Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/ leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report

Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 [HTLV-1] can cause adult T-cell leukemia/ lymphoma [ATL/L], which is a rare and aggressive type of blood cancer. Herein, we report a case of ATL/L in a middle-aged man with unusual jaw presentations. The patient presented with mandibular, maxillary and palatal bony hard expansion, accompanied by generalized tooth mobility six months prior to admission to the Department of Oral Medicine. The panoramic radiograph showed generalized rarefaction of jaw bones. After laboratory examinations and bone marrow aspiration, ATL/L was diagnosed in association with HTLV-1. The patient underwent chemotherapy. Although the majority of infections associated with HTLV-1 are asymptomatic, some patients may develop blood diseases such as ATL/L and neurological disorders, mainly HTLV-1 associated myelopathy and tropical spastic paraparesis. ATL/L is a rare hematological malignancy in oral cavity that should be included in the differential diagnosis of cases with jaw swelling or generalized demineralization. Serum levels of anti-HTLV-1 antibodies should be examined in suspicious patients, particularly in endemic regions

[Evaluation of awareness of general dentists and dental specialists about dental management of pregnant and diabetic patients]

With advances in medicine, more systemic patients seek dental treatment. On the other hand, oral health care is an essential part of pregnancy and diabetes mellitus health care. The aim of this study was to assess dentist's awareness about dental management of pregnant and diabetic patients. This study was conducted on 106 out of 204 dentists attending in oral medicine congresses and continuous education programs from June 2009 to June 2010. A self-established questionnaire with approved validity and reliability was used. Along with demographic data, some multiple choice questions about dental management of diabetic and pregnant patients were asked. Totally 20 points were assigned to questions and awareness was classified to excellent [18-20 points], good [14-<18 points], moderate [10-<14 points] and poor [<10 points]. Statistical analysis was done by Mann- Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. P-value less than 0.05 were considered significant. The mean awareness score [MAS] was moderate [10.5 +/- 2.5]. The MAS for pregnancy was [3.5 +/- 1.78] of 10 and for diabetes mellitus were [7 +/- 1.32] of 10. MAS were higher in women especially about diabetes mellitus but it was not significantly different. The University of Graduation and years of career were not significantly related to awareness status. Education and treatment attitude for pregnant patients were not related to awareness but women had a higher attitude in treatment of pregnant patients [P<0.05]. The lowest awareness was about indications of consultation in diabetic patients and the highest awareness was about administration of suitable antibiotic and analgesic during pregnancy. The awareness level of dentists studied here was moderate and low about dental management in pregnancy and diabetes mellitus which should be improved via continuous education programs

General dental paractitioners awareness of the guidelines about post-exposure procedures relating to Hepatitis and HIV

To evaluate awareness of general dental practitioners [GDP] in Iran about the post-exposure management of hepatitis and HIV. A randomly selected sample of 136 registered GDPs who were practicing dentistry in Khorasan [Iran] completed the questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed by use of SPSS 11.5 Software and One way test and Student t-test for parametric data and Chi-square tests for non-parametric data. The average score was 11.8% showing the low level of awareness among GDP in Iran. The awareness level was higher in relatively more experienced GDPs. The age group between 25 and 34 years had the highest knowledge. Awareness of the participating GDPs about HBV was of higher level than that related to AIDS and HCV. The results of this study showed a significant lack of awareness among GDPs in Khorasan about post exposure management of hepatitis and HIV. An educational program focusing attention on post exposure management of hepatitis and HIV for GDPs is needed