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Biomedical subjects

G Burnside

Publications and source records attributed to G Burnside.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Dental anxiety, distress at induction and postoperative morbidity in children undergoing tooth extraction using general anaesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the prevalence of postoperative morbidity in children undergoing tooth extraction under chair dental general anaesthetic (CDGA) in relation to pre-operative dental anxiety and anaesthetic induction distress. DESIGN: A prospective national study. SETTING: Twenty-five Scottish DGA centres in 2001. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Four hundred and seven children (mean age 6.6 years; range: 2.3 to 14.8 years; 52% male). Before CDGA, the Modified Child Dental Anxiety (MCDAS) and Modified Dental Anxiety (MDAS) Scales were completed for children and accompanying adult respectively; the latter also returned a morbidity questionnaire 24 hours and one week post-operatively. Anaesthetic induction distress was scored immediately before CDGA induction using the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS). RESULTS: The mean MCDAS score was 24.2 (population norm 18.2); 21% of adults were anxious. Forty-two per cent of children had induction distress; this related to their MCDAS scores (r=0.43, p<0.001, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient). Morbidity at 24 hours and seven days was 63% and 24% respectively; this related to MCDAS scores (r=0.15, p=0.029 and r=0.17, p=0.009, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient) and to induction distress (chi2=7.14, p=0.007 and chi2=11.70, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The majority of children suffered next day morbidity and many still had symptoms a week later. Most children were dentally anxious; this related to induction distress and postoperative morbidity.

Adolescent↗

An investigation of the relationship between untreated decayed teeth and dental sepsis in 5-year-old children.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of dental sepsis in 5-year-old children in Scotland and the relationship between sepsis, treated and untreated decayed teeth, oral cleanliness (visible plaque on anterior teeth) and socio-economic deprivation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Six thousand, nine hundred and ninety-four children of mean age 5.3 years were examined as part of a survey conducted under the Scottish Health Board's Dental Epidemiological Programme. The presence of dental sepsis was recorded, in addition to caries status, and presence of plaque. Postal code information was used to obtain a measure of material deprivation. Relationships between sepsis and its possible contributory factors were explored using stepwise logistic regression. MAIN RESULTS: In the whole sample, 4.8% of children examined had dental sepsis, ranging from 2% in the most affluent areas to 11% in the most deprived. Children with sepsis had much higher caries experience (mean dmft 6.30) than those without sepsis (mean dmft 2.36). However, when these factors and the presence of plaque were entered into a logistic regression model to predict presence or absence of dental sepsis, the most important factor was not deprivation, but untreated decay. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of children with sepsis increases markedly with caries experience. This disadvantage can be mitigated if more of the caries experience is treated. These findings would not support a policy of non-intervention for deciduous caries if oral sepsis is to be minimised.

Child, Preschool↗

Statistical aspects of design and analysis of clinical trials for the prevention of caries.

This paper considers the methods used in design and analysis of recent clinical trials of topical fluoride interventions designed to prevent the development of dental caries in children, with particular consideration given to issues related to cluster-randomized trials. Studies which met the inclusion criteria were recent clinical trials of topical fluoride interventions published since 1990, conducted in children under 16 years of age, with caries as the outcome variable. Papers not published in English were translated. Information was extracted from the published trial reports on the units of randomization and analysis. The papers were also studied to assess if reporting allowed the assessment of potential consent bias in cluster-randomized trials and the reproduction of sample size calculations. Fifteen trials published since 1990 were included, of which five were cluster randomized. Only 1 of the 5 accounted for the clustering in the analysis. For the other four trials, it was possible to calculate that values from 0.002 (for DMFS) and 0.08 (for being caries free) for the intracluster correlation coefficient within schools could result in statistically non-significant findings. 3 of the 5 cluster-randomized trials did not report the consenting procedure in enough detail to judge whether consent bias could be present. Only 1 of the total 15 trials reported a sample size calculation. In summary, researchers should be aware of the importance of correctly analyzing cluster-randomized data and thorough reporting of clinical trials according to the CONSORT guidelines.

Adolescent↗

Factors influencing referral of children for dental extractions under general and local anaesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relative importance of a range of explanatory variables concerning why child patients in Scotland enter pathways for tooth extractions under either Dental General Anaesthesia (DGA) or local anaesthesia (LA). BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving DGA centres across Scotland. Data collected related to demographic characteristics of child DGA patients, reported anxiety and dental attendance levels of patients and parents, reasons given by referring practitioners for requesting DGA, number and type of teeth extracted and parental beliefs and attitudes to DGA. Similar data were collected relating to children having teeth extracted in primary care under LA. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine which factors were the best predictors of anaesthetic choice. RESULTS: 425 and 121 children having dental extractions under DGA and LA respectively participated. Ninety-six percent of DGA cases and 48% of LA patients had extractions for caries. For DGA cases, the mean age was 6.7 years, an average of 5.3 teeth were extracted and dental anxiety levels were higher than population norms. Multivariate analysis found the number of teeth extracted was the major predictor of anaesthetic type. On removing this variable, age became the most important factor, with 99% of children under 5.5 years receiving a DGA. Among DGA patients, 25% were reported to have had a previous DGA for tooth extraction. CONCLUSIONS: Future reductions in DGA numbers will be dependent on decreasing the number of young children presenting with advanced caries in multiple teeth. Consequently, guidelines are required concerning the prevention and appropriate management of caries in the primary dentition.

Adolescent↗

The role of dental therapists working in four personal dental service pilots: type of patients seen, work undertaken and cost-effectiveness within the context of the dental practice.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the type of patients seen and work undertaken by dental therapists employed in four personal dental service practices and to report on their cost-effectiveness within the context of the dental practice. METHOD: All members of the dental team used a standard day sheet to record all patient contacts and procedures undertaken in that session. Dental therapists recorded data for 30 consecutive sessions and dentists recorded information for 20 sessions. Items were recorded in sufficient detail to allow later matching with the GDS statement of remuneration and a calculation of the average gross fees and patient charges per session. RESULTS: The role of the dental therapist varied between the practices studied. In two practices the therapist saw a high proportion of child patients, and in one of these this was combined with providing care for a high number of adult patients who were exempt from patient charges. In the two practices where the dental team did not include a dental hygienist, the dental therapist had a relatively high workload providing dental hygiene care for adult patients. It appears that the gross fees and patient charges generated by the dental therapist in all four PDS practices fail to cover the cost of the salary of the dental therapist, dental nurse and associated overheads borne by the practice.

Adult↗

Modified IOTN: an orthodontic treatment need index for use in oral health surveys.

This paper reports the results of a study of the reliability of a modified version of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) for use in oral health surveys. Twelve non-specialist dental examiners were trained in the use of the Modified IOTN using a standardised teaching protocol lasting approximately 1.5 hours. Following a school-based calibration exercise it was found that nearly all the examiners achieved either good or excellent agreement (mean Kappa=0.74). The average sensitivity and specificity scores were 0.90 and 0.84, respectively. The Modified IOTN appears to overcome the training and reliability problems that often accompany the use of orthodontic indices by non-specialists in oral health surveys.

Child↗

An intervention programme to establish regular toothbrushing: understanding parents' beliefs and motivating children.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To determine the benefit of twice daily toothbrushing on newly erupted first permanent molars. To investigate, through the Health Belief Model, how parents' beliefs influence the likelihood of their children brushing twice a day. To identify aspects of a toothbrushing intervention programme that can be used in general dental practice. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Schools in deprived communities in Scotland. PARTICIPANTS: 461, 5-year-old children. INTERVENTIONS/METHODS: Supervised toothbrushing on school-days with a 1,000 ppm chalk-based fluoride toothpaste for two years. A school and home-based incentive scheme including toothbrushing charts, 6-monthly dental examinations and parental questionnaires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Caries increment and twice daily toothbrushing. RESULTS: In the control group, children who brushed once a day or less had 64% more caries than those who brushed at least twice a day (P = 0.001). In the intervention group this difference in caries was reduced to 16% (P > 0.05). The most significant parental belief explaining variation in twice-daily brushing was whether parents feel strongly that there is time to check their child's toothbrushing (P = 0.0001). The odds of these parents reporting that their child brushes twice daily are nearly three times greater. 95% of parents felt that toothbrushing charts would be a good way for dentists in practice to encourage children to brush regularly. CONCLUSIONS: The benefit of twice daily toothbrushing on caries development in newly erupted first permanent molar teeth is around 50% compared to brushing once a day or less. Parents' beliefs do influence the likelihood of their children brushing twice a day. Key parts of the intervention programme can be used when children attend general dental practice and would be welcomed by parents.

Behavior Therapy↗

"Doing" diversity. Holy Cross Health System facilities honor differences in different ways.

Holy Cross Health System (HCHS), a South Bend, IN-based organization that stretches from coast to coast, has instituted a diversity initiative to take advantage of demographic changes in its facilities' work forces and the communities they are serving. Launched by Holy Cross's corporate headquarters, the program is carried out by the member facilities, each of which had added its own ideas. HCHS's diversity program has three major components: Consciousness-raising among employees. Activities range from "transcultural rounds" for nursing students to fashion shows in which employees wear costumes from their places of national origin. Educating the larger community. HCHS facilities have been urged to increase awareness of diversity among physicians, patients, vendors, and local business and civic leaders. Strategic thinking. The leaders of HCHS facilities have been advised to integrate diversity into their strategic planning. Leaders are familiarizing themselves with the different cultural, ethnic, and religious groups in the community and preparing their facilities to take full advantage of those groups' contributions.

Catholicism↗

Melphalan concentration and distribution in the tissues of tumour-bearing limbs treated by isolated limb perfusion.

Levels of melphalan (L-phenylalanine mustard) were measured in the tissues of tumour-bearing limbs treated by isolated limb perfusion (ILP). 41 samples of melanoma tissue, normal fat and skin were excised from 15 patients during ILP. A high performance liquid chromatography assay was used to measure melphalan concentrations. Levels of melphalan were higher in tumour than in fat (P < 0.01, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test), and not significantly different from levels in adjacent skin. In 2 cases there was significant regional toxicity in the treated limb, but this was not related to the levels of melphalan measured in the tissues of the limb. It is encouraging that the concentrations of melphalan which were achieved in large necrotic nodules by ILP were similar to those in well-perfused normal skin.

Adipose Tissue↗

The pharmacokinetic advantages of isolated limb perfusion with melphalan for malignant melanoma.

We describe melphalan pharmacokinetics in 26 patients treated by isolated limb perfusion (ILP). Group A (n = 11) were treated with a bolus of melphalan (1.5 mg kg-1), and in a phase I study the dose was increased to 1.75 mg kg-1. The higher dose was given as a bolus to Group B (n = 9), and by divided dose to Group C (n = 6). Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) the concentrations of melphalan in the arterial and venous perfusate (during ILP) and in the systemic circulation (during and after ILP) were measured. Areas under the concentration time curves for perfusate (AUCa, AUCv) and systemic (AUCs) data were calculated. In all three groups the peak concentrations of melphalan were much higher in the perfusate than in the systemic circulation. The pharmacokinetic advantages of ILP can be quantified by the ratio of AUCa/AUCs, median value 37.8 (2.1-131). AUCa and AUCv were both significantly greater in Group B than in Group A (P values less than 0.01, Mann-Whitney). In Groups B and C acceptable 'toxic' reactions occurred but were not simply related to melphalan levels. Our phase I study has allowed us to increase the dose of melphalan to 1.75 mg kg-1, but we found no pharmacokinetic advantage from divided dose administration.

Arteries↗

Cancer at the workplace: health promotion and care programs.

The "Europe Against Cancer" initiative seeks to reduce the prevalence of cancer by 15% by the year 2000. This has stimulated an increased awareness of cancer by health care professionals. A training manual was designed to provide opportunities for workplace health care professionals in Northern Ireland to make an impact in the area of prevention and early detection of cancer. The training manual examines attitudes and knowledge about cancer and discusses relevant, effective programs for the prevention and early detection of cancer. It also seeks to enable the development of care and rehabilitation support programs in the workplace. The process of developing the training manual involving occupational health and health education staff is considered to be part of its success.

Attitude to Health↗

A randomised controlled trial of the efficacy of supervised toothbrushing in high-caries-risk children.

Scottish children have one of the highest levels of caries experience in Europe. Only 33% of 5-year-old children in Dundee who developed caries in their first permanent molars by 7 brushed their teeth twice a day. High-caries-risk children should benefit if they brush more often with fluoridated toothpaste. The aim of this clinical trial was to determine the reduction in 2-year caries increment that can be achieved by daily supervised toothbrushing on school-days with a toothpaste containing 1,000 ppm fluoride (as sodium monofluorophosphate) and 0.13% calcium glycerophosphate, combined with recommended daily home use, compared to a control group involving no intervention other than 6-monthly clinical examinations. Five hundred and thirty-four children, mean age 5.3, in schools in deprived areas of Tayside were recruited. Each school had two parallel classes, one randomly selected to be the brushing class and the other, the control. Local mothers were trained as toothbrushing supervisors. Children brushed on school-days and received home supplies. A single examiner undertook 6-monthly examinations recording plaque, caries (D(1) level), and used FOTI to supplement the visual caries examination. For children in the brushing classes, the 2-year mean caries increment on first permanent molars was 0.81 at D(1) and 0.21 at D(3) compared to 1.19 and 0.48 for children in the control classes (significant reductions of 32% at D(1) and 56% at D(3)). In conclusion, high-caries-risk children have been shown to have significantly less caries after participating in a supervised toothbrushing programme with a fluoridated toothpaste.

Cariostatic Agents↗