Steroid injections in pain management: influence on coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has been rampant since the end of 2019, has evidently affected pain management in clinical practice.Fortunately, a COVID-19 vaccination program is currently in progress worldwide.There is an ongoing discussion that pain management using steroid injections can decrease COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, although currently there is no direct evidence to support this statement. As such, the feeling of pain in patients is doubled in addition to the co-existing ill-effects of social isolation associated with the pandemic.Thus, in the COVID-19 era, it has become necessary that physicians be able to provide high quality pain management without negatively impacting COVID-19 vaccine efficacy. Steroids can alter the entire process involved in the generation of adaptive immunity after vaccination. The period of hypophysis-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression is known to be 1 to 4 weeks after steroid injection, and although the exact timing for peak efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines is slightly different for each vaccine, the average is approximately 2 weeks. It is suggested to avoid steroid injections for a total of 4 weeks (1 week before and after the two vaccine doses) for the doubleshot vaccines, and for 2 weeks in total (1 week before and after vaccination) for a single-shot vaccine. This review focuses on the basic concepts of the various COVID-19 vaccines, the effect of steroid injections on vaccine efficacy, and suggestions regarding an appropriate interval between the administration of steroid injections and the COVID-19 vaccine.

Preparation and characterization of uniform NiTi-O nanotubes on NiTi alloy / 대한치과재료학회지

This study aimed to optimize the cleaning process of the anodized specimens for fabricating clean NiTi-O nanotubes exhibiting visible light-mediated antibacterial activity at the surface of NiTi alloy. The cleaning process of the anodized specimens tested in this study was composed of two steps. The First step included two washing solvents (distilled water and heptane) with different washing times (1, 3, and 5 min) and temperatures (25 and 80 ℃), and the second step was treated by ultrasonicator (1, 3, and 5 min). From the results of FE-SEM observation, clean and uniform nanotubes (length: 600±80 nm, diameter: 52 ±5 nm) at the surface of NiTi alloy were observed on the condition of 5 min of washing in heptane at 25 ℃ and then 3 min of ultrasonication. Thin film XRD analysis resulted that the brookite TiO 2 crystal structure being detected in the anodized specimen. Furthermore, the live-dead assay resulted that there was no significant difference among the cell viability numbers of hMSCs cultured on a cell culture dish (control), NiTi alloy, and NiTi-O nanotubes (P>0.05). Therefore, the optimized cleaning process of the anodized NiTi alloy is expected to be more feasible for the NiTi alloy-based implant surface treatment technology.

Management of patients with neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain diseases commonly treated with pain medicine are postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPNP), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and chronic pain after spinal surgery. Diagnosis and treatment of these neuropathic pain diseases is an arduous task, and there is a need to improve the understanding of these entities.Current Concepts: PHN is diagnosed when pain persists for more than 3 months after the healing of herpes zoster rashes, and this disease is commonly encountered in the elderly population. The pathophysiology of DPNP is ischemia of nerve tissue due to microvascular damage. In addition to sensory nerves, DPNP can also result in changes in motor and autonomic nerves. CRPS is a chronic intractable pain disorder, and is classified into types 1 and 2. Type 1 CRPS is diagnosed when there is no evidence of nerve damage while type 2 CRPS shows evidence of nerve damage. However, the signs and symptoms do not differ depending on the type. Chronic pain after spinal surgery is characterized by persistent back pain even after one or more spinal surgeries. This neuropathic pain occurs in the lower back or leg region.Discussion and Conclusion: The most crucial step in the management of patients with neuropathic pain is to suspect and diagnose if the pain has the characteristics of any pain-related disease. Although the etiology and pathophysiology may differ, the treatment of neuropathic pain remains the same and includes both conservative and interventional approaches. Neuropathic pain diseases often become chronic in nature, and thus, it is important to establish a treatment plan which aims at decreasing pain, improving patient’s functionality and attaining an acceptable quality of life.

Sinus lifts in the presence of pseudoantral and mucous retention cysts

Objectives@#Mucous retention cysts and pseudoantral cysts are mainly located within the floor of the maxillary sinus. Most of these maxillary cysts are asymptomatic and often only require observation. However, the presence of these benign maxillary cysts may create problems when maxillary sinus all types of implants are needed. Various treatment methods have been introduced. The selected treatment option depends on the type, size, and location of the cyst and its symptoms. @*Patients and Methods@#The case reports of four patients with maxillary cysts were reviewed retrospectively. These patients received a sinus lift between January 2016 and October 2021 at the Wonkwang University Dental Hospital. @*Results@#To reduce unnecessary operations and the duration of treatment, a conservative treatment method is required. A sinus lift in the presence of maxillary cyst will not typically cause sinus problems if the lifted sinus membrane does not interfere with ventilation of the maxillary sinus. @*Conclusion@#When proper treatment is provided, sinus perforation during a sinus lift performed in the presence of maxillary cyst and contamination of bone graft materials by cystic fluid does not necessarily result in adverse outcomes.

Radiation exposure to the eyes and thyroid during C-arm fluoroscopy-guided cervical epidural injections is far below the safety limit

Background@#The aim of this study was to evaluate radiation exposure to the eye and thyroid in pain physicians during the fluoroscopy-guided cervical epidural block (CEB). @*Methods@#Two pain physicians (a fellow and a professor) who regularly performed Carm fluoroscopy-guided CEBs were included. Seven dosimeters were used to measure radiation exposure, five of which were placed on the physician (forehead, inside and outside of the thyroid protector, and inside and outside of the lead apron) and two were used as controls. Patient age, sex, height, and weight were noted, as were radiation exposure time, absorbed radiation dose, and distance from the X-ray field center to the physician. @*Results@#One hundred CEB procedures using C-arm fluoroscopy were performed on comparable patients. Only the distance from the X-ray field center to the physician was significantly different between the two physicians (fellow: 37.5 ± 2.1 cm, professor: 41.2 ± 3.6 cm, P = 0.03). The use of lead-based protection effectively decreased the absorbed radiation dose by up to 35%. @*Conclusions@#Although there was no difference in radiation exposure between the professor and the fellow, there was a difference in the distance from the X-ray field during the CEBs. Further, radiation exposure can be minimized if proper protection (thyroid protector, leaded apron, and eyewear) is used, even if the distance between the X-ray beam and the pain physician is small. Damage from frequent, low-dose radiation exposure is not yet fully understood. Therefore, safety measures, including lead-based protection, should always be enforced.

Unusual Symptom of Hypertension associated with Amoxicillin

An 80-year-old Korean woman who previously experienced penicillin allergy presented to a dental hospital for treatment of a fractured tooth. A dentist extracted the tooth and prescribed her A-cillin (amoxicillin hydrate) 250 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days and Carol-F® (ibuprofen arginine) orally 3 times a day for 3 days. She received the prescriptions, returned home, and took one dose of each drug. One hour later, she experienced hypertension, itching, shortness of breath, and was unable to move her tongue to pronounce words. Approximately 6 hours after drug administration, the symptoms persisted, and the patient was admitted to an emergency medical center (EMC). The patient was discharged from the EMC after a one-night stay in the hospital for symptomatic treatment.

High-salt and glucose diet attenuates alveolar bone recovery in a ligature-induced rat model of experimental periodontitis

Excessive intake of sodium caused by high salt diet promotes the expression of inflammatory cytokines and differentiation of helper T cells resulting in inflammatory responses. High-glucose diet also contributes to the pathogenesis of periodontitis by inducing changes in the oral microbiome and reducing salivation. However, the effect of a high-salt and glucose diet (HSGD) on the prognosis of periodontitis remains unclear. In this study, a rat modelof experimental periodontitis was established by periodic insertion of absorbable sutures containing Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum strains into the right gingival sulcus to analyze the effect of HSGD on the incidence and progression of periodontitis. The alveolar bone heights (ABH) was measured with microcomputed tomography imaging of the HSGD- and general diet (GD)-treated groups. The right ABH was significantly decreased compared to the left in both groups at 4 weeks after induction of inflammation; however, no significant difference was noted between the groups. Notably, the ABH in the HSGD-treated group was significantly decreased at 8 weeks after induction of inflammation, whereas in the GD-treated group, an increase in the ABH was observed; a significant difference of the ABH was noted between the two groups (p < 0.05). At 12 weeks, recovery of the alveolar bone was observed in both groups, with no significant differences in ABH between the two groups. These findings indicate that the intake of excessive sodium attenuates the recovery rate of the alveolar bone even after the local infectant isremoved. In addition, this study demonstrates the use of HSGD in establishing a new animal model of periodontitis.

High-salt and glucose diet attenuates alveolar bone recovery in a ligature-induced rat model of experimental periodontitis

Excessive intake of sodium caused by high salt diet promotes the expression of inflammatory cytokines and differentiation of helper T cells resulting in inflammatory responses. High-glucose diet also contributes to the pathogenesis of periodontitis by inducing changes in the oral microbiome and reducing salivation. However, the effect of a high-salt and glucose diet (HSGD) on the prognosis of periodontitis remains unclear. In this study, a rat modelof experimental periodontitis was established by periodic insertion of absorbable sutures containing Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum strains into the right gingival sulcus to analyze the effect of HSGD on the incidence and progression of periodontitis. The alveolar bone heights (ABH) was measured with microcomputed tomography imaging of the HSGD- and general diet (GD)-treated groups. The right ABH was significantly decreased compared to the left in both groups at 4 weeks after induction of inflammation; however, no significant difference was noted between the groups. Notably, the ABH in the HSGD-treated group was significantly decreased at 8 weeks after induction of inflammation, whereas in the GD-treated group, an increase in the ABH was observed; a significant difference of the ABH was noted between the two groups (p < 0.05). At 12 weeks, recovery of the alveolar bone was observed in both groups, with no significant differences in ABH between the two groups. These findings indicate that the intake of excessive sodium attenuates the recovery rate of the alveolar bone even after the local infectant isremoved. In addition, this study demonstrates the use of HSGD in establishing a new animal model of periodontitis.

Unusual Symptom of Hypertension associated with Amoxicillin

An 80-year-old Korean woman who previously experienced penicillin allergy presented to a dental hospital for treatment of a fractured tooth. A dentist extracted the tooth and prescribed her A-cillin (amoxicillin hydrate) 250 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days and Carol-F® (ibuprofen arginine) orally 3 times a day for 3 days. She received the prescriptions, returned home, and took one dose of each drug. One hour later, she experienced hypertension, itching, shortness of breath, and was unable to move her tongue to pronounce words. Approximately 6 hours after drug administration, the symptoms persisted, and the patient was admitted to an emergency medical center (EMC). The patient was discharged from the EMC after a one-night stay in the hospital for symptomatic treatment.

Post-extraction pain in the adjacent tooth after surgical extraction of the mandibular third molar

BACKGROUND: After tooth extraction, pain due to dry socket and pain in the adjacent tooth are common. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze pain in the adjacent tooth after surgical extraction of the mandibular third molar. METHODS: Postoperative pain due to dry socket, pain in the adjacent tooth, and pain from other causes were present. Group A included patents with dry socket alone; group B included patients with pain in the adjacent tooth alone; and group C included patients with both. The duration of symptoms was recorded. In addition, the prognosis of pain was divided into the complete improvement, improvement, maintenance, deterioration, and complete deterioration groups. RESULTS: A total of 312 mandibular third molars were extracted from 13, 60, and 10 patients in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The mean duration of symptoms was 5 days in group A and B and 15.2 days in group C. There were statistically significant differences in the duration of symptoms between groups A and C and groups B and C. CONCLUSION: Pain in the adjacent tooth after third molar extraction can be caused by inflammatory reactions and pressure on this tooth. The pain caused by pressure on the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone results from the cytokines released by osteoclasts, which are responsible for bone destruction. However, pain from periodontal ligament damage caused by excessive pressure may be misunderstood as pulpal pain. Unconscious parafunctional habits, such as clenching and bruxism, could also be associated with post-extraction pain.

Case series of cleidocranial dysplasia: Radiographic follow-up study of delayed eruption of impacted permanent teeth

This report describes 3 cases of cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) and presents relevant findings on long-term follow-up radiographic images of impacted permanent teeth with delayed eruption. Radiographic images of 3 CCD patients were reviewed retrospectively. These images were mainly composed of panoramic and skull radiographs, and the follow-up periods were 3, 13, and 13 years, respectively. The distinct features revealed by the images were described, and the eruption state of impacted permanent teeth was evaluated. The features common to the 3 cases were multiple supernumerary teeth, the presence of Wormian bone, underdevelopment of the maxilla and the maxillary sinus, and clavicular hypoplasia. The eruption of impacted permanent teeth was not observed without proper dental treatment in adult CCD cases, even after long time periods had elapsed. When proper orthodontic force was applied, tooth movement was observed in a manner not significantly different from the general population.

Differential Expression Profiling of Salivary Exosomal microRNAs in a Single Case of Periodontitis - A Pilot Study

Exosomes are Nano-sized lipid vesicles secreted from mammalian cells containing diverse cellular materials such as proteins, lipids, and nucleotides. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that in saliva, exosomes and their contents such as microRNAs (miRNAs) mediate numerous cellular responses upon delivery to recipient cells. The objective of this study was to characterize the different expression profile of exosomal miRNAs in saliva samples, periodically isolated from a single periodontitis patient. Unstimulated saliva was collected from a single patient over time periods for managing periodontitis. MicroRNAs extracted from each phase were investigated for the expression of exosomal miRNAs. Salivary exosomal miRNAs were analyzed using Affymetrix miRNA arrays and prediction of target genes and pathways for its different expression performed using DIANA-mirPath, a web-based, computational tool. Following the delivery of miRNA mimics (hsa-miR-4487, -4532, and -7108-5p) into human gingival fibroblasts, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activation of the MAPK pathway were evaluated through RT-PCR and western blotting. In each phase, 13 and 43 miRNAs were found to be differently expressed (|FC| ≥ 2). Among these, hsa-miR-4487 (|FC|=9.292005) and hasmiR-4532 (|FC|=18.322697) were highly up-regulated in the clinically severe phase, whereas hsa-miR-7108-5p (|FC|= 12.20601) was strongly up-regulated in the clinically mild phase. In addition, the overexpression of miRNA mimics in human gingival fibroblasts resulted in a significant induction of IL-6 mRNA expression and p38 phosphorylation. The findings of this study established alterations in salivary exosomal miRNAs which are dependent on the severity of periodontitis and may act as potential candidates for the treatment of oral inflammatory diseases.

Prevalence of unrecognized depression in patients with chronic pain without a history of psychiatric diseases

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of unrecognized depression in patients with chronic pain, but with no history of psychiatric diseases. METHODS: Patients with chronic pain who did not have a history of psychiatric disease were selected for this study. The Beck Depression Index (BDI) was used to evaluate depression. Participants' socio-demographic characteristics and pain-related characteristics were also recorded. RESULTS: The study included 94 consecutive patients with chronic pain (28 men and 66 women). Based on the BDI scores, 33/94 (35.1%) patients with chronic pain had comorbid depression. The prevalence of depression was significantly higher in our cohort than it was in the general population (P < 0.001). The standardized incidence ratio, adjusted for age and sex, was 2.77 in men and 2.60 in women. Patients who were unmarried (odds ratio [OR] = 3.714, P = 0.044), and who had subjective sleep disturbance (OR = 8.885, P < 0.001), were more likely to have moderate to severe depression. Patients with high education levels (OR = 0.244, P = 0.016), and who were economically active (OR = 0.284, P = 0.023), were less likely to have moderate to severe depression. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that unrecognized depression in patients with chronic pain is common. Therefore, pain physicians should actively seek to identify these problems rather than relying on the patient to volunteer such information.

Current strategy for chronic pain after spinal surgery

Failed back surgery syndrome was recently renamed, as chronic pain after spinal surgery (CPSS) by international classification of disease-11. CPSS is a challenging clinical condition. It has a variety of causes associated with preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative periods. Also, psychosocial factors should be considered. Diagnostic tools must be used differently, for each patient. Imaging and interventional nerve block for diagnosis, should be used properly. Strategy of management requires a multidisciplinary approach. The effect of conservative management (medication, interventional management) and invasive procedure (spinal cord stimulator, intrathecal drug delivery system) has been studied by many researchers. However, an evidence-based guide on management of CPSS, remains necessary, and further research is needed. This review focuses on understanding and clinical approaches for CPSS.

Comparison of the Effects of Middle Ear Implants and Conventional Hearing Aids on Cognitive Function / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The association between hearing impairment and cognitive function has been established in previous studies. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of conventional hearing aids and middle ear implants on cognitive function. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: This study included 22 participants who underwent middle ear implantation between October 2013 and September 2016. Their mean age at surgery was 70 years. Using Pure tone audiometry (PTA), the Speech discrimination test (SDT), and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire, we compared audiologic benefits of three conditions [without hearing aids, with conventional hearing aids, or with Vibrant Sound bridge (VSB)]. Cognitive ability was evaluated using neuropsychological testings (Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery) at intervals of approximately eight weeks. RESULTS: The results of PTA showed a 7.96 dB HL gain with conventional hearing aids and a 10.00 dB HL gain with the use of VSB. SDT results showed a 4.10% gain with conventional hearing aids and a 10% gain with the use of VSB. Results of the APHAB questionnaire showed a significant increase with the use of VSB compared to conventional hearing aids. In the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination, a slight improvement was observed after middle ear implantation. In the Digit Span Test and Korean-Boston Naming Test, a significant improvement was seen with the use of VSB compared to conventional hearing aids. CONCLUSION: The use of middle ear implants in rehabilitation of hearing communication in patients showed improvements in cognitive abilities, compared to the use of conventional hearing aids.

Protrusive maxillomandibular fixation for intracapsular condylar fracture: a report of two cases

Clinical limitations following closed reduction of an intracapsular condylar fracture include a decrease in maximum mouth opening, reduced range of mandibular movements such as protrusion/lateral excursion, and reduced occlusal stability. Anteromedial and inferior displacement of the medial condyle fragment by traction of the lateral pterygoid muscle can induce bone overgrowth due to distraction osteogenesis between the medial and lateral condylar fragments, causing structural changes in the condyle. In addition, when conventional maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) is performed, persistent interdental contact sustains masticatory muscle hyperactivity, leading to a decreased vertical dimension and premature contact of the posterior teeth. To resolve the functional problems of conventional closed reduction, we designed a novel method for closed reduction through protrusive MMF for two weeks. Two patients diagnosed with intracapsular condylar fracture had favorable occlusion after protrusive MMF without premature contact of the posterior teeth. This particular method has two main advantages. First, in the protrusive position, the lateral condylar fragment is moved in the anterior-inferior direction closer to the medial fragment, minimizing bone formation between the two fragments and preventing structural changes. Second, in the protrusive position, posterior disclusion occurs, preventing masticatory muscle hyperactivity and the subsequent gradual decrease in ramus height.

Protrusive maxillomandibular fixation for intracapsular condylar fracture: a report of two cases

Clinical limitations following closed reduction of an intracapsular condylar fracture include a decrease in maximum mouth opening, reduced range of mandibular movements such as protrusion/lateral excursion, and reduced occlusal stability. Anteromedial and inferior displacement of the medial condyle fragment by traction of the lateral pterygoid muscle can induce bone overgrowth due to distraction osteogenesis between the medial and lateral condylar fragments, causing structural changes in the condyle. In addition, when conventional maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) is performed, persistent interdental contact sustains masticatory muscle hyperactivity, leading to a decreased vertical dimension and premature contact of the posterior teeth. To resolve the functional problems of conventional closed reduction, we designed a novel method for closed reduction through protrusive MMF for two weeks. Two patients diagnosed with intracapsular condylar fracture had favorable occlusion after protrusive MMF without premature contact of the posterior teeth. This particular method has two main advantages. First, in the protrusive position, the lateral condylar fragment is moved in the anterior-inferior direction closer to the medial fragment, minimizing bone formation between the two fragments and preventing structural changes. Second, in the protrusive position, posterior disclusion occurs, preventing masticatory muscle hyperactivity and the subsequent gradual decrease in ramus height.

State of education regarding ultrasound-guided interventions during pain fellowships in Korea: a survey of recent fellows

BACKGROUND: Recently, the use of ultrasound (US) techniques in regional anesthesia and pain medicine has increased significantly. However, the current extent of training in the use of US-guided pain management procedures in Korea remains unknown. The purpose of the present study was to assess the current state of US training provided during Korean Pain Society (KPS) pain fellowship programs through the comparative analysis between training hospitals. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous survey of 51 pain physicians who had completed KPS fellowships in 2017. Items pertained to current US practices and education, as well as the types of techniques and amount of experience with US-guided pain management procedures. Responses were compared based on the tier of the training hospital. RESULTS: Among the 51 respondents, 14 received training at first- and second-tier hospitals (Group A), while 37 received training at third-tier hospitals (Group B). The mean total duration of pain training during the 1-year fellowship was 7.4 months in Group A and 8.4 months in Group B. Our analysis revealed that 36% and 40% of respondents in Groups A and B received dedicated US training, respectively. Most respondents underwent US training in patient-care settings under the supervision of attending physicians. Cervical root, stellate ganglion, piriformis, and lumbar plexus blocks were more commonly performed by Group B than by Group A (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Instruction regarding US-guided pain management interventions varied among fellowship training hospitals, highlighting the need for the development of educational standards that mandate a minimum number of US-guided nerve blocks or injections during fellowships in interventional pain management.

Zirconia ceramic fixed dental prosthesis with all-on-4 concept implants for irradiated maxilla: A case report / 대한치과보철학회지

The implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis in irradiated maxilla needs meticulous treatment planning due to low bone healing capacity. All-on-4 concept implantation can reduce the number of implants to be placed avoiding bone grafting procedure. Conventionally, prefabricated angled abutments for tilted implants have been used. However, in this case, it was replaced with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) abutment. This case report described all-on-4 concept implantation and fabrication of CAD/CAM zirconia fixed dental prostheses using CAD/CAM titanium abutments.

Diseases having an influence on inhibition of angiogenesis as risk factors of osteonecrosis of the jaw

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to retrospectively investigate the association of diseases having an influence on inhibition of angiogenesis such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, hypercholesterolemia, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with the development of osteonecrosis of the jaws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 135 patients were allocated into 4 groups of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) group (1A); non-BRONJ group (1B); osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) group (2A); and control group (2B), according to histologic results and use of bisphosphonate. This retrospective study was conducted with patients who were treated in one institute from 2012 to 2013. Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the odds ratios of diseases having an influence on inhibition of angiogenesis for development of ONJ. RESULTS: The effects of diabetes and hypertension were not statistically significant on development of ONJ. When not considering bisphosphonate use, RA exhibited a high odds ratio of 3.23 (P=0.094), while hyperlipidemia showed an odds ratio of 2.10 (P=0.144) for development of ONJ. More than one disease that had an influence on inhibition of angiogenesis showed a statistically significant odds ratio of 2.54 (P=0.012) for development of ONJ. CONCLUSION: Patients without diseases having an influence on inhibition of angiogenesis were at less risk for developing ONJ.