Fused cervical vertebrae – Case report.

This paper aimed to report a rare case of fusion of 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae, called as block vertebrae. Block vertebrae was observed in the Department of Anatomy, SRM Dental College. The bodies of C6 and C7 were completely fused. Anterioposterior radiograph of the fused vertebrae bodies showed hypoplastic inter vertebral disc. Lateral radiograph showed partial fusion of articular processes on left but remain unfused at the right side. Congenital cervical vertebral fusion results due to non-segmentation of sclerotomes. It may be asymptomatic or may result in various clinical symptoms with limitation of neck movements. Knowledge about the variations in vertebrae especially in cervical region is essential for orthopedic surgeons, oral-maxillofacial surgeons and physical therapists for planning any surgeries involving the neck region.

Sialorrhea - A Management Challenge In Dental Practice.

Sialorrhea also known as ptyalism or drooling, can be defined as salivary incontinence or the involuntary spillage of saliva over the lower lip. Drooling could be caused by excessive production of saliva, inability to retain saliva within the mouth, or problems with swallowing. Drooling can lead to functional and clinical consequences for patients, families, and caregivers. Physical and psychosocial complication includes maceration of skin around the mouth, secondary bacterial infection, bad odour, dehydration and social stigmatisation. This article provides a review of the physiology, pathogenesis, clinical oral manifestations, and therapeutic options for sialorrhea. Oral health care professionals should recognize the importance of sialorrhea as a possible indicator or complication of a variety of disease states of the oropharynx and esophagus as well as its impact on the patient's physical and social quality of life.

Therapeutic dimensions of ACE inhibitors--a review of literature and clinical trials.

In the 1970s, pharmacological therapy interrupting the renin-angiotensin system was considered beneficial for patients with high-renin hypertension. This gave rise to the development of ACE inhibitors. Surprisingly, the ACE inhibitors proved to be effective not only in patients with high renin hypertension, but also in many patients with normal levels of plasma renin activity. At present ACE inhibitors have a significant position in a wide range of chronic illnesses such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, diabetic complications, stroke etc. They are combined safely with drugs like angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers and thiazides with varying degree of benefits. Though they are safe drugs, patients need monitoring for renal insufficiency, hypotension, hyperkalemia etc. The safety of these drugs in paediatrics patients is not established. It is better to avoid these drugs during pregnancy.