Erythema multiforme: a review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment.

Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute, immune-mediated disorder affecting the skin and/or mucous membranes, including the oral cavity. Target or iris lesions distributed symmetrically on the extremities and trunk characterize the condition. Infections are the most common cause of EM and the most frequently implicated infectious agent causing clinical disease is the herpes simplex virus. The diagnosis of EM is typically based on the patient's history and clinical findings. Management involves controlling the underlying infection or causative agent, symptom control, and adequate hydration. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of EM are reviewed in this article.

The use of quantitative cytology in identifying high-risk oral lesions in community practice.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated whether quantitative cytology (QC) can disclose abnormal DNA content (aneuploidy) and abnormal nuclear morphology of high-risk potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) of the oral mucosa found in the community in reference to clinicohistopathologic features. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 171 patients at community-based clinic with suspicious oral lesions were evaluated with concurrent but independent histopathologic and QC assessments. RESULTS: QC-positive results were associated with oral lesions with higher clinical risk factors: large size, nonhomogeneous surface texture, and located at high-risk anatomic sites. Only 3% of benign/reactive and 5% of low-risk PMDs were QC positive, while 92% of high-risk PMDs and 88% of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) were QC positive. The sensitivity and specificity of QC for detection of high-grade dysplasia/SCC were 89% and 97%. CONCLUSIONS: QC could serve as an adjunctive tool for the detection of high-risk PMD/SCC requiring immediate clinical care.

The development, implementation, utilization and outcomes of a comprehensive dental program for older adults residing in long-term care facilities.

This paper documents the experience of the University of British Columbia's Geriatric Dentistry Program (GDP) with emphasis on the dental treatment needs of patients during its first year of operation. The GDP provided access to dental care for residents of longterm care facilities, education for hospital staff concerning daily mouth care, education of dental students and an opportunity for research. The first year of clinical activity saw a small, yet significant, improvement in oral health for residents using the dental services. We hope that the outcomes of this new dental program for long-term care facilities will encourage dentists to provide care for this vulnerable population.