the inclusion criterion - a confirmed clinical diagnosis of migraine or a tension headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition. The diagnostic algorithm of the study group consisted of a full medical history, an assessment of the occurrence of bite habits and a physical examination based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). RESULTS: Bite and non-bite parafunctions were found in 36 of the study group patients. A significant difference (p = 0.0003) between the number of bite parafunctions and non-bite parafunctions was found in females but not in males. However, bite parafunctions were more frequent in boys compared to girls (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that it may be useful for pediatricians and neurologists to include TMD dysfunctions as a part of a standard examination of adolescents presenting with persistent headaches.

[Causes of hospital admission among 40-year-olds]. / Przyczyny przyjec do szpitala wsród osób czterdziestoletnich.

The work constitutes a part of the larger project "Comparative analysis of some elements of health state among 40-year-old inhabitants of the City and the Province of Poznan, born 1938, 1959", backed by National Committee of Sciences, performed in the Dept. of Public Health, Chair of Social Medicine, K. Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, in Poznan. Altogether 1037 persons, born in 1959, were medically examined as to their social background, education, life-style, and their current health picture. Some of the key elements were compared, where possible, with a similar, though much larger group of those born in 1938. The article focuses on the 40-year-olds born in 1959, and describes the causes of their hospitalisation throughout the year preceding the examination. Place of residence, gender and education of the persons examined were taken into consideration. The results point to the prevailing causes of hospitalisation, such as cardiovascular disease, diseases of the digestive and urinary tract, and consequences of accidents and poisonings.