Vera Lúcia Silva Resende

Concerns regarding hepatitis B vaccination and post-vaccination test among Brazilian dentists

BackgroundHepatitis B infection is the major cause of acute and chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide and has long been recognized as an occupational hazard among dentists. The aim of the present study was to examine factors associated to the self-reporting of hepatitis B vaccination and immunization status among dentists working in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out with 1302 dentists in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. After signing a term of informed consent, the participants answered a structured questionnaire on their knowledge regarding their vaccination and immunization status against hepatitis B. Data on demographic, behavioural and occupational exposure aspects were also collected through questionnaires.ResultsThe results revealed that 73.8% of the dentists reported having received three doses of the vaccine. Multivariate analysis revealed that gender (p = 0.006), use of individual protective equipment (p = 0.021), history of blood transfusion (p = 0.024) and history of illicit drug use (p = 0.013) were independently associated with vaccination against hepatitis B. Only 14.8% had performed a post-vaccination test. The use of individual protective equipment (p = 0.038), dentists who asked patients about hepatitis during dental treatment (p < 0.001), a family history of hepatitis B (p = 0.003) and work experience (p < 0.05) were independently associated with the post-vaccination test.ConclusionsAlthough there were a large number of vaccinated dentists in Belo Horizonte, the percentage was less than what was expected, as Brazil offers the National Program of Viral Hepatitis Vaccination, which provides free hepatitis B vaccinations to all healthcare workers. Despite being part of a high risk group for contamination, most of the dentists did not know their immunization status.

Factors associated with dental caries in the primary dentition of children with cerebral palsy.

The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with caries experience in the primary dentition of one- to five-year-old children with cerebral palsy. A total of 266 dental records were examined, and caries experience was measured by dmft. The following variables were also analyzed: gender, oral hygiene, history of gastroesophageal reflux, use of medications for gastroesophageal reflux, gingival status, sugar intake and reports of polyuria, excessive thirst and xerostomia. For analysis purposes, the individuals were categorized as those with and without caries experience and subcategorized into the following age groups: one year; two to three years; and four to five years. After bivariate analysis, variables with a p-value < 0.25 were selected for incorporation into the Poisson regression models. Considering the limitations of the protocol, the level of oral hygiene perceived on the first appointment was the only factor associated with caries experience among two-to-five-year-old children with cerebral palsy.

Factors associated with seroprevalence of hepatitis C among dentists at a large Brazilian city

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence and sociodemographic data, health-related and occupational factors and other correlates of sero-posivity among dentists in the city of Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out with 1302 dentists in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. All dentists were tested for anti-HCV using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Individuals positive for anti-HCV were recalled for further evaluation. The presence of HCV RNA in anti-HCV-positive samples was assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data on demographic, behavioural and occupational exposure aspects were collected through questionnaires.ResultsThe seroprevalence of anti-HCV was 0.9% (95% IC 0.5-1.7%). The factors associated to the prevalence of hepatitis C were history of blood transfusion (p = 0.002) and having undergone a test for hepatitis C (p = 0.015).ConclusionsThe seroprevalence of anti-HCV among dentists is low. Moreover, no occupational exposure was associated to the seroprevalence of hepatitis C.

Möbius Syndrome: A Case With Oral Involvement

Möbius syndrome is a rare congenital condition that is characterized clinically by paralysis of a group of cranial nerves. It presents diverse manifestations that can have negative repercussions on the quality of life of affected individuals. This article presents a clinical case of a child with the syndrome and addressed the clinical manifestations and difficulties experienced during dental treatment. Knowledge of the etiopathological aspects and clinical manifestations of the condition is essential to perfecting treatments that aim to improve the quality of life of such individuals and their families.

Fatores de risco para a cárie em dentes decíduos de portadores de necessidades especiais

Resumen pt: Objetivo: Investigar a influencia do uso de mamadeira, da idade, da escolaridade dos pais, da medicacao de uso cronico, do genero, da higienizacao real...

Hepatites Virais na Prática Odontológica: Riscos e Prevenção

Resumen pt: Objetivo: Discuti r os aspectos epidemiologicos das hepati tes virais em profi ssionais de Odontologia, com enfase nas formas de transmissao e prevencao....

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome: A Case Report of a Brazilian Boy

Cornelia de Lange syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by a distinctive facial appearance, delayed growth and psychomotor skills, behavioral problems, malformation of the upper limbs, and impairment on the quality of life of affected subjects. This article reports a case of a child with the syndrome, emphasizing the orofacial manifestations. Knowledge on the etiopathological aspects and characteristic features of this condition is essential so that professionals can provide health care and help improve the quality of life of affected individuals and their families.

Verificação da dispersão de respingos durante o trabalho do cirurgião-dentista

The professionals and patients involved in dental examinations are at risk for infection by various disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, such as those responsible for hepatitis, tuberculosis, herpes, and AIDS. It is known that aerosols and spatter containing pathogenic microorganisms can spread during an examination. Nevertheless, some dental clinics are designed to have multiple examination areas in the same room, with no physical barriers between them. The objective of this study was to verify the reach of spatter resulting from the use of a triple syringe and high-rotation turbine during five simulated exams in a collective clinic, bearing in mind that spatter can contain the patients saliva and blood. To facilitate tracking of the spatter, aniline dye (pink, blue, yellow, green, and brown) was added to the water in the appropriate receptacle in each of the five units. The room, the equipment, and the patients and operators clothing were covered with white paper. A high concentration of spatter was observed on the chair, the operator, and the floor of each unit, and it also appeared on the chairs and trays of the surrounding units. The maximum distance reached by spatter was 1.82 m from a point on the chair corresponding to the position of the patients mouth. During real simultaneous examinations, the surrounding chairs and their patients and operators, as well as the trays containing sterilized instruments, are within spatter range. Therefore, there is a real possibility of cross-infection, and physical barriers should be placed between the units. This study also confirmed the need for protection of the operators face, body, hair, and arms, since these regions were heavily affected by spatter.Todas as pessoas envolvidas em um atendimento odontologico estao sujeitas a contaminacao por bacterias, virus e fungos que podem causar diversas enfermidades, dentre as quais se destacam a hepatite, a tuberculose, o herpes e a AIDS. Sabe-se que, durante um atendimento, ha possibilidade de ocorrer dispersao de respingos e aerossois contendo microrganismos patogenicos. No entanto, algumas clinicas odontologicas sao projetadas com varios consultorios no mesmo ambiente, sem divisorias entre eles. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar qual o alcance dos respingos provenientes da utilizacao de seringa triplice e turbina de alta rotacao em cinco atendimentos clinicos simulados em uma clinica de atendimento coletivo, considerando que estes respingos podem conter saliva e sangue do paciente. Para isso, anilina de diferentes cores (rosa, azul, amarela, verde e marrom) foi adicionada a agua do reservatorio de cada um dos cinco equipamentos. Todo o ambiente fisico, assim como a roupa do operador e do paciente, foram cobertos com papel crepom branco. Constatou-se grande concentracao de respingos sobre as cadeiras, sobre o operador, sobre o piso, cadeiras vizinhas e bandejas clinicas das unidades vizinhas. A distância maxima atingida pelos respingos foi de 1,82 m, medindo-se a partir do ponto correspondente a boca do paciente. Durante um atendimento real, coletivo e simultâneo nesta clinica, as cadeiras vizinhas e seus respectivos pacientes e operadores, bem como as bandejas clinicas contendo instrumental esterilizado situam-se dentro da area de abrangencia dos respingos. Portanto, existe uma possibilidade real de ocorrer contaminacao cruzada, havendo necessidade de colocacao de barreiras fisicas entre os equipamentos. O estudo evidenciou tambem a necessidade de protecao de toda a face, o corpo, o cabelo e os bracos do operador, uma vez que estas foram regioes muito atingidas pelos respingos.

Factors associated with anterior open bite in children with developmental disabilities

AIM To investigate factors associated with anterior open bite in individuals aged from 2 to 33 years with developmental disabilities. DESIGN This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 271 dental records were examined. The anterior open bite analyzed was determined based on clinic exam. These variables were also analyzed: gender, age, education level of mother, International Code of Diseases (ICD), mouth breathing, use of anticonvulsant drugs, hyperkinesis, pacifier use, thumb sucking, seizure, and involuntary movements. For the purposes of analysis, the individuals were categorized as being with and without anterior open bite. Variables with a p-value of < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were incorporated into the logistic regression models. RESULTS Mouth breathers had a 2.60-fold (95% CI: 1.35-5.01) greater chance of exhibiting anterior open bite than nasal breathers. Pacifier users are more likely to have an anterior open bite (3.32-fold, 95% CI: 1.62-6.77). Individuals with reported involuntary movements had a 2.66-fold (95% CI: 1.26-5.63) greater chance of exhibiting anterior open bite. Users of anticonvulsants drugs had a 3.05 (95% CI: 1.57-5.92) greater chance of showing anterior open bite. CONCLUSION Involuntary movements, mouth breathing, using anticonvulsant drugs, and using pacifier are factors associated with anterior open bite in patients with developmental disabilities.

Risk factors for dental caries in children with developmental disabilities

The aim of the present study was to investigate risk factors for dental caries in children with developmental disabilities who were treated at a clinical reference service for patients with special needs in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. This is a retrospective cohort study that evaluated 401 dental charts of individuals without dental caries or restorations in their first dental appointment. The dependent variable was the time of occurrence of new dental caries or restorations and was measured in months. Gender, age, International Code of Diseases (ICD), mother´s education, sugar consumption, use of fluoride toothpaste, oral hygiene, mouth breathing, reports of xerostomia, gingival status, use of psychotropic or asthma drugs, and history of asthma were covariates. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the raw and adjusted hazard ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals. The average time that individuals remained free of dental caries/restoration was equal to 107.46 months (95%CI 95.41 to 119.51), with a median of caries-free children up to 94 months. For each point increase in the scale of sucrose consumption, the increase in caries risk was 1.07 (95%CI 1.01 to 1.15). Sucrose consumption was the only risk factor for dental caries found in this group of individuals with developmental disabilities.