Adjunctive recombinant human parathyroid hormone agents for the treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a report of three cases

Teriparatide has been effective in treating people diagnosed with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). However, its efficacy is not well established to be accepted as a standard of care. The objective of this paper was to investigate the efficacy of recombinant human parathyroid hormone for the treatment of MRONJ. We report three cases of MRONJ patients with osteoporosis as the primary disease who were treated with a teriparatide agent along with other adjunctive measures. Each patient was administered a teriparatide injection subcutaneously for 16 weeks, 36 weeks, or 60 weeks. Surgical intervention including partial resection, sequestrectomy, decortication, and saucerization took place during the teriparatide administration. Complete lesion resolution was identified clinically and radiographically in all three patients. In patients diagnosed with MRONJ, teriparatide therapy is an efficacious and safe therapeutic option to improve healing of bone lesions. These findings demonstrate that teriparatide in combination with another therapy, especially bone morphogenetic protein, platelet-rich fibrin, or antibiotic therapy, can be an effective protocol for MRONJ.

An Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Masseter Muscle Thickness in Patients Having Parafunctional Habit

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the masseter muscle thickness before and after treatment using ultrasound sonography in patients with parafunctional habits. @*Materials and Methods@#From September 2019 to March 2020, a total of 27 patients who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital were collected. The thickness of both masseter muscles was measured using a tablet ultrasound scanner. Statistical analysis was performed by using the IBM SPSS version 26.0 statistical package (IBM Corp) with significance level at 0.05.Result: According to the statistical results, the thickness of the masseter muscle was thicker on the right side than on the left, with no correlation with sex or age. The severity and duration of pain did not have a significant correlation with the thickness of the masseter muscle. Botulinum A toxin injection in the masseter muscle was the most effective way to reduce pain and reduce the thickness of the masseter muscle. Splint treatment also showed some effects in reducing the thickness of the masseter muscle. @*Conclusion@#Based on the findings, it can be claimed that ultrasonography is simple, inexpensive and easily repeatable method to get real-time diagnosis and treatment results for masseter muscles.

Effects of poly (ethylene glycol-propylene glycol) copolymer on hemostasis and osteogenesis in a rat calvarial defect model

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a bioabsorbable bone hemostatic agent comprising poly (ethylene glycolpropylene glycol) copolymers (PEG-PPG) on hemostasis and osteogenesis. Bilateral 3 mm diameter calvarial defects were created in 99 male Sprague-Dawley rats. The defects were filled with PEG-PPG or bone wax. The defects of control group were left unfilled.Virtual autopsy was performed to evaluate bioabsorption. The calvaria were subjected to x-ray microtomography (microCT) and histological examination. Bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured using microCT;furthermore, white blood cell count and histological examination were performed. After application of PEG-PPG and bone wax, immediate hemostasis was achieved. Autopsy revealed that PEG-PPG disappeared within 48 h at the application site; in contrast, bone wax remained until 12 weeks. The PEG-PPG and control groups showed significantly more osteogenesis than the bone wax group with respect to BV/TV and BMD at 3, 6, and 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Histology revealed that the bone wax group exhibited little bone formation with inflammation. In contrast, PEG-PPG and control groups showed significantly more qualitative osteogenesis than the bone wax group (p < 0.01). In conclusion, PEG-PPG showed immediate hemostasis and was absorbed to allow progressive osteogenesis.

An Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Masseter Muscle Thickness in Patients Having Parafunctional Habit

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the masseter muscle thickness before and after treatment using ultrasound sonography in patients with parafunctional habits. @*Materials and Methods@#From September 2019 to March 2020, a total of 27 patients who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital were collected. The thickness of both masseter muscles was measured using a tablet ultrasound scanner. Statistical analysis was performed by using the IBM SPSS version 26.0 statistical package (IBM Corp) with significance level at 0.05.Result: According to the statistical results, the thickness of the masseter muscle was thicker on the right side than on the left, with no correlation with sex or age. The severity and duration of pain did not have a significant correlation with the thickness of the masseter muscle. Botulinum A toxin injection in the masseter muscle was the most effective way to reduce pain and reduce the thickness of the masseter muscle. Splint treatment also showed some effects in reducing the thickness of the masseter muscle. @*Conclusion@#Based on the findings, it can be claimed that ultrasonography is simple, inexpensive and easily repeatable method to get real-time diagnosis and treatment results for masseter muscles.

HDL Subclass Analysis in Predicting Metabolic Syndrome in Koreans With High HDL Cholesterol Levels

BACKGROUND@#High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a complex mixture of subclasses with heterogeneous atheroprotective activities. We analyzed HDL-C subclass in relation to cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a population with high HDL-C levels.@*METHODS@#A total of 300 Korean individuals with high HDL-C levels (≥2.331 mmol/L) were enrolled following a comprehensive general medical examination including body composition analysis. HDL3-C levels were measured using the HDL3-EX SEIKEN kit (Randox Ltd., Crumlin, UK) and non-HDL3-C levels were calculated by subtracting HDL3-C levels from total HDL-C levels.@*RESULTS@#HDL3-C levels and HDL3-C proportion had a weak positive correlation with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (r=0.21, r=0.25; r=0.26, r=0.34, respectively, all P<0.001); in contrast, non-HDL3-C levels had a weak negative correlation with these parameters (r=−0.17 and r=−0.25, respectively, both P<0.005). HDL3-C levels and HDL3-C proportion were significantly higher in the MetS group (N=8) than in the non-MetS group (0.71 vs 0.63 mmol/L, P=0.001; 29.7 vs 25.8%, P=0.001, respectively); these were the only predictors of MetS among the lipid variables (areas under the curves [AUC]=0.84 and 0.83, respectively, both P=0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In populations with high HDL-C levels, HDL-C subclass may provide a greater amount of information on cardiovascular risk and MetS than HDL-C levels alone.

Pharmacoepidemiology and clinical characteristics of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

BACKGROUND@#The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and pharmacoepidemiologic characteristics of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.@*METHODS@#The study population is comprised of 86patients who were diagnosed with ONJ at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital from 2008 to 2015. Factors for epidemiologic evaluation were gender, age, location of lesion, and clinical history. The types of bisphosphonates, duration of intake, and the amount of accumulated dose were evaluated for therapeutic response. Clinical symptoms and radiographic images were utilized for the assessment of prognosis.@*RESULTS@#Among the 86 patients, five were male, whereas 81 were female with mean age of 73.98 (range 45–97). Location of the lesion was in the mandible for 58 patients and maxilla in 25 patients. Three patients had both mandible and maxilla affected. This shows that the mandible is more prone to the formation of ONJ lesions compared to the maxilla. ONJ occurred in 38 cases after extraction, nine cases after implant surgery, six cases were denture use, and spontaneously in 33 cases. Seventy-six patients were taking other drugs aside from drugs indicated for osteoporosis. Most of these patients were diagnosed as osteoporosis, rheumatic arthritis, multiple myeloma, or had a history of cancer therapy. Higher weighted total accumulation doses were significantly associated with poorer prognosis (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Dose, duration, route, and relative potency of bisphosphonates are significantly associated with treatment prognosis of osteonecrosis of the jaw.

A case of dystrophic calcification in the masseter muscle / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Dystrophic calcification can occur in any soft tissue with the absence of a systemic mineral imbalance and is often associated with trauma, infection, or inflammation. It is easily found in the site of the heart and skeletal muscles and rarely appears in the head and neck area. CASE REPORT: We present a rare case of multiple calcified masses in the left masseter muscle of a 26-year-old female with a history of trauma in the area. In computed tomography, multiple radiopaque masses were observed inside the left masseter muscle and blood test results were normal. The calcified masses were diagnosed as dystrophic calcification and removed by surgery without any complications. CONCLUSION: Different types of calcifications may occur in the cheek area, and they need to be distinguished from dystrophic calcification. Thorough clinical examination and history taking is required together with blood testing and radiographic examinations.

The sequential management of recurrent temporomandibular joint ankylosis in a growing child: a case report / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in children often leads to facial deformity, functional deficit, and negative influence of the psychosocial development, which worsens with growth. The treatment of TMJ ankylosis in the pediatric patient is much more challenging than in adults because of a high incidence of recurrence and unfavorable growth of the mandible. CASE REPORT: This is a case report describing sequential management of the left TMJ ankylosis resulted from trauma in early childhood. The multiple surgeries including a costochondral graft and gap arthroplasty using interpositional silicone block were performed, but re-ankylosis of the TMJ occurred after surgery. Alloplastic TMJ prosthesis was conducted to prevent another ankylosis, and signs or symptoms of re-ankylosis were not found. Additional reconstruction surgery was performed to compensate mandibular growth after confirming growth completion. During the first 3 years of long-term follow-up, satisfactory functional and esthetic results were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This is to review the sequential management for the recurrent TMJ ankylosis in a growing child. Even though proper healing was expected after reconstruction of the left TMJ with costal cartilage graft, additional surgical interventions, including interpositional arthroplasty, were performed due to re-ankylosis of the affected site. In this case, alloplastic prosthesis could be an option to prevent TMJ re-ankylosis for growing pediatric patients with TMJ ankylosis in the beginning.

A Case of Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia after Transarterial Chemoembolization for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 결핵및호흡기질환

Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) is an inflammatory lung disease involving the distal bronchioles, respiratory bronchioles, bronchiolar ducts, and alveolae. The etiology is usually unknown; however, there are several known causes and associated systemic diseases. Corticosteroid therapy is the best treatment option and the prognosis of COP is good, with recovery in up to 80% of patients. We described a patient with in-operable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing chemoembolization with doxorubicin in a drug-eluting bead (DEB). COP developed in the patient after chemoembolization but resolved spontaneously in several months.

Effects of Slow Programmable Cryopreservation on Preserving Viability of the Cultured Periodontal Ligament Cells from Human Impacted Third Molar

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine cell viability and differentiation capability of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and to elucidate the effects of cryopreservation on the activity of human third molar PDL cells by comparing PDL cells with and without cryopreservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human PDL fibroblasts obtained from immature third molars were cultured and divided into two groups. The experimental group was cryopreserved with a slow freezing rate of 0.5degrees C/min from 4degrees C to -35degrees C followed by plunging in liquid nitrogen at -196degrees C and cultured after fast thawing. The control group was cultured without cryopreservation. Cell viability, growth capacity and morphology were evaluated in both groups. Bivariate statistics were used to compare 2 groups and linear mixed model analysis was used to investigate the growth trends difference over time. RESULT: Cell viability and growth capacity were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Cultured cell of both groups showed fibroblast-like in appearance, and there were no significant differences in morphology between 2 groups. The mixed model analysis revealed no significant difference of growth capacity between 2 groups over time (beta=-0.0009; P=0.138). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that cryopreservation under control does not affect the biological properties of PDL cells, supporting the feasibility of autotransplantation of cryopreserved impacted third molars.

Ethical Issues Recognized by Critical Care Nurses in the Intensive Care Units of a Tertiary Hospital during Two Separate Periods

This research aimed to investigate the changes in ethical issues in everyday clinical practice recognized by critical care nurses during two observation periods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of data obtained by prospective questionnaire surveys of nurses in the intensive care units (ICU) of a tertiary university-affiliated hospital in Seoul, Korea. Data were collected prospectively during two different periods, February 2002-January 2003 (Period 1) and August 2011-July 2012 (Period 2). Significantly fewer cases with ethical issues were reported in Period 2 than in Period 1 (89 cases [2.1%] of 4,291 ICU admissions vs. 51 [0.5%] of 9,302 ICU admissions, respectively; P < 0.001). The highest incidence of cases with identified ethical issues in both Periods occurred in MICU. The major source of ethical issues in Periods 1 and 2 was behavior-related. Among behavior-related issues, inappropriate healthcare professional behavior was predominant in both periods and mainly involved resident physicians. Ethical issue numbers regarding end-of-life (EOL) care significantly decreased in the proportion with respect to ethical issues during Period 2 (P = 0.044). In conclusion, the decreased incidence of cases with identified ethical issues in Period 2 might be associated with ethical enhancement related with EOL and improvements in the ICU care environment of the studied hospital. However, behavior-related issues involving resident physicians represent a considerable proportion of ethical issues encountered by critical care nurses. A systemic approach to solve behavior-related issues of resident physicians seems to be required to enhance an ethical environment in the studied ICU.

Changes of the Airway Space and the Position of Hyoid Bone after Mandibular Set Back Surgery Using Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy Technique / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

PURPOSE: Although there have been several studies of reduced airway space after mandibular setback surgery using the sagittal split ramus osteotomy technique, research on the risk factors for changes of the airway space is lacking. Therefore, this study was performed to examine airway changes and the position of the hyoid bone after orthognathic surgery, and to assess possible risk factors. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 50 patients who underwent posterior displacement of the mandible by the bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy technique were included. Changes of the position of the hyoid bone and the airway space were analyzed over various follow-up periods, using cephalometric radiography taken preoperatively, immediately after surgery, eight weeks after surgery, six months after surgery, and one year after surgery. To identify risk factors, multiple regression analysis of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), posterior mandibular movement, and the presence of genioplasty was performed. RESULTS: Inferor and posterior movement of the hyoid bone was observed postoperatively, but subsequent observations showed regression towards the anterosuperior aspect. The airway space also significantly decreased after surgery (P<0.05), and increased slightly up until six months after surgery. The airway space significantly decreased (beta=0.47, P<0.01) as the amount of mandibular setback increased. However, age, sex, BMI, and presence of genioplasty were not associated with airway reduction. CONCLUSION: The amount of mandibular set back was significantly associated with postoperative reduction of airway space. It is necessary to establish a treatment plan considering this factor.

Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Medical Intensive Care Unit: A Multicenter Observational Study in Korea

Patients admitted to medical intensive care unit (MICU) are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE); and prophylaxis is recommended. However, the actual range and frequency of VTE prophylaxis administered to MICU patients are not well defined. Patients over 40 yr of age and expected MICU stay of more than 48 hr were eligible for this observational cohort study of 23 MICUs in Korea. Patients already on anticoagulation therapy or those requiring anticoagulation for reasons other than VTE were excluded. Among 830 patients, VTE prophylaxis was given to 560 (67.5%) patients. Among 560 patients, 323 (38.9%) received pharmacoprophylaxis, 318 (38.4%) received mechanical prophylaxis and 81 (9.8%) received both forms of prophylaxis. About 74% of patients in the pharmacoprophylaxis group received low molecular weight heparin and 53% of the patients in the mechanical prophylaxis group used intermittent pneumatic compression. Most of the patients (90%) had more than one risk factor for VTE and the most common risk factor was old age, followed by heart and respiratory failure. In this observational cohort study of 23 MICUs in Korea, 67.5% of patients received thromboprophylaxis. Further studies are needed to clarify the role and efficacy of VTE prophylaxis in Korean critically ill patients.

Prevalence and impact of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production on clinical outcomes in cancer patients with Enterobacter species bacteremia

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We examined the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production and the impact of ESBL on clinical outcomes in cancer patients with Enterobacter spp. bacteremia. METHODS: Using prospective cohort data on Enterobacter bacteremia obtained between January 2005 and November 2008 from a tertiary care center, the prevalence and clinical impact of ESBL production were evaluated. RESULTS: Two-hundred and three episodes of Enterobacter spp. bacteremia were identified. Thirty-one blood isolates (15.3%, 31/203) scored positive by the double-disk synergy test. Among 17 isolates in which ESBL genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing, CTX-M (n = 12), SHV-12 (n = 11), and TEM (n = 4) were the most prevalent ESBL types. Prior usage of antimicrobial agents (77.4% vs. 54.0%, p = 0.02) and inappropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy (22.6% vs. 3.0%, p < 0.001) were more commonly encountered in the ESBL-positive group than in the extended-spectrum cephalosporin-susceptible ESBL-negative group, respectively. Clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups (30-day mortality rate, 19.4% vs. 17.0%, p = 0.76; median length of hospital stay, 24.0 days vs. 30.5 days, p = 0.97). Initial presentation of severe sepsis/septic shock, pneumonia, and intra-abdominal infection were independently associated with 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ESBL-producing isolates was 15.3% in cancer patients with Enterobacter bacteremia. Although inappropriate empirical therapy was more common in the ESBL-positive group, ESBL production was not associated with poorer outcomes.

A Case of Organizing Pneumonia Associated with FOLFIRI Chemotherapy / 결핵및호흡기질환

The combination chemotherapy of irinotecan with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (FOLFIRI regimen) was recently proven to be beneficial in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Pulmonary toxicity is very rare in adverse effects of irinotecan. No case of organizing pneumonia (also known as bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia) associated with FOLFIRI chemotherapy has been reported. We experienced a case of a 62-year-old man who presented persistent dry cough and progressive dyspnea after receiving chemotherapy with FOLFIRI regimen. After surgical lung biopsy, the patient was diagnosed with FOLFIRI chemotherapy-induced organizing pneumonia which was successfully treated with steroid therapy.

Three dimensional finite element analysis of the stress distribution around the mandibular posterior implant during non-working movement according to the amount of cantilever

PURPOSE: In case of large horizontal discrepancy of alveolar ridge due to severe resorption, cantilevered crown is usually an unavoidable treatment modality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical criteria for the placement of the aforementioned implant crown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mandible model with 2 mm thick cortical bone and cancellous bone was fabricated from CT cross-section image. An external connection type implant was installed and cantilevered crowns with increasing offset of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 mm were connected. Vertical load and 30degrees oblique load of 300 N was applied and stress around bone and implant component was analyzed. A total of 14 cases were modeled and finite element analysis was performed using COSMOS Works (Solid works Inc, USA). RESULTS: As for the location of the vertical load, the maximum stress generated on the lingual side of the implant became larger according to the increase of offset distance. When the oblique load was applied at 30degrees, the maximum stress was generated on the buccal side and its magnitude gradually decreased as the distance of the offset load increased to 5 mm. After that point, the magnitude of implant component's stress increased gradually. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that for the patient with atrophied alveolar ridge following the loss of molar teeth, von-Mises stress on implant components was the lowest under the 30degrees oblique load at the 5 mm offset point. Further studies for the various crown height and numbers of occusal points are needed to generalize the conclusion of present study.

Effects of adjunctive daily phototherapy on chronic periodontitis: a randomized single-blind controlled trial

PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized single-blind controlled trial was to elucidate the clinical and antimicrobial effects of daily phototherapy (PT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: The study was conducted from December 2013 to May 2014 at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea. Forty-one patients with mild to moderate chronic periodontitis were randomly divided into two therapeutic groups in a 1:1 ratio: SRP+PT and SRP (control) groups. All participants underwent full-mouth SRP. PT was performed thrice a day for a month by using electric toothbrushes with embedded light-emitting diodes. Plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing were assessed before (baseline) and four weeks after (follow-up) the treatment. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas micra, Campylobacter rectus, Eikenella corrodens, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sobrinus levels were detected by a real-time polymerase chain reaction at the same points in time. RESULTS: The clinical parameters improved in both the groups. At the follow-up assessment, PPD was significantly decreased in the SRP+PT group (P=0.00). Further, PPD and CAL showed significantly greater changes in the SRP+PT group than in the SRP group (PPD, P=0.03; CAL, P=0.04). P. gingivalis and T. forsythia levels decreased in this group, but no significant intergroup differences were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive PT seems to have clinical benefits, but evidence of its antimicrobial effects is not sufficient. Long-term studies are necessary to develop the most effective PT protocol and compare the effectiveness of PT with and without exogenous photosensitizers.

Self-inflating oral tissue expander for ridge augmentation in the severely atrophic mandible

In dentistry, tissue expanders have been used to obtain sufficient soft tissue for alveolar bone augmentation in the severely atrophic ridge. Herein, we review two cases of soft tissue augmentation using a self-inflating tissue expander in patients in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital for bone graft and implant operations. The results of each patient were presented using pre-operative and post-operative radiographs and clinical exams. The results of our study indicate successful bone graft and implant surgery using a self-inflating tissue expander.

Self-inflating oral tissue expander for ridge augmentation in the severely atrophic mandible

In dentistry, tissue expanders have been used to obtain sufficient soft tissue for alveolar bone augmentation in the severely atrophic ridge. Herein, we review two cases of soft tissue augmentation using a self-inflating tissue expander in patients in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital for bone graft and implant operations. The results of each patient were presented using pre-operative and post-operative radiographs and clinical exams. The results of our study indicate successful bone graft and implant surgery using a self-inflating tissue expander.

Modulation of osteoblastic/odontoblastic differentiation of adult mesenchymal stem cells through gene introduction: a brief review

Bone tissue engineering is one of the important therapeutic approaches to the regeneration of bones in the entire field of regeneration medicine. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are actively discussed as material for bone tissue engineering due to their ability to differentiate into autologous bone. MSCs are able to differentiate into different lineages: osteo/odontogenic, adipogenic, and neurogenic. The tissue of origin for MSCs defines them as bone marrow-derived stem cells, adipose tissue-derived stem cells, and, among many others, dental stem cells. According to the tissue of origin, DSCs are further stratified into dental pulp stem cells, periodontal ligament stem cells, stem cells from apical papilla, stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, dental follicle precursor cells, and dental papilla cells. There are numerous in vitro/in vivo reports suggesting successful mineralization potential or osteo/odontogenic ability of MSCs. Still, there is further need for the optimization of MSCs-based tissue engineering methods, and the introduction of genes related to osteo/odontogenic differentiation into MSCs might aid in the process. In this review, articles that reported enhanced osteo/odontogenic differentiation with gene introduction into MSCs will be discussed to provide a background for successful bone tissue engineering using MSCs with artificially introduced genes.