ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Introduction: Fixed orthodontic retainers are very important for treatment stability; however, adverse effects on the health of periodontium can be caused as a result of deposition of plaque and calculus. Objectives: To compare and determine the effects of two mandibular fixed lingual retainers on the periodontal status, and to test the null hypothesis that there would be no significant difference on the periodontium health between the patients using fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) or multistranded wire (MSW) fixed retainers. Methods: A total of 60 subjects were recruited, out of which 6 were excluded and 2 dropped out during the study. Hence, 52 subjects with mean age of 21.5 ± 3.6 years were included in the study. The sample was composed by 8 males (15.4%) and 44 females (84.6%). The participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 received fiber-reinforced composite retainer, while Group 2 received multistranded wire retainer. After insertion, plaque index, calculus index, gingival index and bleeding on probing were compared, after three months (T1), six months (T2), nine months (T3) and twelve months (T4), using Mann-Whitney test with p-value ≤ 0.05 as significant. Results: It could be seen that the health of periodontium deteriorated with the passage of time from T1 to T4 in both group of retainers. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that there was no significant difference on the health of periodontium between the patients with FRC and MSW fixed retainers, hence, the null hypothesis was accepted.
RESUMO Introdução: As contenções ortodônticas fixas são muito importantes para a estabilidade do tratamento; no entanto, elas podem causar efeitos adversos na saúde do periodonto, como resultado da deposição de placa e cálculo. Objetivos: Comparar e determinar os efeitos na saúde periodontal de duas contenções inferiores coladas por lingual, e testar a hipótese nula de que não haveria diferença significativa na saúde periodontal entre os pacientes usando contenções fixas de compósito reforçado com fibra (FRC) ou de fio multitrançado (MSW). Métodos: No total, 60 indivíduos foram recrutados, dos quais 6 foram excluídos e 2 desistiram durante o estudo. Assim, foram incluídos no estudo 52 indivíduos com média de idade de 21,5 ± 3,6 anos. A amostra foi composta por 8 homens (15,4%) e 44 mulheres (84,6%). Os participantes foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: O Grupo 1 recebeu contenção de compósito reforçado com fibra, enquanto o Grupo 2 recebeu contenção de fio multitrançado. Após três meses (T1), seis meses (T2), nove meses (T3) e doze meses (T4) da colagem, foram comparados os índices de placa e de cálculo, índice gengival e sangramento à sondagem, usando o teste de Mann-Whitney com p ≤ 0,05 como significativo. Resultados: Pôde-se observar que a saúde periodontal piorou com o passar do tempo, de T1 a T4, em ambos os grupos de contenções. No entanto, não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os dois grupos (p> 0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados do estudo indicam que não houve diferença significativa na saúde periodontal entre os pacientes com contenções fixas FRC e MSW; portanto, a hipótese nula foi aceita.
ABSTRACT
To assess the effect of sperm parameters on pregnancy rate following Intrauterine Insemination [IUI] in primary and secondary infertile patients. An observational study. The Assisted Conception Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, from January 2004 to January 2006. One hundred and thirty-six couples, comprising 110 couples with primary and 26 with secondary infertility, of at least one year of infertility, were studied. All underwent a total of 231 intrauterine insemination cycles. A detailed history for infertility evaluation was taken. Hormonal profiles were done on day two of the menstrual cycle. Ovarian stimulation of all patients with Clomiphene citrate was done from day two of the menstrual cycle for 5 days and subsequent transvaginal scans on day twelve, for follicular tracking were done. Semen analysis was done, after 2-3 days abstinence and sperms for intrauterine insemination were prepared according to Density Gradient Sperm Wash Method. IUI was done 36 hours after tracking of the dominant follicles and injection hCG was given for follicular maturation and rupture. The main outcome measures were determining the effect of normal and abnormal sperm parameters on pregnancy outcome, in ovulation induced infertile couples, undergoing intrauterine insemination cycles. Of the 136 couples, who underwent IUI cycles, 18 had male factor infertility and the rest were with normal semen parameters. An IUI pregnancy rate of 13.7% was seen with a total of 4 conceptions. This study confirms that IUI, because of its cost effectiveness and minimum complications, can be applied as a first line treatment in infertile couples after considering the sperm parameters