Periodontitis as a Risk Factor for Preterm Low Birth Weight

PURPOSE: There is growing evidence showing that a number of complex human diseases are caused or are at least influenced by periodontal diseases. Such diseases include cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. The aim of study was to evaluate periodontal diseases as a risk factor for a preterm low birth weight. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 mothers, 20 of who had a preterm low birth weight delivery, were examined in the Clinics of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cumhuriyet University. The periodontal exams consisted of a full mouth pocket depth, a Loe and Sillness Gingival index score measurements, and a panoramic radiograph analysis. Information on any other factors that may cause a preterm low birth weight was obtained from the family physician. RESULTS: The study results indicated that periodontitis (OR: 3.6 95% CI: 1.06-12.18) together with bacterial vaginosis (OR: 11.57 95% CI: 1.26-105.7) were independent risk factors of a preterm low birth weight. According to the data obtained from this study, the paternal age, tobacco use and the mothers' height were not significant risk factors for a preterm low birth weight. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, it is concluded that a poor periodontal health status of the mother may be a potential risk factor for a preterm low birth weight.

Evaluation of the mini-mental state examination among the elderly people in Konya, Turkey

To evaluate cognitive function by using the Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] among the elderly people in Konya, Turkey, and to examine the acceptance, and screening efficacy of the MMSE in the family medicine practice setting. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out between 15th December 2004 and 15th February 2005, in Konya, Turkey. Two hundred elderly people were included in the study. Participants were selected from the cases who were at least 65 years of age and older. Cognitive levels were assessed with the MMSE. Two different MMSE forms for educated and uneducated individuals were applied. Socio-demographic characteristics, orientation, registry memory, attention and calculation, recall, and language status were determined. The data were evaluated with SPSS 10.0 software. Participants of 65 years of age and older [36.5% women, n=73 and 63.5% men, n=127] were included in this study. The age interval of participants was 65 and 85, and the mean age was 71.02 [SD=4.569]. Of the participants, 66% [n=132] were uneducated, and 34% [n=68] were educated. The mean score of MMSE was 23.33 [SD=4.799]. The score of MMSE was considered as normal when the value was 24 and over. Of the participants, 57% [n=114] were evaluated as normal score and 43% [n=86] as abnormal score. The female mean MMSE score was 21.808 [SD=5.352]. The male mean MMSE score was 24.204 [SD= 4.230]. It was observed that cognitive impairment was higher among women than men [p=0.002]. When we compared the cognitive status, there was no significant difference between uneducated and educated people [p>0.05]. The cognitive function of participants with a dominant left hand was significantly lower than those with a dominant right hand [p=0.027]. Family physicians should be able to competently diagnose, evaluate, and initiate treatment in most patients with dementia. Physicians should be familiar with psychometric instruments such as the MMSE. These instruments are useful both to diagnose Alzheimer's dementia and follow patients on therapy. The MSSE should be used by family physicians of elderly patients, as early diagnosis and treatment will enable patients to retain the greatest possible functional capacity, and may allow families to care for the patient successfully for a longer period. Consequently, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial for people with dementia

Phenytoin-Induced Gingival Overgrowth in Un-Cooperated Epilepsy Patients

Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth is a well-known and frequently reported gingival lesion, which was first detected in 1939. However, there are conflicts in the literature about the agents which affect the severity of the lesion. Un-cooperative dental patients are one of the most unsuccessfully treated periodontal patient groups because of the difficulty in maintaining their oral hygiene. This case report consists of two cases with the same characteristics: phenytoin usage, comprehension and speech defects and poor oral hygiene, but each case differs in the duration of the phenytoin therapy. Both of the cases received scaling, root planning and a gingivectomy.