Oral manifestations in pediatric patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving chemotherapy at Queen Rania Al Abdullah Hospital for children in Jordan

Objective: to assess the prevalence of oral manifestations in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving chemotherapy and to investigate the significance of independent risk factors such as age, gender, oral hygiene status on the development of oral complications in these patients

Methods: this descriptive study was conducted by recruiting a total of 58 patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia aged 5-12 years. Patients were examined in the dental clinic during the period between February 2013 - May 2013. A clinical examination was conducted using plain mirror under artificial light, Loe and Silness gingival index was used to describe the gingival condition, while oral hygiene was evaluated according to OHI-S index. Information regarding oral hygiene habits was collected and mucositis and infection were recorded if present

Results: a total of 58 subjects 22 females and 36 males were included in this study. Prevalence of oral manifestations was [84.5%] for gingivitis; [37.9%] for mucositis; [27.6%] for candidiasis; [77.6%] for dry lips and [3.3%] for coated tongue. A strong correlation was found between poor oral hygiene and the development of gingivitis, mucositis and candidiasis

Conclusion: poor oral hygiene was important risk factor for the development of gingivitis, mucositis and candidiasis, therefore professional oral care is strongly recommended before, during and after chemotherapy and follow up to prevent and control oral manifestations

Transverse strength of acrylic resin denture base material after the addition of different fibres

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of addition of different types of fibres on the transverse strength of acrylic resin denture base material. The addition of glass fibres [strand] and polyethylene fibres produced a non significant increase in the modulus of elasticity, compared with the control of conventional heat-cured acrylic resin. The addition of glass fibres [woven and strand], polyethylene and carbon fibres to acrylic resin produced a non significant increase in the modulus of rupture. Within the limitations of this study the addition of silk fibres did not produce an improvement in the mechanical properties

Scanning electron microscopy of some acrylic resin specimens after the addition of different types of fibres

The aim of this scanning electron microscopic study was to investigate the interface characteristics between acrylic resin and five different types of fibres, which are thought to play an important role in the reinforcement of the denture base. The fibres used are poly methyl methacrylate, polyethylene, glass, carbon and silk. Initially 140 poly [methyl methacrylate] denture base resin specimens reinforced with different fibres in a longitudinal and woven orientation was prepared for testing both transverse bend and impact strength testing. The specimens were divided according to the fibre type into seven groups of which two were control groups. A selection of 21 acrylic resin specimens which had undergone transverse bend and impact test procedures were prepared for examination using the scanning electron microscope. After the specimens had been broken by the test machine, each of the fractured surfaces were subjected to acid etching, which reveals details of the margins of the fibres and differentiates them from the matrix. The specimens were prepared for examination under the scanning electron microscope [Model S600, Cambridge Scientific Instruments Ltd, Cambridge, UK]. The fractured surfaces of the acid etched acrylic resin specimen containing silk, polyethylene, glass strand and carbon fibres showed that the fibres can be seen protruding through the fracture surfaces indicating poor bonding with the matrix. The fractured surfaces of the acid etched acrylic resin specimen containing poly methyl methacrylate fibres and woven glass fibres showed that the fibres are visible on the fracture surfaces and are well integrated within the resin. Examination of selected specimens under the scanning electron microscope demonstrated that the specimen containing poly methyl methacrylate fibres and woven glass fibres showed that the fibres are well integrated in the matrix of the acrylic resin with no evidence of an interface between the matrix and the fibres