Ketil Moen

Immunoglobulin G and A Antibody Responses to Bacteroides forsythus and Prevotella intermedia in Sera and Synovial Fluids of Arthritis Patients

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to investigate immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA antibody immune responses to Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Bacteroides forsythus, and Candida albicans in the sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the synovial fluid (SF) of patients with RA (RA-SF samples), and the SF of patients without RA (non-RA-SF samples). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine IgG and IgA antibody levels in 116 serum samples from patients with RA, 52 RA-SF samples, and 43 non-RA-SF samples; and these were compared with those in SF samples from 9 patients with osteoarthritis (OA-SF samples) and the blood from 100 donors (the control [CTR] group). Higher levels of IgG antibodies against B. forsythus (P < 0.0001) and P. intermedia (P < 0.0001) were found in non-RA-SF samples than in OA-SF samples, and higher levels of IgG antibodies against B. forsythus (P = 0.003) and P. intermedia (P = 0.024) were found in RA-SF samples than in OA-SF samples. Significantly higher levels of IgA antibodies against B. forsythus were demonstrated in both RA-SF and non-RA-SF samples than in OA-SF samples. When corrected for total Ig levels, levels of IgG antibody against B. forsythus were elevated in RA-SF and non-RA-SF samples compared to those in OA-SF samples. Lower levels of Ig antibodies against B. forsythus were found in the sera of patients with RA than in the plasma of the CTR group for both IgG (P = 0.003) and IgA (P < 0.0001). When corrected for total Ig levels, the levels of IgG and IgA antibodies against B. forsythus were still found to be lower in the sera from patients with RA than in the plasma of the CTR group (P < 0.0001). The levels of antibodies against P. gingivalis and C. albicans in the sera and SF of RA and non-RA patients were comparable to those found in the respective controls. The levels of IgG and IgA antibodies against B. forsythus were elevated in SF from patients with RA and non-RA-SF samples compared to those in OA-SF samples. Significantly lower levels of IgG and IgA antibodies against B. forsythus were found in the sera of patients with RA than in the plasma of the CTR group. This indicates the presence of an active antibody response in synovial tissue and illustrates a potential connection between periodontal and joint diseases.

Exocrine function in primary Sjögren syndrome: natural course and prognostic factors

Objectives: Few studies have addressed the natural course of, or prognostic factors for the salivary and lacrimal function in primary Sjögren syndrome (SS). Except for the early stages, glandular function has been seemingly stable, and SS A antigen (SSA) seropositivity and hypocomplementemia may predict a decline in the van Bijsterveld score. The aim of the present study was to assess the natural course of the exocrine function in a larger cohort based on the American–European consensus criteria for SS, and to address possible predictive factors for a declining exocrine function. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study. A total of 141 patients were investigated with the Schirmer I test and unstimulated whole saliva (UWS). Historical data regarding these tests and focus score were collected from the files of 111 patients. Median time from diagnosis to follow-up investigation was 5.0 years. Results: Median UWS was unchanged during follow-up. Median Schirmer I test improved from 5.0 to 7.0 mm/5 min (p<0.05). Present Schirmer I test was associated with historical high IgG and IgA, positive SSA and SS B antigen (SSB) tests and high focus score, and present UWS with historical low C3/C4. Logistic regression identified high focus scores (odds ratio (OR) = 1.343), and low UWS (OR = 0.692) as factors predicting a 30% or more worsening of the Schirmer I test. High focus scores (OR = 1.488) predicted a 30% or more worsening of the UWS. Conclusion: We confirmed previous studies showing a stable or slightly improved exocrine function over time. High focus scores and low UWS were identified as independent predictors of a worsened exocrine function.

A practical approach to interpretation of MRI of the temporomandibular joint

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) such as pain, joint sounds, and impaired movement are common, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now the method of choice for diagnostic assessment. Purpose: To describe MR criteria chosen and the amount of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology registered when examining MR images from patients referred to a university hospital for imaging of their TMJs. Material and Methods: The TMJs of 152 consecutive patients, 102 women and 40 men, referred for MRI during an 18 month period were imaged with a 1.5 T imaging system. Twelve asymptomatic students, seven women and five men, gave informed consent and acted as a control group. Results: Moderate to extensive disk displacement was registered in 53% of the patients’ TMJs, and 38% of the disks were deformed. Degenerative changes registered were flattening of the condyle heads in 50% of the TMJs and erosion of their cortical surfaces in 30%. Osteophytes were present in 31% of the condyles and bone marrow edema in 30%. Marked to extensive effusion in synovial compartments was registered in 39% of the studied TMJs. In the control group, none of the TMJs showed anterior disk displacement, deformed disks or degenerative changes, but 8 of the 24 joints showed marked effusion. A tendency for a higher amount of disk displacement and deformation was seen among young age groups and more degenerative changes in older age groups, but differences among groups were not significant when tested with chi-square analysis. Conclusion: Defined MR criteria that allow for comparative assessment are presented. According to these criteria, a large proportion of the patients referred for MR examination showed morphologic changes indicating TMJ pathology.

Minor changes in serum levels of cytokines after removal of amalgam restorations

Dental amalgam restorations release mercury and silver which is absorbed and distributed in the body. Animal studies have shown that both elements may interfere with the host by activation of the immune system in genetically susceptible strains at exposure levels relevant to those from dental amalgam restorations. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis of no change over time in concentrations of a number of immune mediators in serum after removal of all dental amalgam restorations in patients with health complaints attributed to their amalgam restorations and compare with a healthy reference group. Twenty patients previously examined at a specialty unit for health complaints attributed to dental materials were included in a clinical trial and had all amalgam restorations replaced with other dental restorative materials. Serum samples were collected before amalgam removal and 3 and 12 months after the removal was finished. Twenty blood donors matched for age and gender were used as comparison group. A fluorescent bead-based (Luminex) immunoassay kit was used to measure cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in serum. At baseline, the patient group had slightly higher values for GM-CSF, IL-6, IL-2R, IFN-alpha, IL-7, and IL-12p40/p70 compared with the reference group. After amalgam removal a decrease towards the median value of the reference group was found for GM-CSF, IL-8, and IL-7. In conclusion, removal of all dental amalgam restorations and replacement with other dental restorative materials was associated with decreased concentrations of Th1-type proinflammatory markers in serum.

Dental or Skeletal Relapse After Sagittal Split Osteotomy Advancement Surgery? Long-Term Follow-Up

PURPOSE To evaluate the short- and long-term stability of mandibular advancement surgery with sagittal split osteotomy (SSO), and to investigate when relapse occurs and identify variables contributing to relapse. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-six patients with Class II anomalies were included; the mean age at surgery was 33.0 years. All underwent SSO surgery and clinical and radiologic follow-up at 8 weeks, 1 year, and 13 years. Model analysis, cephalometric analysis, and clinical examinations were performed at each control. RESULTS Mean overjet relapse from 8 weeks to 13 years was 2.3 mm (range, 0 to 7.0 mm). Between 8 weeks and 1 year, mean overjet relapse was 0.6 mm (range, -1.0 to 4.0 mm), and it was 1.7 mm (range, -1.0 to 6.0 mm) between 1 year and 13 years. Overjet relapse greater than 4 mm was found in 13.9% of the patients. Mean overjet 1 year after surgery was 2.6 mm and was significantly increased compared with 8 weeks (P = .006). Mean overjet 13 years after surgery was 4.3 mm and was significantly increased compared with 1 year (P < .001). Inferior incisor line to nasion-B-point was 29.0° at 8 weeks after surgery and 25.4° at 13 years (P = .001). Insignificant changes in the other cephalometric variables were found at follow-up. CONCLUSION SSO advancement surgery is a relatively stable technique over time. Mean overjet relapse was found to be 2.3 mm after 13 years, following a continuous pattern over time. The cephalometric variables showed insignificant changes during follow-up, indicating that relapses are mainly of dental and not skeletal origin.

Patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life 10–15 years after orthodontic-surgical treatment of mandibular prognathism

This study investigated 36 patients at 10-15 years after they had undergone mandibular setback surgery by intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) and subsequent intermaxillary fixation for 6 weeks. The patients completed a 37-item structured questionnaire to evaluate patient satisfaction and possible long-term effects of the treatment. Visual analogue scales were used to measure self-perceived changes in seven items concerning oral function and appearance. Oral health-related quality of life was assessed using the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) index. The main reasons for seeking treatment were to improve chewing function and appearance. The treatment had resulted in significant improvements regarding chewing function, appearance, bullying, and self-confidence in social settings (all P<0.05). All patients were either very satisfied (61%) or reasonably satisfied (39%) with the treatment result. The mean OIDP frequency score was 8.49 on a scale from 8 to 40. Seventy-four percent of the patients reported no oral impacts on quality of life. In conclusion, 10-15 years after combined orthodontic and IVRO surgical treatment of mandibular prognathism, the patients were satisfied, and oral health-related quality of life was reported to be good.

Skeletal and dental stability after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy: a long-term follow-up.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the long-term skeletal and dental stability after combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatment of mandibular prognathism with the intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) as the surgical technique followed by 6 weeks of intermaxillary fixation (IMF). Thirty-six patients were included in the study. Mean age at surgery was 21.6 years. Lateral cephalograms and study casts obtained before the start of treatment (T0), and 8 weeks (T1), 1 year (T2), and 12.5 years (T3) after the operation were evaluated. Mean mandibular setback measured at point B was 8.3mm. Between T1 and T2, a mean anterior relapse of 12% of the setback was observed. Between T2 and T3, the anterior relapse persisted, but decreased to 7% of the setback measured at point B. Despite dental adjustments in both jaws, a statistically significant reduction in overjet was observed during both observation periods. However, the change of the mandible in an anterior direction was small and of minor clinical importance for most of the patients. In conclusion these results indicate that combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatment of mandibular prognathism with the IVRO as the surgical procedure followed by 6 weeks of IMF provides predictable and good long-term clinical results.

Relapse and Stability After Mandibular Setback Surgery One Year Postoperatively: A Retrospective Study

PURPOSE A retrospective evaluation was performed of dentoalveolar and skeletal stability 1 year after mandibular setback surgery using intraoral vertical subcondylar osteotomy (IVSO) combined with intermaxillary fixation. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-eight patients (16 men, 12 women) with skeletal Angle Class III malocclusions were included. Mean age at start of treatment was 23.9 years. All patients underwent combined surgical and orthodontic treatment. Dental casts and cephalometric measurements were performed for each patient before orthodontic treatment and at 8 weeks and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS Treatment changes from 8 weeks to 1 year after surgery were small but significant for the angular relationship between the maxilla and the mandible in the sagittal plane (ANB) (mean difference, -0.5 mm; P = .021), Wits appraisal (mean difference, -0.7 mm; P = .044), the inclination of the mandible in relation to the nasion-sella line (ML-NSL) (mean difference, -0.8 mm; P = .010), and the inclination of the lower incisors in relation to the nasion-point B line (Li-NB) (mean difference, -0.6 mm; P < .001). These findings for cephalometric values indicated a small skeletal relapse in sagittal and vertical relations. No significant dentoalveolar relapse occurred according to the dental cast evaluations. CONCLUSION The results clearly show that orthodontic treatment combined with IVSO provides a stable dental and skeletal result 1 year after treatment.