ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Objective: The mean platelet volume (MPV) is a potential marker of platelet reactivity. Increased MPV levels are shown to be the predictors of inflammations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether MPV is an inflammatory indicator in children with allergic rhinitis. Methods: The study included 44 children with allergic rhinitis between the ages of 6 and 18 years (47.1% boys), and 45 healthy children between the ages of 6 and 18 years (52.9% boys), and the MPV, platelet (PLT), white blood cell (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb) values in their haemograms were compared. Results: No differences were found between the allergic rhinitis group and the healthy control group in terms of their age and their gender (p = 0.15 and 0.60, respectively). While the MPV value of the patient group was 6.9 fL (6-9), the MVP value of the control group was 7.0 fL (5.9-9.7). There was no statistically significant difference between the patient and the control groups in terms of their MPV data (p = 0.15). In addition, there were no differences between the patient and control groups in terms of PLT count, WBC count, or Hb data (p = 0.09, 0.22, and 0.22, respectively). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to analyse the role of MPV as an inflammatory indicator in children with allergic rhinitis. According to our results, MPV cannot be used as an indicator of inflammation in children with allergic rhinitis.
ABSTRACT
@#To assess the oral health behaviour and preventive dental care experiences of patients with special health care needs (SHCN) who attended the Special Care Dental (SCD) Clinic at University of Malaya. Data were collected from 31 patients using a self-administered questionnaire which consisted of questions pertaining to their oral health behaviours and experiences on receiving preventive dental care (PDC). For patients who were unable to answer due to existing health conditions, parents or primary caregivers were approached as proxy. Descriptive analysis was conducted and reported based on percentages to identify the oral health behaviour and PDC of the individuals. Majority brushed their teeth at least once a day (84%), used fluoridated toothpaste (87%) and oral hygiene aids (58%). However, almost half of them (48%) required assistance from parents or caregivers during tooth brushing and consumed sugary snacks in between meals (58%). About 80% had received PDC where the type of care received was mainly oral hygiene advice (77%). Slightly more than 80% preferred the one-to-one demonstration method during PDC. Most gave positive evaluation on their PDC experience especially on items pertaining to the dentist’s attitude. Whilst most of the SHCN patients in this study had positive perception on the PDC that they received and practised good brushing behaviour, their dietary habits need to be improved. Thus, regular preventive dental visit amongst SHCN patients is important for appropriate and comprehensive dental care in maintaining oral health..