CHSJ

Current issue

Current Health Sciences Journal

vol. 49 no. 2, 2023

1. A Review of Psychological Outcomes in Patients with Complex Hand Trauma: A Multidisciplinary Approach

AF Ghitan, V Gheorman, D Pirvu, V Gheorman, I Udristoiu, ME Ciurea

This systematic review aimed to assess the psychological outcomes in patients with complex hand trauma and explore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in addressing both physical and mental health needs. The study employed a rigorous methodology, including a comprehensive search of relevant databases, strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data synthesis from the included studies. The results demonstrated the significant negative psychological impact of complex hand trauma on patients' overall health and quality of life. This trauma affected patients emotionally, psychologically, and physically, highlighting the essential role of hand function in performing daily activities. The findings emphasize the need for continued research aimed at identifying effective psychological interventions to support the rehabilitation of patients with complex hand trauma. Providing these patients with multidisciplinary care, addressing both the physical and mental health components of recovery, can result in a more favorable long-term outcome.

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2. The Prevalent Cases of Endometrial Carcinoma in Different Life Periods of Women-Clinical and Histopathological Diagnosis

H Latifi, AM Gashi, D Latifi

Abnormal uterine bleeding is a term used to describe any irregular bleeding from the uterus that is not part of a woman's normal menstrual cycle and can happen during different life periods. Abnormal uterine bleeding can have structural etiologies (polyp, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, malignancy) or nonstructural etiologies (coagulopathy, ovulatory dysfunction, and not-classified). The post- and pre-menopausal period requires a detailed investigation to establish the etiology of the bleeding because the chances that the woman has a malignancy are plentiful in this period. The treatment plan is determined based on the underlying cause of the bleeding. The main objective of this paper was to determine the prevalence of endometrial carcinoma in different periods, focusing on the postmenopausal period. This research was a cross-sectional study and included 79 cases of abnormal uterine bleeding in different periods of women's lives. Our study found that abnormal uterine bleeding occurs more frequently during the premenopausal period (59%) and that the causes of irregular bleeding during this period were mainly benign. Our study focused on the postmenopausal period, where we found that 32.9% of irregular uterine bleeding occurs during this period, and the leading causes were malignant pathologies (83.3%), mainly endometrial adenocarcinomas. The average age was 66.7 years. During the study, it was observed that 50% of women with abnormal uterine bleeding due to malignancy were classified as overweight, 25% were obese, and 25% had normal weight. It was confirmed that obesity is a co-factor of malignancy in the postmenopausal period, and the pathophysiological mechanism is well understood now. Our study also found a high number of co-morbidities among women with abnormal uterine bleeding due to malignancy. We came to the conclusion that any abnormal uterine bleeding should be initially investigated in a multidisciplinary manner, an accurate diagnosis should be determined, and then a treatment plan should be established. The treatment strategy should be determined depending on the cause of abnormal bleeding.

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3. Optimization Techniques of Single-Detergent Based Protocols for Heart Tissue Decellularization

M Mesina, I Mindrila, MI Mesina-Botoran, LA Mindrila, A Farhangee, I Pirici

The extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds are considered a gold standard for the engineering of appropriate grafts used in regenerative medicine for tissue repair, and decellularization of myocardial tissue is one of the most studied processes for obtaining natural ECM to date. Decellularization methods, agents used, or treatment durations can be varied to optimize cardiac tissue decellularization parameters. In this work we performed a morphological and morphometric analysis of cardiac tissue subjected to decellularization protocols based on Sodium Deoxycholate (SD) or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) to identify factors that allow optimization of single-detergent based protocols for cardiac ECM manufacturing. For this, Wistar rat hearts (n=10) were subjected to 5 different decellularization protocols (n=2) and then histologically processed to achieve H&E or Azan trichrome stained sections for the morphological and morphometric analysis of the obtained ECM. The results of this study showed that SLS alters the spatial distribution of cardiac ECM collagen fibers, and SD can be successfully used in tailoring single-based detergent decellularization protocols by appropriately adjusting the application times of hypo/hyperosmotic shocks, which increases the lytic action of the detergent, and the washing times for the efficient elimination of cellular residues.

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4. Clinical Evaluation of Periodontal Status and IL-6 Gingival Fluid Level in Patients with Sjogren’s Syndrome

DN Gheorghe, DM Popescu, SC Dinescu, MV Boldeanu, P Surlin, F Vreju, PL Ciurea

The objective of the cross-sectional study was to assess periodontal and implant health condition among individuals diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome (SS), taking into account the clinical circumstances associated with this patient population. The clinical parameters employed to evaluate the periodontal status of both natural teeth and implants included: periodontal probing depth (PPD) measured at six sites per tooth/implant, clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing index (BOP), plaque index (PLQ). Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected for interleukin-16 level evaluation. After clinical and immunological assessment of the study and control groups, the data was centralized, compiled and submitted for statistical analysis. In all four types of assessed periodontal parameters, there were statistically significant differences between the SS patients with no dental implants and the other test (SSi) and control groups (Cni and Ci). Nevertheless, in SS patients with dental implants, plaque levels were similar to that of controls. In addition, other periodontal parameters (PPD, BOP and CAL) were similar in SS patients with dental implants and controls, with no statistically significant difference. The highest GCF IL-6 levels were found in SS patients with no dental implants, the differences to the other study and control groups being statistically significant. In patients with SS and dental implants, there were no statistically significant differences to the other groups. Individuals diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) exhibit a less favorable periodontal condition compared to controls without SS. Notably, SS patients who undergo dental implant procedures demonstrate an improvement in their periodontal status. This highlights the importance of proactive and ongoing dental and periodontal surveillance for SS patients, aiming to decrease the risk of developing periodontal diseases.

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5. The Assessment of Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

M Petrescu, I Udristoiu, F Militaru, AR Petrescu, G Tartea, V Raicea, AM Ciurea, AM Petrescu, CC Vere

The aim of our study is to provide an assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) as a predictor for the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer (PCa). We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study. 53 consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (PCa), were included. In the end, 41 patients were included in the analysis, out of which 14 patients survived at least until the 24-month follow-up, while 27 patients died within 24 months from the diagnosis. These patients were monitored with 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to the initiation of any therapy for determining heart rate variability. To establish the cut-off values of HRV, 24-hour Holter ECG recordings of 20 healthy subjects were analyzed. In addition to heart rate analysis, HRV indices were also analyzed: SDNN, rMSSD, ULF and VLF. Median survival in patients with low value of SDNN was 9 months, compared to patients with hight SDNN where median survival was 15 months (Hazard ratio 2.301, 95% CI of ratio 0.9080 to 5.833, p= 0.034). Although low values of the HRV indices in the frequency domain were associated with reduced survival, no statistically significant differences were recorded. The reduction of heart rate variability indices is a negative prognostic factor in patients newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

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6. Assessment of Stroke Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Emergency County Hospital of Mehedinți - Romania

O Paun, MS Serbanescu, O Badea, L Mogoanta

Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA)-strokes represent a major public health problem worldwide, due to the large number of people affected. Also, there is a large number of people who die from stroke, especially in developing countries. Our study included a group of 119 patients, diagnosed with stroke and admitted to the Emergency Hospital of Drobeta Turnul-Severin, Mehedinți county, between 2016-2020. The analysis of risk factors and associated comorbidities showed that stroke can affect both the elderly and young people, under 20 years old. However, approximately 4/5 of CVA patients (79.83%) were aged over 50 years old. If non-ischemic strokes predominated in patients under the age of 50, after this age there is a tendency to balance the incidence between the eight main forms of stroke. No significant differences were observed regarding the social environment of the patients, which shows that the risk factors are almost identical in both social environments. Among the modifiable risk factors, we highlighted: high blood pressure in 55.46% of cases, obesity in 19.33% of cases, atherosclerosis in 10.92% of cases, diabetes mellitus in 10.92%, kidney failure in 6.72% of cases. The data we obtained show that there are possibilities to reduce the incidence of stroke by controlling and reducing the modifiable risk factors.

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7. Preliminary Study on the Antioxidant Effect of Natural Based Products with Potential Application in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

CE Bita, SC Dinescu, FA Vreju, AE Muetescu, A Bita, C Criveanu, AL Barbulescu, A Florescu, PL Ciurea

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a complex condition characterized by chronic pain and various sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms. It involves a complex interplay of mechanisms in the nervous system, including neuroinflammation, sensitization of pain pathways, and dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system. Antioxidants may play a role in CRPS by helping to counteract oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s antioxidant defences. CRPS involves inflammation and tissue damage, which can lead to increased ROS production and oxidative stress. Our paper represents a preliminary study on various commercially available natural-based products regarding their antioxidant effect. Several natural products with antioxidant properties, such as vitamins C and E, polyphenols, flavonoids, and botanical extracts, have shown promise in preclinical studies for their potential to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with CRPS. The potential use of natural-based products with antioxidant effects for mitigating CRPS symptoms is still an area of ongoing research and investigation, but nonetheless it holds promise.

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8. Pleural Effusion as a Negative Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis and COVID-19

PM Radulescu, AF Nemes, C Calarasu, I Georgescu, D Radulescu

We conducted a retrospective multicentre study to investigate the association between acute pancreatitis, COVID-19, and pleural effusion. The study involved a total of 433 patients. Among them, 405 patients did not have COVID-19 infection, while 28 patients had both acute pancreatitis and COVID-19. Out of the 28 patients with both conditions, 12 also had pleural effusion. Among the 405 patients with acute pancreatitis without COVID-19, 48 had pleural effusion. The results showed that the relative risk of death associated with pleural effusion was approximately 4 times higher in patients with COVID-19 and pleural effusion compared to those with pleural effusion without COVID-19.

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9. Comparative Statistical Analysis of Key Performance Indicators in the Health System

L Mirescu, AMC Popescu, IM Dragomir

In this paper, a comparative statistical analysis of some performance indicators from the health system at SCJU Craiova and SJU Slatina is made in the period 2010-2021. Also, the correlations between the average duration of hospitalization, the bed utilization rate, the number of cases and the case complexity index for each hospital are studied. It is found that there are similarities, but also statistically significant differences between the two analyzed hospitals. Thus, it turns out that there are no significant differences between the bed utilization rate and the complexity index between the two hospitals, but there are statistically significant differences at a significance threshold of 5% between the average duration of hospitalization and the number of cases registered at the two hospitals analyzed. Moreover, the case complexity index is strongly negatively correlated with the bed utilization rate and with the number of cases in both hospitals, but positively correlated with the average duration of hospitalization at SCJU Craiova and weakly negatively correlated at SJU Slatina.

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10. Investigating the Neuroprotective and Neuroregenerative Effect of Trazodone Regarding Behavioral Recovery in a BL6C57 Mice Stroke Model

IKS Boboc, AC Chirea, V Gheorman, A Gresita, TA Balseanu, B Catalin, D Calina

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Between 1990 and 2010, its global burden increased notably with reference to the absolute number of incident events, number of deaths, and disability-adjusted life-years lost. Trazodone is a triazolopyridine derivative that was approved for more than 40 years as monotherapy or in combination with other antidepressant drugs for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adult patients. The aim was investigated if trazodone can improve behavioural outcome after stroke in a mice model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) due to the potential neuroprotective and neurodegenerative effects by using three behavioural tests: adhesive tape test, beam test and hole board test. Trazodone administration show modest improvements regarding the motor-sensorial function after stroke especially in the acute post-stroke phase in aged and young animals. The antidepressant effect of the drug was observed in the post-stroke period in aged animals and to a lesser extent in young animals. Future research is needed to evaluate the effects of trazodone at the cellular level to be sure that it has no benefit in stroke patients who do not suffer from depression.

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11. Clinical and Morphological Study of Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions

L Iovan, IM Liliac, AM Istrate-Ofiteru, CG Rosu, L Mogoanta

Squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) are cancer precursors targeted by secondary prevention of cervical cancer programs that are sometimes difficult to grade accurately. Mena is an actin regulatory protein involved in membrane protrusion, cell motility, in tumor invasion and metastasis. We studied retrospectively 68 cases of patients diagnosed with squamous intraepithelial lesions that received expedited treatment (treatment without colposcopic biopsy). We analyzed demographic, behavioral data, obstetrical and medical history, from the patients’ medical charts and we studied the cervical fragments or cones harvested after the excisional procedure. Our study failed to identify a correlation between SILs and risk factors such as low socioeconomic status, combined oral contraceptive use, intrauterine device use, parity, gravity, except for the tobacco smoking habit that proved to be related to the cervical lesions’ development. Mena was expressed in most of the analyzed SILs and its expression was correlated with lesions’ grade in terms of both area and intensity, suggesting that Mena stains especially abnormal cells and that its expression intensity correlates with the risk of malignant transformation. Further studies are needed to validate Mena as an early stage of cervical carcinogenesis marker.

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12. Remote Monitoring in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy-First Experience in Romania with a CRT Virtual Ward

EV Goanta, A Ungureanu, G Tartea, A Muraretu, D Manciu, C Vacarescu, L Petrescu, D Cozma

Background: Remote monitoring (RM) is becoming a standard of care for patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). This technology combines the use of pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) and wireless communication to provide physicians with continuous, real-time information on the patient's cardiac activity. The purpose of the study was to evaluate if the remote monitoring technology in the follow-up CRT patients is feasible and safe. Methods: A total of nine patients were enrolled in the study, implanted with a CRT system with wireless transmission capabilities. Immediately after the procedure received the RM, were enrolled in the virtual clinic and instructed by the doctor how to use the device at home. Regular virtual transmissions were made automatically every 3 weeks, respecting optimal transmission conditions. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs, atrial or ventricular tachyarrhythmia together with system integrity automatically activate alerts. Results: One hundred and one transmissions were collected and analyzed from the virtual ward. Average follow-up was 7.7±4.8 months, longest follow-up was 18 months. None of the patients experienced complications during the study period, with three of them being follow-up solely through telemetric means by implanting physician. Treatment optimization was successfully conducted via phone consultations, when necessary, without any adverse events. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that RM could be integrated into routine CRT management protocols, enhancing patients care and resource utilization.

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13. Statical Association between Clinical and Histopathological Parameters for Keratinocyte Carcinomas

AC Badiu, CE Simionescu, AE Stepan, C Margaritescu, MM Florescu, BC Andreiana, AM Badiu, OI Creu, A Muraru, C Geormaneanu, RN Ciurea

The most common tumor of the western world is comprised of forms of non-melanoma skin cancers, previously known as keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs) The purpose of this study was to determine de incidence of non-melanoma skin tumors and the relationship between histopathological risk factors in patients with skin cancers. The study was composed from 332 cases of skin malignancies for which clinical and histopathological aggressivity factors were statistically analyzed through comparison tests and also stored digitally. For basal cell carcinoma (BCC) statistical analysis indicated significant relationships between pT category and gender, tumor size, ulceration, depth of invasion and positive resection limits. For squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) statistical analysis indicated significant relationships between pT category and tumor size, depth of invasion and positive resection limits. Clinical and histological analysis of certain characteristics of the above-mentioned skin cancers is an essential step in documenting and improving both prognosis and therapy standards.

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14. Correlation between Coronary Artery Disease and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Using Computed Tomography Coronary Calcium Scans

DC Cucoranu, M Pop, R Niculescu, IB Kosovski, RO Toganel, RA Licu, A Bacarea

Introduction: Concerns about how non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) might contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) have grown as the importance of NAFLD and its relationship to the metabolic syndrome has grown. The purpose of this cross-sectional retrospective is to investigate potential correlations between hepatic steatosis in liver segments seen when measuring calcium score and the presence of atherosclerotic CAD (coronary artery disease). Methods: Two hundred patients (mean age, 57 years±10) who underwent coronary cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans were included. CT scans were analysed to assess the attenuation of liver parenchyma and the coronary artery calcification (CAC). Results: Age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and CAC score were significantly associated with hepatic steatosis. Among all patients, CAC score (r=-0.31, p<0.0001), and BMI (r=-0.40, p<0.0001) had a moderate negative correlation with the values of liver attenuation. BMI (OR: 1.109, p=0.001), CAC score (OR: 1.629, p<0.001), and age (OR: 1.050, p<0.001) were found to be independent predictors of hepatic steatosis through logistic regression. Conclusions: A statistically significant correlation between CAC score and the presence of NAFLD as evaluated by non-contrast-enhanced CT was demonstrated. BMI, CAC score, and age were identified as independent predictors of hepatic steatosis.

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15. The Role of Uterine Artery Doppler in the Second and Third Trimesters for Prediction of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction Developed as a Consequence of Placental-Mediated Diseases

A Tudor, L Novac, IV Camen, MM Manolea, MS Sandulescu, SC Vrabie, MS Serbanescu, MV Boldeanu, AM Istrate-Ofiteru, AL Dijmarescu

Placenta-mediated pregnancy disorders represent a disease that includes preeclampsia (PE) and the birth of small for gestational age (SGA) children, these conditions increase the risk of mortality and morbidity both maternal and fetal/neonatal, in the short and long-term. Methods: The prospective study included 106 patients in whom ultrasound Doppler scans of uterine artery (UtA) were performed in the 2nd trimester between 20.0-23.6 weeks of gestation and the 3rd trimester between 28.0-32.6 weeks of gestation. Results: In the second trimester, the average of the UtA-PI percentiles was statistically significant (p<0.05) in correlation with PE and SGA, as in the third trimester. Statistically significant (p<0.05) was also the correlation of UtA-PI >95 percentile with the development of PE and SGA. On the other hand, the present notch, in the two trimesters studied, analyzed as a single index, did not present a statistically significant association (p>0.05). Conclusions: The results of our study showed that UtA-PI Doppler is the best predictor of preeclampsia considering the association of intrauterine growth restriction, as most studies have found.

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16. Bruxism in Children and Adolescents and its Association with Some Possible Aetiological Factors

AE Craciun, D Cerghizan, S Popsor, C Bica

Bruxism is a nocturnal parafunctional activity represented by grinding and clenching of the teeth. Bruxism is considered to be the most harmful of the parafunctional activities of the stomatognathic system, being responsible for tooth wear, periodontal lesions and joint and/or muscle lesions. This study consists of a group of 189 children (111 male and 78 female) that responded correctly and completely to a questionnaire that contained nine items assessing sleep bruxism. According to our research, there was a statistically significant association between bruxism and headache (p<0.0001), tooth/gingival sensitivity (p<0.0001), muscle stiffness, presence of stress (p<0.0001), and vicious habits. Within the limits of this study, parafunctional phenomena such as nocturnal bruxism interest an important percentage, over 60%, involving children of both genders in relatively equal proportions.

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17. Ventral Hernia Repair and Diabetes Mellitus - A Prospective, Observational and Comparative Study of Outcomes

AM Stan Soare, SD Preda, S Ramboiu, D Cartu, S Patrascu, S Cazacu, V Biciusca, A Turcu-Stiolica, O Andronic, DN Paduraru, I Daniel, V Bintintan, V Oprea, D Marinescu, V Surlin

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity are known to influence postoperative outcomes in surgical patients. This study aimed to analyze the divergence in outcomes between patients with and without DM who underwent ventral hernia repair, while also assessing the additional impact of obesity on postoperative complications, hospitalization, and costs. A prospective, non-interventional, observational study was conducted over five years (2018-2022) at the First Surgical Clinic of Craiova Emergency Clinical Hospital. The study included 216 patients, with 42 (19.44%) having DM, half of whom were also obese. There were no significant differences in age between patients with or without DM. However, diabetes and obesity were more prevalent in female patients. The mean duration of hospitalization was 10.7±8.6 days, with no significant differences observed between patients with or without DM or obesity. Statistical analysis revealed that patients with DM had a higher incidence of seroma formation, wound infection, and hematoma formation compared to patients without DM. However, there were no significant differences in mesh infection, hospitalization days, or costs between the two groups. Similarly, no significant differences were found between obese and non-obese patients in terms of complications, hospitalization days, or costs. In conclusion, this study highlights that DM is associated with an increased risk of specific complications in ventral hernia repair, including seroma formation, wound infection, and hematoma formation. However, the impact of obesity on these outcomes appears to be limited. Individualized preoperative optimization and targeted interventions are necessary to mitigate the risk of complications in patients with DM or obesity.

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18. Considerations on Patients' Quality of Life Following Hand and Forearm Trauma in the Oltenia Region

AF Ghitan, V Gheorman, I Udristoiu, ME Ciurea

Hand and forearm trauma is a significant public health concern that has notable physical, psychological, and socioeconomic implications. Understanding the variations in occurrence and characteristics of injuries across different regions is crucial for effective implementation of preventive measures, management strategies, and resource allocation. The study involved 86 cases, with a range of ages from 18 to 70 years old. The participant group consisted of 11 females and 75 males. A series of clinical parameters were analyzed, including gender, age, environment, and cause of trauma. The study requested that participants provide information regarding if they reintegrated into their professional lives and complete the WHOQOL-BREF assessment, which is a tool used to evaluate quality of life. The current investigation has determined that the primary etiologies for hand and forearm injuries are crush and sharp cuts. The results of the investigation indicate a noteworthy association among Age and Cause, Gender and Age, Age and Professional reintegration, as well as between WHOQOL-BREF scores and different parameters. The procurement of epidemiological data plays a crucial role in broadening our comprehension of acute hand and forearm injuries in the Oltenia region.

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19. Periodontitis Burden in Diffuse Versus Limited Systemic Sclerosis Subtypes: A Pilot Study

A Stanomir, IC Micu, A Picos, A Roman, A Soanca, D Onet, TN Onea, S Rednic, A Ciurea, C Pamfil

Introduction. This study aimed to evaluate the periodontal status of a group of Romanian systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and to investigate the relationships between periodontitis and SSc subtypes. Materials and methods. This observational study included patients diagnosed with limited SSc (lcSSc) and diffuse SSc (dcSSc). Demographic data were collected from medical records. Each participant underwent a full-mouth periodontal examination including Bleeding on Probing (BOP) index, Oral Hygiene (OH) index, Probing Depth (PD), Gingival Recession (GR), and Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL). The periodontal status was defined according to presently recognised case definition system. Results. The study included 30 patients with lcSSc and 30 patients with dcSSc with a mean age of 52.45±11.75 years. The overall periodontitis frequence in our SSc group was 95%. The frequency of stage III/IV periodontitis was higher in the dcSSc group (90%) than in the lcSSc group (60%). The frequency of stage III/IV periodontitis was 90% in the dcSSc group and 60% in the lcSSc group. Within the group of SSc patients, significant positive correlations were observed between age, BoP index, OH index, the number of missing teeth, mean PD, mean CAL on one side and periodontitis diagnosis on the other side (r=0.588, p=0.001; r=0.399, p=0.002; r=0.388, p=0.002; r=0.574, p=0.001; r=0.444, p=0.001; r=0.571, p=0.001). A significant positive correlation existed between the diagnostic of periodontitis and SSc subtypes (r=0.327, p <0.001). Conclusions. Periodontitis was highly prevalent in both lcSSc and dcSSc groups. More stage III/IV periodontitis cases were detected dcSSc group of patients.

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20. Epidural Extramedullary Plasmacytoma Successfully Treated with Surgical Excision and Bortezomib, Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone

AE Martio, GJ Miotto, PM Mesquita Filho, WS Chaves, OR Karam

Plasma cell neoplasms are common, accounting for more than 1% of all malignancies. Its most common form is multiple myeloma, but others, such as extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP), exist. Spinal cord compression secondary to these pathologies is not uncommon, however, adjacent bone involvement is usually present. Spinal cord compression caused by isolated epidural EMP is extremely rare, with only one case reported to date. We describe the case of a 75-year-old female patient that presented with paraparesis, due to an isolated epidural EMP associated with light chain amyloidosis. She was treated with surgical decompression and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and is currently with a 15-month disease-free period.

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