Virucidal effect of mouthwash on acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus.

OBJECTIVES: The symptoms of herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) infections might be severe and persistent in immunocompromised patients in whom they reactivate at a high frequency. The development of Acyclovir (ACV) resistant strains due to long-term treatment with antiviral agents in those patients is not uncommon. The aim of the present study was to assess the virucidal effect of commercially available mouthwashes against ACV-resistant HSV-1 strains. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 strains were exposed for 30 s to essential oil-based (Listerine Fresh Burst® and Listerine Zero®), chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% (Hexidyl®) and povidone-iodine 7.5% (Betadine Gargle®) mouthwashes. Loss of virus infectivity was determined by means of plaque reduction assays in a cell culture system. RESULTS: All 4 of the tested solutions significantly reduced virus infectivity, with the essential oil-based and povidone-iodine mouthwashes being slightly more efficacious, compared to chlorhexidine. CONCLUSION: The findings of this analysis revealed that the tested oral rinses demonstrated in-vitro antiviral activity against ACV-resistant HSV. Comparative clinical trials are required to establish the clinical effectiveness of daily use of oral rinses in reducing the appearance of oral HSV lesions in immunocompromised patients.

Comparison of two physiotherapy programmes for rehabilitation after temporomandibular joint arthroscopy.

The purpose of this study was to compare two physiotherapy programmes for rehabilitation after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy. The medical files of 137 consecutive patients diagnosed with closed lock and treated by arthroscopic lysis and lavage were analyzed retrospectively. Sixty-eight patients were rehabilitated with gradually increasing range of motion self-exercises (gradual programme) and 69 patients were rehabilitated with immediate full range of motion self-exercises (immediate programme). The outcome variables were maximum mouth opening (MMO) and pain (on a visual analogue scale). The postoperative measurements taken at 1 month, 6 months, and last follow-up examination available (mean of 10 months postoperative) were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The results showed significantly better MMO and pain outcomes for the immediate group than for the gradual group at the 1-month and 6-month postoperative evaluations. The results of the two groups were comparable at the last follow-up examination available. It is concluded that after arthroscopic treatment of closed lock of the TMJ, a physiotherapy programme consisting of immediate postoperative full range of motion mobilizations achieves better results (in terms of pain and mouth opening) than a physiotherapy programme consisting of gradual and controlled increases in range of motion.

[Drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw - not just bisphosphonates].

Metastatic bone disease and osteoporosis have a large impact on quality of life and are associated with the development of skeletal-related events (SREs), such as fractures and spinal cord compression. Pharmacologic managing of metastatic bone disease and osteoporosis typically involves antiresorptive agents such as bisphosphonates and RANKL inhibitors. Undesired adverse effects resulting from the use of these drugs include osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Dentoalveolar surgery, particularly tooth extraction, appears to increase the risk of ONJ. However, spontaneous events were also documented. Therefore, it is of upmost importance for the general practitioner to have updated knowledge in order to prevent and early diagnose ONJ. We present a case of a metastatic breast cancer patient who spontaneously developed ONJ following the use of Denosumab, a monoclonal RANKL antibody.

Temporomandibular joint involvement in patients with multiple myeloma-a retrospective study.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common hematological malignancy that has widespread manifestations in multiple organs, including bones and joints. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with MM. Consecutive subjects with a diagnosis of MM who presented to the oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic for routine evaluation between 2008 and 2014 were identified. Patients who had a computed tomography (CT) scan of the TMJs as part of their MM staging were included in the study. Outcome variables were the presence of TMJ myelomatous changes on CT and the presence of TMJ symptoms. Of the 88 patients included in the study, 28 demonstrated TMJ myelomatous lesions on CT scans and 10 patients complained of TMJ pain or dysfunction. The CT scans of seven of the 10 symptomatic patients demonstrated myelomatous involvement of the TMJ area. Myelomatous involvement of the TMJ is common in MM patients and the majority of lesions are asymptomatic. An MM patient complaining of temporomandibular symptoms is relatively highly likely to having a lesion in the TMJ. Diagnosing the myelomatous lesions in the TMJ is important for accurate hemato-oncologic staging and providing treatment without delay.

[Jawbone metastasis masquerading as dental pain].

Metastases to the oral cavity are rare. However, in 25% of cases, oral symptoms will be the first sign of metastatic disease. The incidence of jaws metastases is twice as high as the incidence of metastases to the soft tissues of the oral cavity. In some cases, jaws metastases can mimic dental or periodontal pain. We report a case of a 67 year old female who was referred to our clinic because of severe pain on her left posterior mandible which was not relieved by endodontic treatment of the first and second molar. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and had been treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Seven years later, lung metastases were found and she was treated with chemotherapy. Later on, brain metastases developed which had been treated with radiotherapy. On presentation, she complained of pain on the posterior left mandible which was accompanied by a burning sensation of the lower left lip and chin. CT scan revealed a soft tissue mass perforating the lingual and buccal plates of the posterior left mandible, which was compatible with a diagnosis of metastasis. Radiotherapy rapidly relieved the pain. Unfortunately, the patient passed away one month later. Dentists should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with metastases to the jaws and should include it in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients with oncologic background.

The importance of a thorough medical and pharmacological history before dental implant placement.

The risk of osteonecrosis in patients treated with bisphosphonates is well known and guidelines intended to prevent this complication have been established and accepted. Bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) is a unique condition in which even past administration of medication may be of current and future relevance. We present a case of BRONJ in the maxilla after dental implant placement. The patient suffered from osteoporosis and had been treated with oral alendronate sodium in the past. However, the medication was stopped two years before implant placement, and the treating dentist was unaware of the patient's past bisphosphonate use. Prevention of BRONJ is based on identifying at-risk patients, and then avoiding or modifying dentoalveolar surgical procedures in these individuals. Nevertheless, there seems to be some difficulties identifying patients at risk. We present some of the challenges that impede thorough assessment of a patient's medical background (review of systems) in the dental office, and suggest possible solutions.

Eastern Canadian colorectal cancer consensus conference: application of new modalities of staging and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.

The annual Eastern Canadian Colorectal Cancer Consensus Conference was held in Ottawa, Ontario, October 22-23, 2010. Health care professionals involved in the care of patients with colorectal cancer participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management of colorectal cancer, such as the use of epidermal growth factor inhibitors in metastatic colon cancer, the benefit of calcium and magnesium with oxaliplatin chemotherapy, the role of microsatellites in treatment decisions for stage II colon cancer, the staging and treatment of rectal cancer, and the management of colorectal and metastatic pancreatic cancers.

[The use of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures for the prevention of prosthetic joint infection].

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe illness which may cause pain and discomfort, may damage the quality of life and may even be life-threatening. A variety of studies have demonstrated the presence of bacteria in a small but potentially dangerous number of prosthetic joint infections that may have originated in the oral cavity. Some dental treatments such as calculus removal, extractions, dental implants placements etc. and daily oral hygiene routines such as tooth brushing may cause bacteremia. Recently the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) published updated guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent prosthetic joint infections. These guidelines suggest a direct and established connection between dental treatments and prosthetic joint infections, and expand the criteria to prescribe antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures associated with bacteremia. The purpose of this review is to introduce these new guidelines, and to review the literature regarding the relationship between dental care and prosthetic joint infections.

Cheilitis glandularis: clinico-histopathological diagnostic criteria.

OBJECTIVES: To present a combination of clinical and histopathological criteria for diagnosing cheilitis glandularis (CG), and to evaluate the association between CG and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical literature in English was searched from 1950 to 2010 and selected demographic data, and clinical and histopathological features of CG were retrieved and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 77 cases have been published and four new cases were added to the collective data. The clinical criteria applied included the coexistence of multiple lesions and mucoid/purulent discharge, while the histopathological criteria included two or more of the following findings: sialectasia, chronic inflammation, mucous/oncocytic metaplasia and mucin in ducts. Only 47 (58.0%) cases involving patients with a mean age of 48.5 ± 20.3 years and a male-to-female ratio of 2.9:1 fulfilled the criteria. The lower lip alone was most commonly affected (70.2%). CG was associated with SCC in only three cases (3.5%) for which there was a clear aetiological factor for the malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed diagnostic criteria can assist in delineating true CG from a variety of lesions with a comparable clinical/histopathological presentation. CG in association with premalignant/malignant epithelial changes of the lower lip may represent secondary, reactive changes of the salivary glands.

Eastern Canadian Colorectal Cancer Consensus Conference: setting the limits of resectable disease.

The annual Eastern Canadian Colorectal Cancer Consensus Conference was held in Montreal, Quebec, October 22-24, 2009. Health care professionals involved in the care of patients with colorectal cancer participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purposes of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management colorectal cancer, such as the management of hepatic and pulmonary metastases, the role of monoclonal antibodies to the epidermal growth factor receptor, and the benefits and safety of chemotherapy in elderly patients. The management of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours and gastric cancer are also discussed.

Chromosomal numerical aberrations in oral lichen planus.

The malignant potential of oral lichen planus (OLP) has been a matter of serious controversy. We aimed to detect chromosomal numerical aberrations in cells of brush samples collected from affected mucosa. The samples were simultaneously analyzed for morphology and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosomes 2 and 8 centromeric probes. We analyzed 57 persons with OLP and 33 control individuals. A cut-off value of aneuploid cells was determined as 1.1%. Aneuploid cells were found in 16 persons with OLP (28.1%); in 10 individuals (17.5%), over 5% of the cells were aneuploid. Aneuploid cells were also detected in normal-looking mucosa of seven persons with OLP. One person with OLP developed squamous cell carcinoma; 10% of the cells examined were aneuploid. OLP carries an increased risk for chromosomal instability. Identifying aneuploid cells in a brush sample and the combined morphological and FISH analysis can increase the specificity in predicting the malignant potential of OLP.

Paclitaxel, estramustine and carboplatin combination chemotherapy after initial docetaxel-based chemotherapy in castration-resistant prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Management of castration-resistant prostate cancer after docetaxel has become an unmet need for which various agents have been investigated. We report our experience with a paclitaxel-based regimen. METHODS: From February 2004 to November 2007, 15 patients (PTS) received paclitaxel 80 mg/m(2) weekly on day 1, carboplatin (AUC = 6) on day 1 every 21 days and estramustine 140 mg on days -1, 0 and 1 every week. RESULTS: Patient characteristics are: median age 67 years (range 44-81), median performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) 1 (range 0-2) and median prostate-specific antigen 67.5 ng/ml (range 1.5-480). All PTS had soft-tissue and 12 (80%) also had osseous disease. A >50% decrease in prostate-specific antigen levels occurred in 9 PTS (60%, 95% CI 32-84). Responses included a partial response in 6 (40%, 95% CI 16-68) and stable disease in 5 PTS (33%). Median duration of progression-free survival was 4.0 months (range 1.1-13) and median survival was 14.6 months. After a median of 4 cycles (range 1-7), significant toxicity included fatigue grade 3 in 2 PTS (13%), neuropathy grade 2 and grade 4 in 1 patient each, and a single episode of grade 3 edema. Myelosuppression was mild. Two PTS (13%) had urinary tract infection and 1 patient neutropenic fever. One patient died due to brain hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of second-line paclitaxel-based chemotherapy after docetaxel therapy is active in PTS with castration-resistant prostate cancer. This regimen is too toxic for palliative therapy. Careful patient selection is needed when this regimen is considered for therapy in these PTS.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw induced by orally administered bisphosphonates: incidence, clinical features, predisposing factors and treatment outcome.

UNLABELLED: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a well-known devastating side effect of bisphosphonate therapy for cancer. Several ONJ cases of patients using oral bisphosphonates have been reported in the literature. The present study analyzed the clinical features, predisposing factors, and treatment outcome of 11 patients with oral bisphosphonates-related ONJ. INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a well-known side effect of parenteral bisphosphonates therapy. Although ONJ has been reported in patients using oral bisphosphonates, documentation of this entity is sparse. It was hypothesized that the clinical features, predisposing factors, and treatment outcome of this population are different from those of oncologic patients. METHODS: This retrospective bi-central study involved 98 ONJ patients, 13 of whom were treated with oral bisphosphonates. Two patients were excluded because of previous use of intravenous bisphosphonates. The profiles of 11 patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean duration of alendronate use before developing ONJ was 4.1 years. ONJ was triggered by dental surgery in 9 patients and by ill-fitted dentures in 2. Heavy smokers were the most recalcitrant subjects. Among the nine patients with at least 6 months of follow-up, ONJ healed completely in three, partially in four, and not at all in two. CONCLUSIONS: ONJ is a rare devastating side effect of oral bisphosphonates associated with patient morbidity and high financial burden. Clinicians must be aware of this entity and inform patients of the risks of dental surgery. The synergistic effect of smoking in the pathogenesis of ONJ should be further investigated.

Immunoprofile of focal lymphocytic infiltration in minor salivary glands of healthy individuals.

AIM: To characterize the immunohistochemical profile of the inflammatory cells included in the focal lymphocytic infiltration in the minor salivary glands of healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue samples of the labial and palatal salivary glands from 46 postmortem subjects, demonstrating the presence of focal lymphocytic infiltration were quantitatively evaluated for the presence of T- and B-cell lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages by immunohistochemical and morphometric methods. RESULTS: B-cell lymphocytes, the predominant cell population in labial (67.5%) and palatal salivary glands (60.8%), were more frequent than T-cell lymphocytes in both glands (P < 0.001). Among the T-cell lymphocytes, CD(4)-positive cells were significantly more prevalent than the CD(8)-positive cells (P < 0.001). Plasma cells were almost absent, comprising only 0.01% of the focal lymphocytic infiltration cells of the labial and palatal salivary glands. CONCLUSIONS: Focal lymphocytic infiltration in the samples of the salivary glands obtained from healthy individuals is devoid of plasma cells. This can serve as an additional means to differentiate between focal lymphocytic infiltration in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, in which plasma cells are abundant, and focal lymphocytic infiltration in individuals with other causes of focal sialadenitis.

Rebound thymic enlargement on CT in adults.

The objective of this study is to report the development of thymic enlargement in adults, mainly associated with chemotherapy for malignancy. The typical CT features of this phenomenon are described. The clinical data and CT studies of 13 adult patients with newly appearing thymic enlargement on CT were reviewed. These patients were followed-up mainly for malignancy. Further follow-up CTs were studied when available. Medical records were reviewed as to the primary disease, its medical treatment and the time of initial appearance of the enlarged thymus in relation to treatment. The study group included 13 adult patients, 12 with malignant disease and one with a slowly resolving pneumonia. The enlarged thymus appeared as a triangular, arrowhead-shaped structure, with a bilobed configuration and convex borders. Density measurements were consistent with homogeneous soft tissue. Location was in the anterior mediastinum, in the normal site of the thymus. In nine patients, follow-up studies were available. The observation period ranged from 5 months to 8 years from the initial appearance of the enlarged thymus. In five of the nine patients, the thymic enlargement resolved after 1-4.5 years. In four of the nine patients, the thymus remained enlarged during a follow-up ranging from 5 months to 2.5 years. Thymic enlargement, while a rare phenomenon in adults, may occur, mainly after chemotherapy. This phenomenon should be included in the differential diagnosis of a soft tissue mass appearing in the anterior mediastinum on follow-up CT in adult patients particularly following treatment for malignancy.

Radiation treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): is a boost to the tumor bed necessary?

The aim of the presented study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of breast-conserving surgery and radiation for the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and the role of the radiation boost to the tumor bed. The files of 75 women with DCIS treated by breast-conserving surgery followed by definitive radiation from 1988 to 1997 were reviewed for demographic data, prognostic variables, radiation dose, radiation boost, recurrence, and outcome. Total radiation dose was 5000 cGy delivered in 25 fractions. Twenty patients (26.7%) received an additional boost to the tumor bed of 1000 cGy in 5 fractions. Median follow-up time was 81.5 months (range, 22-145). Pearson correlation coefficient and its significance was calculated between the variables. Log rank test was used to analyze differences in local recurrence rates between patients who did or did not receive a boost, and a Cox regression model was fitted to the data to predict recurrence. Ten patients (13%) had local recurrence; one patient showed lymphatic spread. Histopathologic examination revealed DCIS in 6 cases (60%) and invasive duct carcinoma in 4 (40%)(one minimally invasive). The recurrence group included 3 of the 20 patients who received a radiation boost (15%) and 7 of the 55 who did not (12.7%) (p=0.7). Correlation analysis of patient characteristics, prognostic factors, and treatment was significant only between mastitis as the presenting symptom (n=4) and longer time to recurrence (p=0.02). The recurrence rate in the present study was similar to other series of conservative treatment for DCIS of the breast. No additional value was found for the radiation boost. Larger controlled randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Osteomylelitis and necrosis of the jaw in patients treated with bisphosphonates: a comparative study focused on multiple myeloma.

It was reported that multiple myeloma (MM)-patients suffer from a higher incidence of osteomyelitis and necrosis of the jaws than patients treated with bisphosphonates for other reasons. The aim of this study is to report about 57 cases of bisphosphonate-related osteomyelitis and necrosis of the jaws (BON) and to investigate the differences between BON in MM and non-MM patients. Clinical and laboratory data of 57 cases were assessed. The features of BON and clinical-outcome were compared between the two groups. Treatment approach was assessed as a contributing-factor to treatment-outcome. Clinical presentation included exposed bone, pain, swelling and suppuration with little variation between the two groups. Past dento-alveolar surgery was common in both study-groups. Treatment outcome was poor (33% and 25% responded to treatment in MM group and non-MM group, respectively). Treatment modality did not affect the treatment outcome. The clinical presentation described in this case series should alert the physician to the possibility of BON. Although the literature shows a higher incidence of BON in MM patients compared to non-MM patients, our study suggests that the severity of the clinical presentation and the response to treatment are not worse in MM patients compared with non-MM patients. The predisposition of MM patients to BON should be further investigated.

Herpes simplex infection--Part II: Management of HSV infections.

Oral and perioral herpes simplex virus infections are commonly seen and managed by the dental practitioner. Many topical and oral antiviral agents are available in Israel. However, only a few regimens are based on solid evidence. The purpose of this study was to review the mode of action of antiviral agents and to present therapeutic regimens supported by randomized control trials.