Pre-eclampsia is associated with airway hyperresponsiveness.

Several large retrospective cohort studies demonstrate that pre-eclampsia is common in asthmatics. Whether airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), a hallmark of asthma, is associated with pre-eclampsia is unknown. We measured AHR, using a methacholine challenge, and atopy in 19 women 3-60 months postpartum following pre-eclamptic or normotensive pregnancies. The geometric mean (95% CI) concentration of methacholine required to produce a >20% fall in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (PC20 FEV1) was 8.9 (2.2-36) mg/ml in pre-eclamptics versus 72 (32-131) mg/ml in controls (P = 0.01) and 9 (1.9-40) mg/ml in atopic pre-eclamptics without asthma versus 54 (17-174) mg/ml (P = 0.038) in matched controls. Therefore, AHR was increased in women who have had pre-eclampsia. This association and its possible mechanisms warrant further investigation.

Independent dental hygiene practice worldwide: a report of two meetings.

OBJECTIVES: Following a meeting at the EUROPERIO in Berlin in 2003, a forum on Independent Practice of Dental Hygienists was held at the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH) in Madrid July, 2004. The forum was organized and moderated by Beate Gatermann, President of the German Dental Hygiene Association. The participants were asked to address the following issues: population of country/state; population of dentists; population of state recognized dental hygienists (Canada/USA etc.); number of hygienists with 'Diploma' (Europe); duration of dental hygiene education; cost of education (2/3 year base approximately); when and how independent practice began in the country and who must be consulted or approve the application for an independent office (e.g. Health Department); what services are allowed? Can dental hygienists administer local anaesthesia in the dental office, and if so, must a dentist be present? Can dental hygienists purchase the necessary medication for the injection? Does the dental hygienist require additional education to provide local anaesthesia? How are the patients charged? Does the country offer a service fee list? Do insurance companies pay claims of the dental hygienist? What is the approximate average fee per hour charged (Euro/dollars)? Do dentists refer patients to you? If so, do they need a letter of referral? Are dental hygienists allowed to take radiographs in independent dental hygiene offices?

New research paradigm.

Scientists are looking at a variety of ways to prevent disease and help insure wellness across the lifespan. Health and disease are linked to human behavior, environment, and biology. Biological influences are many, including a person's sex. Age-old infectious diseases continue to warrant out attention, whether they are acute or chronic. Changing models of disease are focusing on quality of life issues, taking into account the physiological and social influences that affect one's life from cradle to grave. This article reviews recent discoveries in the area of antibiotics, premedication, genetics, obesity, tongue piercing, and tongue splitting. As oral health care professionals, dental hygienists should be aware of the latest trends in research, and models of disease prevention and maintenance of wellness.

Oral health care for pregnant and postpartum women.

Pregnancy may pose a number of concerns to the mother and the foetus. This can include systemic and oral issues that effect health. Transmission of caries-causing bacteria is one problem that can be minimized by utilizing simple, cost-effective measures. Chlorhexidine rinses and xylitol containing chewing gum will be discussed as possible solutions to this tremendous public health problem.