Periodontitis is associated with multimorbidity in a large dental school population.

AIM: To investigate whether and which diseases co-occur with periodontitis (PD) to assess the prevalence of comorbidities and multimorbidity and to identify patterns and profiles of comorbidity and multimorbidity and the influence of demographic and lifestyle factors to identify distinct groups of multimorbid patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database from the Academic Centre of Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA) with 37,801 adult individuals containing information about demographic (age, sex, socio-economic position [SEP]) and lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol use and addictive substance use) and PD and systemic diseases was constructed. PD assessment was based on clinical information by the use of claim codes and systemic diseases data were derived from self-reported medical history. For analyses, univariable and multivariable (adjusted for age, sex, SEP, smoking, alcohol use and addictive substance use) logistic regression analyses and cluster analysis were used. RESULTS: Individuals with PD more often had one or multiple diseases. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for PD patients having up to four systemic diseases ranged from 1.46 to 1.20. Co-occurrence of PD with several systemic diseases and a higher prevalence of multimorbidity was found (adjusted OR comorbidity = 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30-1.43; multimorbidity = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.11-1.25). Four clusters existed: cluster 1 was defined as a periodontal and systemically healthy group and cluster 4 as burdened with PD but not containing any systemic diseases. Individuals in cluster 1 were of the lowest age (44.9 [SD: 15.5]) and had the lowest prevalence of the lifestyle factors of smoking (13.6%) and alcohol use (3.9%). Clusters 2 and 3 contained both PD and had several systemic diseases but were different from each other. Cluster 2 contained 34.5% of PD individuals and had mainly respiratory tract, immune system and digestive system diseases. Cluster 3 contained 45.9% of PD individuals and had mainly cardiometabolic diseases. Cluster 2 had the highest prevalence of females (63.1%) and the highest prevalence of smokers (23.8%) and addictive substance users (8.9%). Cluster 3 included individuals of the highest age (63.5 [SD: 11.9]), and had highest prevalence of alcohol users (17.7%) and lowest prevalence of addictive substance users (3.8%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that individuals with PD are more often burdened with comorbidity and multimorbidity. Presence of distinct clusters suggests overlap in pathophysiology between certain types of PD and specific systemic diseases. Therefore, PD can be considered as part of multimorbidity, as one of the systemic diseases co-occurring in certain groups of individuals.

Assessment of spin in the abstracts of randomized controlled trials in dental caries with statistically nonsignificant results for primary outcomes: A methodological study.

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of spin in the titles and abstracts of RCTs in dental caries with statistically nonsignificant primary outcomes and to assess the risk indicators which may be associated with spin. Any original publication reporting a two-arm RCT in dental caries with clearly identified statistically nonsignificant primary outcomes published from January 1, 2015 until October 28, 2022 were included. PubMed was searched electronically to identify the eligible publications. The prevalence of spin in titles and abstracts were assessed and categorized into spin patterns based on a pre-determined classification scheme. The association between spin and the potential risk indicators at study, author, journal, institutional, and national level was assessed. A total of 234 eligible RCT publications were included. The prevalence of spin in the titles and abstracts was 3% (95%CI: 2% to 6%) and 79% (95%CI: 74% to 84%), respectively. The most common spin patterns in the results and conclusion sections, respectively, were results focusing on statistically significant within-group comparisons (23%), and conclusions focusing only on statistically significant results without acknowledgment of statistically nonsignificant results for the primary outcomes (26%). The spin was significantly associated with number of study centers (single-center vs. multicenter) (OR=2.131; 95%CI: 1.092 to 4.158; P=0.03), trial designs (non-parallel designs vs. parallel designs) (OR=0.395; 95%CI: 0.193 to 0.810; P=0.01), and overall H index of institutions for last authors (OR=0.998; 95%CI: 0.996 to 0.999; P<0.01), while it was not significantly associated with the other indicators. In the RCT publications with statistically nonsignificant results for primary outcomes in dental caries, the prevalence of spin may be low in the titles but high in the abstracts. Single-center studies with parallel designs and a lower overall H index of institutions for last authors may be more likely to have spin in the abstracts.

A research agenda on oral health care as a boundary object that unites the perspectives of patients and practitioners.

CONTEXT: A research agenda for oral health care was established in the Netherlands using the Dialogue Model. This project served as a case study in which we applied boundary-work theory as a framework to understand boundaries (ie demarcations) between and within groups, and how these boundaries can be overcome. OBJECTIVE: To gain insights into the boundaries encountered when setting a research agenda, we analysed how this agenda served as a boundary object (ie circumstances, situations or material that connect actor groups and allow boundary crossing) that facilitated crossing boundaries and uniting the perspectives of patients and practitioners. METHODS: We used a thematic approach to analyse researchers' observations, meeting materials, emails, interviews with patients (n = 11) and a survey among patients and practitioners (n = 18). RESULTS: Setting the research agenda helped to cross boundaries in oral health care, which demonstrates its role as a boundary object. First, this made it possible to integrate research topics representing the perspectives and priorities of all patients and also to unite those perspectives. It was essential to involve practitioners at an early stage of the project so that they could better accept the patients' perspectives. This resulted in support for an integrated research agenda, which facilitated the crossing of boundaries. CONCLUSIONS: The research agenda-setting project was found to serve as a boundary object in uniting the perspectives and priorities of patients and practitioners. PATIENT CONTRIBUTION: Patient involvement in this case study was structured in the process of research agenda setting using the Dialogue Model.

Development and internal validation of prediction models for persistence of self-reported orofacial pain in the follow-up of patients with myofascial pain.

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors in patient profiles, and to develop, internally validate, and calibrate prediction models for the persistence of self-reported orofacial pain at the 6-month and 12-month follow-up in patients with myofascial pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 63 adult patients with moderate to severe chronic myofascial pain was included. Patient and disease characteristics at baseline were recorded as potential predictors. Patients` presence or absence of improvement of orofacial pain at follow-up was considered the outcome. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to develop the models. The performance and clinical values of the models were determined. RESULTS: Forty-three percent and 30% of the patients had persistence of orofacial pain at 6-month and 12-month follow-up, respectively. Pain elsewhere, depression, parafunctional activities, and mandibular function impairment (MFI) were significantly associated with persistence of the pain at 6-month follow-up, whereas depression, parafunctional activities, and MFI were significantly associated with persistence of the pain at 12-month follow-up. Both of the models showed good calibration and discrimination, with shrunken area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.73 and 0.76, respectively. The clinical added predictive values for ruling in the risk of the persistence were 0.30 and 0.31, respectively, and those for ruling it out were 0.25 and 0.20, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Potential predictors for prediction of the persistence of self-reported orofacial pain at follow-up were identified. The calibration, discrimination, and clinical values of the models were acceptable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The models may assist clinicians in decision-making regarding the improvement of orofacial pain of individual patients during follow-up in clinical settings.

Research priorities for oral healthcare: agenda setting from the practitioners' perspective.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a research agenda based on the most important information needs concerning the effects and outcomes of oral healthcare provided by oral healthcare professionals (OHPs). METHODS: A two-stage survey study was used to identify and prioritise topics for future research. The first survey generated topics based on information needs by OHPs. Topics were clustered thematically and overlapping topics were merged in 84 research themes. In the second survey, respondents selected their top 5 from the 84 research themes. Themes were sorted by the rank number based on rank sum. RESULTS: In the first survey, 937 topics were suggested. Almost half (n = 430, 46%) were identified as topics related to endodontology, cariology, oral medicine/surgery or tooth restoration. Topics were grouped in 84 research themes, covering 10 research domains. These were prioritised by 235 OHPs. Behaviour change for oral health and oral healthcare for geriatric patients ranked as most important. CONCLUSIONS: Consultation of OHPs has resulted in a research agenda, which can be used to inform programming future oral health research. The highest prioritised research themes have an interdisciplinary nature, mainly concern oral disease prevention and are under-represented in the current oral healthcare research portfolio.

Development of the Instrument to assess the Credibility of Effect Modification Analyses (ICEMAN) in randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs examine effect modification (also called a subgroup effect or interaction), in which the effect of an intervention varies by another variable (e.g., age or disease severity). Assessing the credibility of an apparent effect modification presents challenges; therefore, we developed the Instrument for assessing the Credibility of Effect Modification Analyses (ICEMAN). METHODS: To develop ICEMAN, we established a detailed concept; identified candidate credibility considerations in a systematic survey of the literature; together with experts, performed a consensus study to identify key considerations and develop them into instrument items; and refined the instrument based on feedback from trial investigators, systematic review authors and journal editors, who applied drafts of ICEMAN to published claims of effect modification. RESULTS: The final instrument consists of a set of preliminary considerations, core questions (5 for RCTs, 8 for meta-analyses) with 4 response options, 1 optional item for additional considerations and a rating of credibility on a visual analogue scale ranging from very low to high. An accompanying manual provides rationales, detailed instructions and examples from the literature. Seventeen potential users tested ICEMAN; their suggestions improved the user-friendliness of the instrument. INTERPRETATION: The Instrument for assessing the Credibility of Effect Modification Analyses offers explicit guidance for investigators, systematic reviewers, journal editors and others considering making a claim of effect modification or interpreting a claim made by others.

Measurement properties of oral health assessments for non-dental healthcare professionals in older people: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Regular inspection of the oral cavity is required for prevention, early diagnosis and risk reduction of oral- and general health-related problems. Assessments to inspect the oral cavity have been designed for non-dental healthcare professionals, like nurses. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the content and the measurement properties of oral health assessments for use by non-dental healthcare professionals in assessing older peoples' oral health, in order to provide recommendations for practice, policy, and research. METHODS: A systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE.com, and Cinahl (via Ebsco) has been performed. Search terms referring to 'oral health assessments', 'non-dental healthcare professionals' and 'older people (60+)' were used. Two reviewers individually performed title/abstract, and full-text screening for eligibility. The included studies have investigated at least one measurement property (validity/reliability) and were evaluated on their methodological quality using "The Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments" (COSMIN) checklist. The measurement properties were then scored using quality criteria (positive/negative/indeterminate). RESULTS: Out of 879 hits, 18 studies were included in this review. Five studies showed good methodological quality on at least one measurement property and 14 studies showed poor methodological quality on some of their measurement properties. None of the studies assessed all measurement properties of the COSMIN. In total eight oral health assessments were found: the Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG); the Minimum Data Set (MDS), with oral health component; the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT); The Holistic Reliable Oral Assessment Tool (THROAT); Dental Hygiene Registration (DHR); Mucosal Plaque Score (MPS); The Brief Oral Health Screening Examination (BOHSE) and the Oral Assessment Sheet (OAS). Most frequently assessed items were: lips, mucosa membrane, tongue, gums, teeth, denture, saliva, and oral hygiene. CONCLUSION: Taken into account the scarce evidence of the proposed assessments, the OHAT and ROAG are most complete in their included oral health items and are of best methodological quality in combination with positive quality criteria on their measurement properties. Non-dental healthcare professionals, policymakers and researchers should be aware of the methodological limitations of the available oral health assessments and realize that the quality of the measurement properties remains uncertain.

Development and validation of a screening model for diabetes mellitus in patients with periodontitis in dental settings.

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors in patient profiles and to develop, internally validate, and calibrate a screening model for diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with periodontitis in dental settings MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 204 adult patients with periodontitis. Patients' socio-demographic characteristics, general health status, and periodontal status were recorded as potential predictors. The diabetic status was considered the outcome, classified into no DM, prediabetes (pre-DM), or DM. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to develop the model. The performance and clinical values of the model were determined. RESULTS: Seventeen percent and 47% of patients were diagnosed with DM and pre-DM, respectively. Patients' age, BMI, European background, cholesterol levels, previous periodontal treatment, percentage of the number of teeth with mobility, and with gingival recession were significantly associated with the diabetic status of the patients. The model showed a reasonable calibration and moderate to good discrimination with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.67 to 0.80. The added predictive values for ruling in the risk of DM and pre-DM were 0.42 and 0.11, respectively, and those for ruling it out were 0.05 and 0.17, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Predictors in patient profiles for screening of DM and pre-DM in patients with periodontitis were identified. The calibration, discrimination, and clinical values of the model were acceptable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The model may well assist clinicians in screening of diabetic status of patients with periodontitis. The model can be used as a reliable screening tool for DM and pre-DM in patients with periodontitis in dental settings.

Academic detailing in oral healthcare - results of the ADVOCATE Field Studies.

Background: Academic detailing (AD) is a defined form of educational outreach that can be used to influence decision making and reduce unwarranted variation in healthcare delivery. This paper describes the results of the proof of concept phase of the ADVOCATE Field Studies. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and usefulness of AD reinforced with feedback data, to promote prevention-oriented, patient-centred and evidence-based oral healthcare delivery by general dental practitioners (GDPs).Methods: In the Field Studies, six groups of GDPs (n = 39) were recruited in The Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. Each group had four meetings reinforced with feedback data for open discussions on dental practice and healthcare delivery. Conventional and directed content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data collected from focus group interviews, debriefing interviews, field notes and evaluation forms.Results: A total of nine themes were identified. Seven themes related to the process of the Field Studies and covered experiences, barriers and facilitators to AD group meetings, data collection and the use of an electronic dashboard for data presentation and storage. Two themes related to the outcomes of the study, describing how GDPs perceived they made changes to their clinical practice as a result of the Field Studies.Conclusions: The ADVOCATE Field Studies approach offers a novel way of collecting and providing feedback to care providers which has the potential to reduce variation oral healthcare delivery. AD plus feedback data is a useful, feasible approach which creates awareness and gives insight into care delivery processes. Some logistic and technical barriers to adoption were identified, which if resolved would further improve the approach and likely increase the acceptability amongst GDPs.

Healthcare utilisation, follow-up of guidelines and practice variation on rhinosinusitis in adults: A healthcare reimbursement claims study in The Netherlands.

OBJECTIVES: To provide insight into healthcare utilisation of rhinosinusitis, compare data with clinical practice guideline recommendations and assess practice variation. DESIGN: Anonymised data from claims reimbursement registries of healthcare insurers were analysed, from 1 January 2016 until 31 December 2016. SETTING: Secondary and tertiary care in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: Patients ≥18 years with diagnostic code "sinusitis." MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Healthcare utilisation (prevalence, co-morbidity, diagnostic testing, surgery), costs, comparison with guideline recommendation, practice variation. RESULTS: We identified 56 825 patients, prevalence was 0.4%. Costs were € 45 979 554-that is 0.2% of total hospital-related care costs (€21 831.3 × 106 ). Most patients were <75 years, with a slight female preponderance. 29% had comorbidities (usually COPD/asthma). 9% underwent skin prick testing, 61% nasal endoscopy, 2% X-ray and 51% CT. Surgery rate was 16%, mostly in daycare. Nearly, all surgical procedures were performed endonasally and concerned the maxillary and/or ethmoid sinus. Seven recommendations (25%) could be (partially) compared to the distribution of claims data. Except for endoscopy, healthcare utilisation patterns were in line with guideline recommendations. We compared results for three geographical regions and found generally corresponding rates of diagnostic testing and surgery. CONCLUSION: Prevalence was lower than reported previously. Within the boundaries of guideline recommendations, we encountered acceptable variation in healthcare utilisation in Dutch hospitals. Health reimbursement claims data can provide insight into healthcare utilisation, but they do not allow evaluation of the quality and outcomes of care, and therefore, results should be interpreted with caution.

Material, behavioural, cultural and psychosocial factors in the explanation of socioeconomic inequalities in oral health.

Background: This study aimed to assess the contribution of material, behavioural, cultural and psychosocial factors in the explanation of socioeconomic inequalities (education and income) in oral health of Dutch adults. Methods: Cross-sectional data from participants (25-75 years of age) of the fifth wave of the GLOBE cohort were used (n = 2812). Questionnaires were used to obtain data on material factors (e.g. financial difficulties), behavioural factors (e.g. smoking), cultural factors (e.g. cultural activities) and psychosocial factors (e.g. psychological distress). Oral health outcomes were self-reported number of teeth and self-rated oral health (SROH). Mediation analysis, using multivariable negative binomial regression and logistic regression, was performed. Results: Education level and income showed a graded positive relationship with both oral health outcomes. Adding material, behavioural, cultural and psychosocial factors substantially reduced the rate ratio for the number of teeth of the lowest education group from 0.79 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75-0.83) to 0.92 (95% CI: 0.87-0.97) and of the lowest income group from 0.80 (95% CI: 0.73-0.88) to 1.04 (95% CI: 0.96-1.14). Inclusion of all factors also substantially reduced the odds ratio for poor SROH of the lowest education group from 1.61 (95% CI: 1.28-2.03) to 1.12 (95% CI: 0.85-1.48) and of the lowest income groups from 3.18 (95% CI: 2.13-4.74) to 1.48 (95% CI: 0.90-2.45). Conclusion: In general, behavioural factors contributed most to the explanation of socioeconomic inequalities in adult oral health, followed by material factors. The contribution of cultural and psychosocial factors was relatively moderate.

Diagnostic value of ultrasonography for the detection of disc displacements in the temporomandibular joint: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to assess the added diagnostic value of ultrasonography (US) for establishing the presence or absence of disc displacements (DDs) in temporomandibular joints (TMJs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pubmed and EMBASE were searched electronically to identify diagnostic accuracy studies that assessed the diagnostic value of US for the diagnosis of DD, using Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the reference standard. Meta-analyses were performed with Metadisc 1.4 and RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies qualified for meta-analyses. For the diagnosis of DD at closed mouth position (DD-CM) and DD at maximum mouth-opening position (DD-MMO), the added values of a positive result with US for ruling in DD-CM and DD-MMO were 22 and 41%, while those of a negative result with US for ruling out DD-CM and DD-MMO were 30 and 20%. For the diagnosis of DD with reduction (DDWR) and DD without reduction (DDWoR), the added values of a positive result in US for ruling in DDWR and DDWoR were 35 and 41%, while those of a negative result in US for ruling out DDWR and DDWoR were 21 and 27%. CONCLUSIONS: Using MRI as reference standard, the added values of both positive predictive values and negative predictive values of US for ruling in and ruling out DDs are sufficient in the decision-making in dental practice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: US can be a good imaging tool to supplement clinical examination findings in patients with suspected DDs. Combined static and dynamic examinations using high-resolution US should be preferred.

A trial of treatment for acute otorrhea in children with tympanostomy tubes.

BACKGROUND: Recent guidance for the management of acute otorrhea in children with tympanostomy tubes is based on limited evidence from trials comparing oral antibiotic agents with topical antibiotics. METHODS: In this open-label, pragmatic trial, we randomly assigned 230 children, 1 to 10 years of age, who had acute tympanostomy-tube otorrhea to receive hydrocortisone-bacitracin-colistin eardrops (76 children) or oral amoxicillin-clavulanate suspension (77) or to undergo initial observation (77). The primary outcome was the presence of otorrhea, as assessed otoscopically, 2 weeks after study-group assignment. Secondary outcomes were the duration of the initial otorrhea episode, the total number of days of otorrhea and the number of otorrhea recurrences during 6 months of follow-up, quality of life, complications, and treatment-related adverse events. RESULTS: Antibiotic-glucocorticoid eardrops were superior to oral antibiotics and initial observation for all outcomes. At 2 weeks, 5% of children treated with antibiotic-glucocorticoid eardrops had otorrhea, as compared with 44% of those treated with oral antibiotics (risk difference, -39 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -51 to -26) and 55% of those treated with initial observation (risk difference, -49 percentage points; 95% CI, -62 to -37). The median duration of the initial episode of otorrhea was 4 days for children treated with antibiotic-glucocorticoid eardrops versus 5 days for those treated with oral antibiotics (P<0.001) and 12 days for those who were assigned to initial observation (P<0.001). Treatment-related adverse events were mild, and no complications of otitis media, including local cellulitis, perichondritis, mastoiditis, and intracranial complications, were reported at 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic-glucocorticoid eardrops were more effective than oral antibiotics and initial observation in children with tympanostomy tubes who had uncomplicated acute otorrhea. (Funded by the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development; Netherlands Trial Register number, NTR1481.).

Do patients benefit from orthognathic surgery? A systematic review on the effects of elective orthognathic surgery on psychosocial functioning and patient satisfaction.

The main purpose of this systematic review was to determine the current state of evidence regarding patient satisfaction with, and the impact of, orthognathic surgery on psychosocial functioning of patients 17 yr of age and older. A secondary aim was to determine whether individuals with psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions are more likely to be dissatisfied with the treatment outcome than those without. We systematically searched PubMed, PsycInfo, and Embase for relevant studies (up to 6 June 2016). After selection of articles we determined the Directness of Evidence (DoE) and Risk of Bias (RoB). We identified 3,948 studies (1,053 studies in Pubmed, 2,023 in Embase, and 872 in PsycInfo). Of these, 87 remained after screening of title and abstract, while after full-text screening only nine remained for DoE and RoB assessment. All nine studies had a high RoB and a low or moderate DoE. The quality of the methods of studies, published to date, on the effects of orthognathic surgery on patient satisfaction or the psychosocial impact carry a high RoB. Therefore, these do not allow inferences on the effects of orthognathic surgery on patient satisfaction or their psychosocial functioning.

Predictive Value of Panoramic Radiography for Injury of Inferior Alveolar Nerve After Mandibular Third Molar Surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present systematic review was to assess the added value of panoramic radiography in predicting postoperative injury of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in the decision-making before mandibular third molar (MM3) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched electronically to identify the diagnostic accuracy of studies that had assessed the predictive value of 7 panoramic radiographic signs, including root-related signs (darkening of the root, deflection of the root, narrowing of the root, and dark and bifid apex of the root) and canal-related signs (interruption of the white line of the canal, diversion of the canal, and narrowing of the canal) for IAN injury after MM3 surgery. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies qualified for the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the 7 signs ranged from 0.06 to 0.49 and 0.81 to 0.97, respectively. The area under the summary area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.42 to 0.89. The pooled positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) ranged from 7.5 to 26.6% and 95.9 to 97.7%, respectively. The added value of a positive sign for ruling in an IAN injury (PPV minus the prior probability) ranged from 3.4 to 22.2%. The added value of a negative sign for ruling out an IAN injury (NPV minus [1 minus the prior probability]) ranged from 0.1 to 2.2%. CONCLUSIONS: For all 7 signs, the added value of panoramic radiography is too low to consider it appropriate for ruling out postoperative IAN in the decision-making before MM3 surgery. The added value of panoramic radiography for determining the presence of diversion of the canal, interruption of the white line of the canal, and darkening of the root can be considered sufficient for ruling in the risk of postoperative IAN injury in the decision-making before MM3 surgery.

Antibiotics for otitis media with effusion in children.

BACKGROUND: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is characterised by an accumulation of fluid in the middle ear behind an intact tympanic membrane, without the symptoms or signs of acute infection. Since most cases of OME will resolve spontaneously, only children with persistent middle ear effusion and associated hearing loss potentially require treatment. Previous Cochrane reviews have focused on the effectiveness of ventilation tube insertion, adenoidectomy, nasal autoinflation, antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroids in OME. This review, focusing on the effectiveness of antibiotics in children with OME, is an update of a Cochrane review published in 2012. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of oral antibiotics in children up to 18 years with OME. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane ENT Information Specialist searched the ENT Trials Register; Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2016, Issue 3); PubMed; Ovid EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; ClinicalTrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 14 April 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing oral antibiotics with placebo, no treatment or therapy of unproven effectiveness in children with OME. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-five trials (3663 children) were eligible for inclusion. Two trials did not report on any of the outcomes of interest, leaving 23 trials (3258 children) covering a range of antibiotics, participants, outcome measures and time points for evaluation. Overall, we assessed most studies as being at low to moderate risk of bias.We found moderate quality evidence (six trials including 484 children) that children treated with oral antibiotics are more likely to have complete resolution at two to three months post-randomisation (primary outcome) than those allocated to the control treatment (risk ratio (RR) 2.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.58 to 2.53; number needed to treat to benefit (NNTB) 5). However, there is evidence (albeit of low quality; five trials, 742 children) indicating that children treated with oral antibiotics are more likely to experience diarrhoea, vomiting or skin rash (primary outcome) than those allocated to control treatment (RR 2.15, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.60; number needed to treat to harm (NNTH) 20).In respect of the secondary outcome of complete resolution at any time point, we found low to moderate quality evidence from five meta-analyses, including between two and 14 trials, of a beneficial effect of antibiotics, with a NNTB ranging from 3 to 7. Time periods ranged from 10 to 14 days to six months.In terms of other secondary outcomes, only two trials (849 children) reported on hearing levels at two to four weeks and found conflicting results. None of the trials reported data on speech, language and cognitive development or quality of life. Low quality evidence did not show that oral antibiotics were associated with a decrease in the rate of ventilation tube insertion (two trials, 121 children) or in tympanic membrane sequelae (one trial, 103 children), while low quality evidence indicated that children treated with antibiotics were less likely to have acute otitis media episodes within four to eight weeks (five trials, 1086 children; NNTB 18) and within six months post-randomisation (two trials, 199 children; NNTB 5). It should, however, be noted that the beneficial effect of oral antibiotics on acute otitis media episodes within four to eight weeks was no longer significant when we excluded studies with high risk of bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review presents evidence of both benefits and harms associated with the use of oral antibiotics to treat children up to 16 years with OME. Although evidence indicates that oral antibiotics are associated with an increased chance of complete resolution of OME at various time points, we also found evidence that these children are more likely to experience diarrhoea, vomiting or skin rash. The impact of antibiotics on short-term hearing is uncertain and low quality evidence did not show that oral antibiotics were associated with fewer ventilation tube insertions. Furthermore, we found no data on the impact of antibiotics on other important outcomes such as speech, language and cognitive development or quality of life.Even in situations where clear and relevant benefits of oral antibiotics have been demonstrated, these must always be carefully balanced against adverse effects and the emergence of bacterial resistance. This has specifically been linked to the widespread use of antibiotics for common conditions such as otitis media.

Development and validation of a new instrument measuring guideline adherence in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Education in evidence-based medicine (EBM) is an important part of the postgraduate training of GPs. Evaluation of its effect on EBM behaviour in daily clinical practice is difficult and instruments are scarce. Working in accordance with guidelines is considered as one of the key indicators of EBM behaviour. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate an instrument assessing guideline adherence of GP trainees in clinical practice. METHODS: We developed an instrument that assesses guideline adherence, taking conscious deviation into account. The instrument assesses guideline adherence on 59 different management decisions (diagnosis N = 17, therapy N = 20, referral N = 22) for 23 conditions as described in 27 different clinical practice guidelines. We validated this instrument using performance data as collected by third-year GP trainees on three important properties: validity, reliability and feasibility. RESULTS: Performance data were collected by 76 GP trainees on 12106 patient consultations with 12587 different reasons for encounter. Overall, guideline adherence was 82% (95% confidence interval 77-88%). The significant correlation with the national GP knowledge test (r 0.33, P 0.004) showed the instrument to be a valid instrument. Interrater reliabilities (intraclass correlation coefficient) varied between moderate and excellent (0.64-1.00, P < 0.001). The instrument proved feasible with coverage of 24% (N = 3082) of reasons for encounter presented to GP trainees and a mean and median time of 1 minute to score a patient consultation. CONCLUSION: This instrument proved valid, reliable and feasible to assess guideline adherence among trainees in the clinical primary care setting.

Use of the 2-µm continuous wave thulium laser for the resection of oral squamous cell carcinomas does not impair pathological assessment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Current resection modalities for oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) vary from cold steel over CO2 laser to monopolar electro-surgery (MO). We compared thulium laser (TL) as a new modality with MO with regards to pathological assessment. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients who were treated for OSCC by either TL or MO were included. All resected specimens were assessed with special attention to margin interpretation and thermal damage. RESULTS: Depth of thermal damage ranged from 1.0 to 3.5 mm in the TL group compared to 1.0-4.0 mm in the MO group without interfering with the pathological assessment. The percentage of positive margin resections was three times higher in the MO group compared with the TL group. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows resections done by TL do not impair pathological assessment when compared to MO resections.

Awareness, agreement, adoption and adherence to type 2 diabetes mellitus guidelines: a survey of Indonesian primary care physicians.

BACKGROUND: To assess the degree of awareness, agreement, adoption and adherence of physicians in Indonesia to type 2 diabetes mellitus guidelines, and their association with characteristics of the responders. METHODS: Questionnaire survey among General Practitioners (GPs) attending the Indonesian Association of Family Practitioners annual conference in November 2012. The proportion of GPs who were aware of, agreed with, adopted and adhered to the seven recommendations in the guidelines (screening for diabetes, diagnosis, lifestyle modification, use of sulfonylurea, target blood glucose, target blood pressure and use of statin) were calculated in the total number of responders. RESULTS: Of the 399 GPs participating, 383 (89%) were aware of the existence of Indonesian type 2 diabetes guidelines. Awareness for each recommendation varied from 66 to 91%. The recommendation to use a random blood glucose test for diagnosing patients with classic diabetes symptoms had the least awareness (265/399, 66%) and least agreement (163/399, 41%). The recommendation on statin use was the least adopted (192/399, 48%), while the least adherence (7/399, 2%) was found for the recommendation on screening for diabetes for patients with risk factors. Years of practice experience and proportion of diabetes patients seen in their practice were independently related with adherence to statin prescription. CONCLUSIONS: High awareness of the Indonesian type 2 diabetes guideline does not necessary lead to adoption or adherence to recommendations important for outcomes and quality of care. The awareness-to-adherence model helps in identifying barriers for the use of guidelines.

The role of psychological distress in the relationship of financial strain with oral health and dental attendance in Dutch adults: A mediation analysis based on cross-sectional data.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess whether psychological distress mediates the association between financial strain and oral health and dental attendance in the Dutch adult population. METHODS: The study followed a cross-sectional design based on 2812 participants from the 2014 wave of the Dutch population-based GLOBE study. Financial strain was considered the exposure, while psychological distress measured with the Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5) was the mediator. The outcomes included self-reported number of teeth, self-rated oral health, and self-reported dental attendance. Generalized regression analyses were used for the mediation analysis adjusted for several covariables. RESULTS: Greater financial strain was significantly associated with poorer self-rated oral health (total effect: 0.09, 95%CI: 0.05; 0.14) and restorative or no dental attendance (i.e. participants never visiting a dentist or only visiting a dentist for regular treatments or when they have complaints with their mouth, teeth, or prosthesis) (total effect: 0.05, 95%CI: 0.02; 0.09). Greater financial strain was not significantly associated with self-reported number of teeth (total effect: -0.14, 95%CI: -0.91; 0.64). Psychological distress significantly mediated the association of financial strain with self-rated oral health (average causal mediation effect [ACME]: 0.02, 95%CI: 0.01; 0.03) and self-reported dental attendance (ACME: 0.01, 95%CI: 0.00; 0.02), respectively. However, it did not significantly mediate the association of financial strain with self-reported number of teeth (ACME: -0.11, 95%CI: -0.25; 0.02). The estimated proportion of the total effect of financial strain on self-rated oral health and self-reported dental attendance that could be explained by psychological distress was respectively 24% (95%CI: 14%; 48%) and 19% (95%CI: 6%; 62%). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological distress partly explains the association of financial strain with self-rated oral health and dental attendance, but not with self-reported number of teeth. Future studies using longitudinal data are necessary to confirm the results.