ABSTRACT
To evaluate the clinical profile of alopecia areata [AA] in Iranian children. One hundred Iranian children aged less than 16 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were obtained by administering a parental-recall questionnaire; and clinical and demographic parameters and associated diseases were evaluated. The mean age of AA onset was 8.9 +/- 2.1 years. The scalp was the most common site of involvement. Thirty-five percent of the patients had a precipitating factor, with psychological stress being the most common factor. Associated diseases were recorded in 60% of the patients, with the most common associated disease being eczema. Twenty-one percent of the patients were positive for a family history of AA. Severity and extent of the disease and the age of onset showed significant relationships with parents' educational and economic status [p<0.05]. Nail changes were also strongly associated with severity and extent of the disease [P=0.006]. Our results suggest that the severity and extent of the disease both increase with anearly age of onset, low parent educational levels, low socioeconomic status, and nail changes
ABSTRACT
Premixed non-setting calcium hydroxide [CaOH2] paste in pressure syringe system is commonly used in root canal therapy. The aim of this paper is to present a case involving an iatrogenic extrusion of the medicament during endodontic treatment and a literature review of similar reports. The present case demonstrates severe tissue necrosis and other deleterious effects following the extrusion of CaOH2 paste beyond root apex. A 21-year old female was referred for endodontic treatment of her maxillary left first premolar. After completion of the canal preparation, root canals were filled by premixed CaOH2 paste. In the second appointment, a gingival detachment and an irregular zone of necrosis adjacent to the tooth apex was observed. To treat this complication, a mucoperiosteal flap was raised and the extruded material and necrotic tissues were currettaged and the area sutured. The patient was prescribed antibiotics and followed up at 2 weeks, 6 months and 2 years. Two week follow up showed good soft tissue healing. Two years postoperatively, complete radiographic and clinical healing was observed. We can conclude that the application of CaOH2 should be carried out with care and preferably applied free hand or with a lentulo spiral rather than in a pressure syringe
ABSTRACT
Xerostomia is one of the one complications following radiotherapy that can affect quality of life [QoL] This study aims to assess the severity of xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancers after radiotherapy and its effect on QoL. In this longitudinal prospective study, the severity of xerostomia and related QoL was assessed in 63 head and neck cancer patients who referred to the Radiotherapy Ward. Patients completed a xerostomia questionnaire [XQ] at the beginning, and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after treatment over a period of 6 months. Additionally, unstimulated saliva was collected using the spitting method at all 4 visits. QoL significantly worsened with increased time [P = 0.0001]; meanwhile, the severity of xerostomia increased significantly [P = 0.0001]. However, there was no significant change in the amount of saliva at these 4 time points [P = 0.23]. Regression analysis showed that with each milliliter decrease in saliva secretion, the QoL score decreased 2.25%. With one score increase in xerostomia, from the QoL mean score there was a 1.65% decrease. The decrease in saliva and xerostomia that resulted from radiotherapy plays an important role in worsening QoL among patients who undergo radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. Although the amount of saliva has a significant association with QoL, the xerostomia score which shows subjects' general feeling also independently impacts QoL. In future studies, we recommend patient assessments for periods longer than 6 months
ABSTRACT
Earlier studies on breastfeeding [BF] and atopy in infants have yielded contradictory results. To evaluate the relationship between duration of BF and developing of AD. Seven hundred fifty infants between 2 to 3 years old from kindergartens of Kerman, Iran were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Data were obtained by questionnaires. Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis [AD] was made according to UK Working Party criteria. There was a significant association between duration of BF and the risk of AD [OR=0.93, 95% CI=0.90-0.96]. Early supplement feeding increased the risk of AD [OR=0.69, 95% CI=0.52-0.92]. The adjusted odds ratios of variables show that a positive family history of atopy, contact with smoke during pregnancy, suffering from asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis increased the risk of AD in infants. On the other hand, having elder siblings and taking oral contraceptive pills by mother decreased the risk of AD. Our results suggest that duration of BF has a protective effect against developing AD in infants. We recommend prolonged BF in all infants for protection against AD