Risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting in pediatric patients undergoing ambulatory dental treatment.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in children receiving dental treatment under general anesthesia and to identify the subcategories leading to risk formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised of 100 American Society of Anesthesiologists I patients aged 2-7 years who were administered dental treatment under general anesthesia. Patients were evaluated with regard to PONV risk. Eight different independent risk factors were identified as follows: age, gender, weight, duration of anesthesia, duration of recovery, postoperative pain, rescue analgesia, and type of dental treatment. Classification and regression trees method was used to choose the best predictor for PONV. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV was 25%. No significant difference was found between those with PONV and those without PONV with regard to gender, weight, duration of anesthesia, duration of recovery, or the type of dental treatment (P > 0.05). However, postoperative pain level and use of rescue analgesia with tenoxicam were both predictors of PONV (P < 0.05). For the postoperative pain (≤1.5) subgroup, age proved to be the best predictive variable. CONCLUSION: The risk limit for PONV was determined to be ≥5.5 years for children who underwent dental procedures under general anesthesia. Postoperative pain and rescue analgesia constituted risks for PONV.

Evaluation of digital model accuracy and time-dependent deformation of alginate impressions.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of digital models produced with the three-dimensional dental scanner, and to test the dimensional stability of alginate impressions for durations of immediately (T0), 1 day (T1), and 2 days (T2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of sixty impressions were taken from a master model with an alginate, and were poured into plaster models in three different storage periods. Twenty impressions were directly scanned (negative digital models), after which plaster models were poured and scanned (positive digital models) immediately. The remaining 40 impressions were poured after 1 and 2 days. In total, 9 points and 11 linear measurements were used to analyze the plaster models, and negative and positive digital models. Time-dependent deformation of the alginate impressions and the accuracy of the conventional plaster models and digital models were evaluated separately. RESULTS: Plaster models, negative and positive digital models showed significant differences in nearly all measurements at T (0), T (1), and T (2) times (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.001). Arch perimeter measurements did not differ at T (0) and T (1) times (P > 0.05), but they demonstrated statistically significant differences at T (2) time (P < 0.05) between the models. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that measurements on negative digital models offer a high degree of validity when compared to measurements on positive digital models and plaster models; differences between the techniques are clinically acceptable. Direct scanning of the impressions is practicable method for orthodontists.

Status and awareness of cervical, breast, and colon cancer screening in a Turkish city.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: Mortality and morbidity rates of cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers (CRC) can be decreased via effective screening strategies. Developing countries are to be expected to establish and implement their own programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate regional awareness and status of cervical, breast, and CRC screening, a questionnaire-based study was conducted in 500 volunteers from a Turkish community hospital. RESULTS: Awareness rates were 57.4% for Pap smear, 61.2% for mammography, and 25.4% for CRC. Implementation rates were 19.2%, 23.9%, and 12%, respectively. Positive family history for gynecologic cancer and past cervical ablative procedure parameters were related to higher Pap smear rates. Educational level, breast self-exam, and positive Pap smear history parameters were related to higher mammography rates. Factors related to higher colorectal cancer screening rates were nulliparity and positive Pap smear history. CONCLUSION: Cancer screening rates for this Turkish city are still below the expected levels despite recently revitalized national screening program. For success, it is essential not only to educate rural populations but also to train negligent healthcare providers regularly.

Predictive value of procalcitonin and IL-6 versus cervical length for the admission-to-delivery interval in preterm labour.

OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to determine whether concentrations of IL-6 and procalcitonin in maternal circulation can be used and compared with cervical length to predict the admission-to-delivery interval in preterm labour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients complicated with preterm labour between 24-34 weeks of gestation and having preterm birth were included in the study group. Fortyfour healthy pregnant women at similar gestational ages and having term labour ('> 37 weeks) were included in control group. Maternal concentrations of IL-6 was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and procalcitonin was measured by immunoturbidimetry with using human procalcitonin reagent kit. Transvaginal ultrasound to assess cervical length was perforned. RESULTS: Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis results of IL-6 and procalcitonin for prediction of preterm delivery (PTD)< 48 hours, < seven days, <32 weeks, < 34 weeks, and < 37 weeks were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). ). It was shown through ROC analysis, that only cervical length had area under curve (AUC) 0.692 (0.511-0.873,p = 0.044) at cut off value ≤ 3.64 cm, AUC 0.758 (0.574-0.943, p = 0.015) at cut off value ≤ 3.50 cm, AUC 0.716 (0.553-0.879,p = 0.032) at cut off value < 3.80 cm, in predicting PTD within seven days, <32 weeks and < 37 week, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that in preterm labour, although IL-6 and procalcitonin have unsatisfactory predictive value for the admission-to-delivery interval, cervical length has better predictive values for the admission-to-delivery interval.