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PubMed1981

The effect of bleeding patterns on the response of haemophilic haemarthroses to different doses of factor VIII.

Three hundred and thirty-nine consecutive bleeds into the knees, elbows and ankles of severe haemophiliacs were graded I if more than 50% of normal movement was present, and graded 2 if less than 50% of normal movement was present. Nursing staff then administered randomly allocated doses of 7,14 or 28 units of factor VIII per kg. Medical staff unaware of initial doses assessed progress thereafter at 12-hourly intervals. Grade I bleeds into "normal" joints showed no difference in response to the three dosage regimes, but grade 2 bleeds did worse on low doses. There was no significant difference in the response to each dose of bleeds into restricted and into target joints. However, when a restricted joint became a target joint as well, both grade I and grade 2 bleeds did badly on low doses. The target joint as well, both grade I and grade 2 bleeds did badly on low doses. The percentage of patients with bleeds into these joints whose range of movement had not returned to baseline 48 h after receiving a low dose of factor VIII was significantly higher than those who had received the higher doses.

Ankle Joint↗
PubMed2004

Increased breakthrough bleeding during prophylaxis with B-domain deleted factor VIII--a robust meta-analytic finding.

Meta-analyses of observational studies have become increasingly common to support evidence-based clinical decisions. We analyzed currently available clinical studies of full-length factor VIII (FL-FVIII) vs. B-domain deleted recombinant factor VIII (BDD-rFVIII) using a random effects model to investigate possible differences in clinical efficacy in patients treated during prophylaxis. Some studies reported breakthrough bleeding incidence as mean annual total bleeds, whereas others reported median bleeds. In accord with the consensus recommendations by the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) group, all available studies where included. For analysis, data were combined by converting median to mean annual total bleeds using a conversion factor of 2.6, based on clinical data previously compiled by the Universal Data Collection Program of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To evaluate the sensitivity of our model upon the choice of conversion factor, we re-estimated incidence rate ratios for breakthrough bleeding over a wide range of conversion factors from 1.4-2.6. Even at the lowest extreme conversion factor of 1.4, bleeding incidence was statistically higher in patients treated with BDD-rFVIII compared with FL-FVIII. We also examined the impact of reported patient age on our multivariate model. Exposure to BDD-rFVIII remained an independent predictor of bleeding, regardless of patient age at start or mean age during prophylaxis. These analyses further support the robustness of our meta-analysis and its conclusions.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

Low-dose aspirin for secondary cardiovascular prevention - cardiovascular risks after its perioperative withdrawal versus bleeding risks with its continuation - review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Low-dose aspirin given for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease is frequently withdrawn prior to surgical or diagnostic procedures to reduce bleeding complications. This may expose patients to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Aim of the study was to review and quantify cardiovascular risks because of periprocedural aspirin withdrawal and bleeding risks with the continuation of aspirin. METHODS: We screened MEDLINE (January 1970-October 2004) with additional manual cross-referencing for clinical studies, surveys on the opinions of doctors and guidelines. RESULTS: Studies reporting the relative risk of acute cardiovascular events after aspirin withdrawal when compared with its continuation were not found. However, retrospective investigations revealed that aspirin withdrawal precedes up to 10.2% of acute cardiovascular syndromes. The time interval between discontinuation and acute cerebral events was 14.3 +/- 11.3 days, 8.5 +/- 3.6 days for acute coronary syndromes, and 25.8 +/- 18.1 days for acute peripheral arterial syndromes (P < 0.02 versus acute coronary syndromes). On aspirin-related bleeding risks, we obtained 41 (12 observational retrospective, 19 observational prospective, 10 randomized) studies, reporting on 49 590 patients (14 981 on aspirin). Baseline frequency of bleeding complications varied between 0 (skin lesion excision, cataract surgery) and 75% (transrectal prostate biopsy). Whilst aspirin increased the rate of bleeding complications by factor 1.5 (median, interquartile range: 1.0-2.5), it did not lead to a higher level of the severity of bleeding complications (exception: intracranial surgery, and possibly transurethral prostatectomy). Surveys amongst doctors on the management of this problem demonstrate wide variations. Available guidelines are scarce and in part contradictory. CONCLUSIONS: Only if low-dose aspirin may cause bleeding risks with increased mortality or sequels comparable with the observed cardiovascular risks after aspirin withdrawal, it should be discontinued prior to an intended operation or procedure. Controlled clinical studies are urgently needed.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1994

Vaginal bleeding and adverse reproductive outcomes: a meta-analysis.

The objective of this paper is to characterise and quantify the association between vaginal bleeding and pregnancy outcome. A meta-analysis was performed in order to quantify the risk of adverse reproductive outcome by combining evidence from all previous studies of vaginal bleeding. The reproductive endpoints considered were low birthweight, preterm birth, stillbirth, perinatal death and congenital malformation. The meta-analysis confirms an association of vaginal bleeding with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but identified discrepancies in the reported risks of vaginal bleeding and magnitudes of association between bleeding and adverse reproductive outcomes, observed across studies. These discrepancies may be attributed to inconsistent definitions of the timing and severity of vaginal bleeding. The implications of such inconsistencies are discussed, suggesting a need for more standardised definitions of vaginal bleeding and reproductive endpoints in future studies.

Abortion, Threatened↗
PubMed2004

Emergency sclerotherapy for control of acute oesophageal variceal bleeding using 3% aqueous phenol: a 15-year experience.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to compare the efficacy of emergency endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy (EVS) using 3% aqueous phenol as an initial procedure to control acute oesophageal variceal bleed. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-five consecutive patients presenting with acute variceal bleed were included in the study. Protocol based endoscopic sclerotherapy and management of bleeding oesophageal varices was done. Immediate cessation of bleeding, re-bleeding within the first 72 h, success of first injection, final success of EVS, short-term mortality, influence of aetiology of portal hypertension and severity of liver disease on these results were studied. RESULTS: Immediate cessation of bleeding was obtained in 191 out of 195 patients (97.9%). Twenty-seven (13.8%) patients re-bled within 72 h. On re-injection final success of EVS was 87.2% (170/195 patients). There was no significant difference between final success rate in cirrhotic versus non-cirrhotic patients (103/118 (87.3%) vs. 67/77 (87%)). Success of first sclerotherapy session was significantly higher than that of second sclerotherapy session. Surgical rescue was required in 25 (12.8%) patients. Mortality was 3.6%. Failure of EVS and mortality was significantly higher in Child's C group (P = 0.04, Relative risk = 0.5, confidence interval 0.22-1.16). CONCLUSION: EVS remains an effective and cost effective modality of treatment to control acute variceal bleeding irrespective of aetiology of portal hypertension provided strict protocol based management is followed. With timely surgical rescue for the failures, the overall mortality can be reduced to less than 5%.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1998

Use of transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of ovarian bleeding: a report of 10 cases.

Ten patients with ovarian bleeding, who were surgically treated, had been preoperatively evaluated using transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound. The blood-flow velocity waveforms of the bleeding also were analyzed. The bleeding artery of the ovary was clearly detected in 9 of 10 (90%) patients by transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound and was later confirmed by either a laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery. Either a corpus luteum cyst or a ruptured corpus luteum was associated with the bleeding in the 9 of the 10 patients. The resistance-index value in each bleeding artery examined in the 9 cases was relatively low, ranging from 0.46 to 0.59 (mean: 0.51). Based on our findings, transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound is useful for preoperatively detecting bleeding arteries in clinically severe cases of ovarian bleeding.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Five years with continuous combined oestrogen/progestogen therapy. Effects on calcium metabolism, lipoproteins, and bleeding pattern.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of long-term continuous combined oestrogen/progestogen therapy on calcium metabolism, lipoproteins, and bleeding pattern in early postmenopausal women. DESIGN: A prospective, open, controlled study. After initial examinations, control examinations were performed every three months for the first two years and every year for the following three (two) years, with determinations of bone mass, serum lipoproteins, and bleeding pattern. SETTING: Out-patient research clinic at The Department of Clinical Chemistry, Glostrup Hospital, Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen healthy women between 6 months and 3 years after a natural menopause, entered in a trial of continuous long-term hormone replacement therapy and a comparison group of 19 age-matched untreated women. INTERVENTION: The treated group received 2 mg of 17 beta-oestradiol combined with 1 mg of norethisterone acetate orally each day continuously for 5 years with a 3 month therapy-free interval after the first 2 years. The women were investigated before treatment, then every 3 months for the first 2 years and every year for the next 3 years for determinations of bone mass, serum lipoproteins and bleeding patterns. The comparison group was followed-up in parallel for the first 4 years. Forearm bone mass was measured with single photon absorptiometry. Blood and urine samples were taken in the morning after an overnight fast and tobacco abstinence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The effects of hormone therapy on bone mineral content in the forearm, on serum and urine indices of calcium metabolism, on serum levels of total, high (HDL-C) and low (LDL-C) density lipoprotein cholesterol, and bleeding pattern. RESULTS: Bone mineral content in the forearm was stable during the 5 years of treatment, whereas it declined significantly averaging 10% after 4 years in the comparison group. The biochemical estimates of bone turnover decreased to premenopausal level in the hormone group, whereas they remained at a high level in the comparison group. In the hormone group total cholesterol and LDL-C decreased by 20% whereas HDL-C was virtually unchanged. The treatment was associated with minor irregular bleeding in nine women during the first 6 months of treatment, after which no bleeding was experienced. CONCLUSION: Continuous combined oestrogen/progestogen therapy can keep early postmenopausal women free of bleeding episodes for a period of 5 years, after the first 6 months in which spotting occurs in 25%. The therapy prevented bone loss completely. The changes in serum lipoproteins were concordant with a lipid profile associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease.

Bone Density↗
PubMed2004

Predictors of bleeding complications in percutaneous ultrasound-guided renal biopsy.

BACKGROUND: The risks associated with performing a percutaneous renal biopsy have substantially decreased in the past two decades because of technical advances in the method. However, bleeding complications still occur, resulting in increased hospital stay and treatment costs. METHODS: We investigated the predictive value of demographics (age, gender), clinical data (blood pressure), baseline chemistry (hemoglobin/hematocrit, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, bleeding time, serum creatinine, daily proteinuria), and needle size for the risk of major (need for blood transfusion, nephrectomy, or angiography) or minor (no need for any intervention) postrenal biopsy bleeding complications. This was a prospective cohort study of 471 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided biopsy of native kidney by automated needle in a single center; all biopsies were performed by two experienced nephrologists. Patients with transplant kidneys were excluded from the study. Predictors of postbiopsy bleeding were assessed by multiple linear and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Data are presented as unadjusted (OR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 471 (277 males, 194 females) patients. Of these, 161 (34.1%) experienced postbiopsy bleeding [157 (33.3%) hematomas, 2 (0.4%) gross hematuria, 2 (0.4%) arteriovenous fistula]. Major complications were seen in 6 (1.2%) patients (blood transfusion, N= 2; angiography, N= 3; nephrectomy, N= 1), but no deaths occurred. The risk of postbiopsy bleeding was higher in women (39.7% women, 30.3% men, AOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.31, P= 0.004), younger subjects (35.0 +/- 14.5 years vs. 40.3 + 15.4, AOR 0.80, CI 0.68 to 0.94, P= 0.006), and patients with higher baseline partial thromboplastin time (102.7 + 11.8% vs. 100.1 + 10.0%, AOR 1.26, CI 1.02 to 1.54, P= 0.032). These findings were independent of size of hematoma. CONCLUSION: Although the methods for performing a percutaneous renal biopsy have improved in the past two decades, renal biopsy is still not a risk-free procedure. Of the data routinely collected for potential predictors of postbiopsy bleeding complications, only gender, age, and baseline partial thromboplastin time show a significant predictive value. The other variables investigated do not have any predictive value.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Intraoperative and postoperative bleeding problems in patients taking warfarin, aspirin, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents. A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Many patients who undergo cutaneous surgery take medications that can affect bleeding. The role of these medications in postoperative bleeding complications is unclear. Dermatologists have no clear guidelines regarding the need to discontinue these medications preoperatively. OBJECTIVE: We designed a prospective study to evaluate the incidence of postoperative bleeding complications in patients taking aspirin, warfarin, or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents. METHODS: Data were collected from patients undergoing Mohs surgery regarding preoperative medication history, operative bleeding, and postoperative bleeding. Frequency of postoperative bleeding complications was then evaluated. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative bleeding complications between patients on aspirin, warfarin, or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents, when compared with controls. CONCLUSION: It may not be necessary to discontinue aspirin, warfarin, or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents in patients undergoing many common dermatologic surgical procedures, such as Mohs surgery.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed2006

An association of candidate gene haplotypes and bleeding severity in von Willebrand disease type 2A, 2B, and 2M pedigrees.

We analyzed the association of bleeding severity with candidate gene haplotypes within pedigrees of 11 index cases of von Willebrand disease (VWD) type 2 (two type 2A, three type 2B and six type 2M), using the QTL Association model (MENDEL 5.5). In addition to the 11 index cases, these pedigrees included 47 affected and 49 unaffected relatives, as defined by VWF mutations and/or phenotype. A bleeding severity score was derived from a detailed history and adjusted for age. Donors were genotyped using a primer extension method, and eight candidate genes were selected for analysis. VWF antigen (or ristocetin cofactor activity) levels had the strongest influence on bleeding severity score. After Bonferroni correction for multiple testing, only ITGA2 promoter haplotype -52T was associated with an increased bleeding severity score (P < 0.01). This association remained statistically significant when the three type 2B pedigrees were excluded (P = 0.012) or when gender-specific bleeding categories were excluded (P < 0.01). The major haplotypes of seven other candidate genes, GP1BA, ITGA2B, ITGB3, GP6, VWF, FGB, and IL6, were not associated with bleeding severity. These results establish that genetic differences in the expression of the integrin subunit alpha2 can influence the bleeding phenotype of VWD type 2 and complement our previous findings in VWD type 1. Genetically controlled attenuation of platelet collagen receptor expression can influence risk for morbidity in clinical settings where hemostasis is compromised.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Self-reported rectal bleeding in a United States community: prevalence, risk factors, and health care seeking.

OBJECTIVE: Little data on rectal bleeding in the U.S. population are available. We therefore sought to assess the prevalence of different types of rectal bleeding, their association with potential risk factors including other colonic symptoms, and predictors of health care seeking in a U.S. community. METHODS: We used a crossectional survey by mail, applying a previously validated self-report symptom questionnaire. Our population comprised an age- and gender-stratified random sample of Olmsted County, Minnesota residents aged 20-64 yr. RESULTS: In total, 1643 responded (77%). Rectal bleeding was reported by 235 subjects (age- and gender-adjusted prevalence, 15.5 per 100; 95% confidence interval [CI], 13.6-17.4); 218 found blood on wiping, 74 noted blood coating the stools, and 46 reported dark blood mixed in the stools. The prevalence of rectal bleeding was significantly higher in younger persons (18.9%, 20-40 yr vs 11.3% > 40 yr; p < 0.001). By stepwise logistic regression analysis, constipation (odds ratio [OR] = 3.03; 95% CI, 2.09-4.41) and diarrhea (OR = 1.90; 95% CI, 1.25-2.84) were independent predictors of rectal bleeding. Among those with rectal bleeding, 13.9% (95% CI, 9.6-19.1%) had visited a physician for bowel problems in the prior yr; only a history of abdominal surgery was an independent predictor of physician visits but this explained just 15.9% of the deviance. CONCLUSIONS: In otherwise healthy young and middle-aged persons, approximately one in seven have a history of rectal bleeding and this is more frequent in younger people; only a minority seek health care and this is not related to symptom status.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Treatment of chronic bleeding from gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) with estrogen-progesterone in cirrhotic patients: an open pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare cause of chronic bleeding in cirrhotic patients. Treatment of GAVE with surgical or nonsurgical portal decompression, beta-blockers, or endoscopic therapy provides disappointing results. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of estrogen-progesterone therapy, which has been reported to control chronic bleeding in gastrointestinal vascular malformations, such as Osler-Weber Rendu disease or angiodysplasia, in GAVE-related chronic bleeding. METHODS: Six cirrhotic patients who bled chronically from GAVE were included. Three had alcoholic cirrhosis, two cryptogenic cirrhosis, and one primary biliary cirrhosis. Grade 1 esophageal varices were noted in four patients. Bleeding could not be controlled by beta-blockers, and endoscopic therapy was not considered given the extension of the antral vascular lesions. RESULTS: Before the start of therapy, transfusion requirements averaged 3.5 units/month over a 1.5-11 month period of observation. Patients were then treated with a combination of ethynil estradiol 30 microg and noretisterone 1.5 mg daily. During follow-up (range 3-12 months), bleeding did not recur in four patients; in one patient, treatment with estrogen progesterone decreased the need for transfusions from 4 units/month to 1.4 unit/month; this patient stopped the treatment inadvertently after 6 months and severe anemia recurred with a need for 4 units of blood in the following month; reintroduction of the treatment resulted in an increase of hemoglobin levels without the need for blood transfusions during the following 4 months. In the last patient, a 5-month treatment did not improve chronic bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that estrogen-progesterone therapy is useful in the treatment of chronic bleeding related to GAVE; however, these findings require confirmation by a controlled trial.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Seasonal variations in variceal bleeding mortality and hospitalization in France.

OBJECTIVES: The circadian variation in portal blood pressure and in the diurnal incidence of variceal bleeding is well known, but the seasonal variation in variceal bleeding is still controversial. This report analyzes the seasonal variations in mortality and hospitalizations due to variceal bleeding in the French population. METHODS: All the deaths due to variceal bleeding that occurred from 1987 to 1996 (N = 13,514) and all adults discharged from French public hospitals for variceal bleeding from 1995 to 1997 (N = 17,026) were examined retrospectively. Cumulated monthly averages were expressed as the percentage above or below the average monthly value during the entire study period. RESULTS: Deaths due to variceal bleeding in France occurred with a clear annual periodicity and peaked in winter (December/January), both in the overall population and in subgroups defined by age and sex, except for women. The distribution of cumulative monthly deaths differed by 24%, with a peak (14% above average) in December and a trough (10% below average) in July (Roger's test: p < 0.001). Hospitalizations for variceal bleeding in French public hospitals followed a similar seasonal pattern (p < 0.001) with a winter-spring predominance (4% to 7% from December through April), except in patients aged 15-49 yr. There was a short sharp peak of mortality in early winter in French public hospitals. The seasonality of hospitalization and death increased markedly with age. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of these age- and sex-specific seasonal patterns would allow to improve pharmacological protection measures, disease management, and educational strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to report our experience with treating GI bleeding in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). METHODS: Consecutive patients with GI bleeding referred to the Yale University Vascular Malformation Center underwent clinical evaluation and endoscopy. Hb and blood transfusion requirements for 1 yr before and after evaluation were documented. Patients with a mean Hb or= 12 units packed red blood cells (PRBC)/yr were defined as patients with significant bleeding. Drug therapies, including ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone, danazol, and aminocaproic acid, were prescribed on an individual patient basis. RESULTS: The study included 43 HHT patients with a mean age of 57 yr. Endoscopy revealed telangiectases in the esophagus (1/41), stomach (33/41), duodenum (33/41), jejunum (5/9), and colon (10/32). Patients with > 20 telangiectases visualized on esophagogastroduodenoscopy had a significantly lower mean Hb of 7.9, compared with 9.4 (p = 0.007), and a trend toward higher blood transfusion requirements. Non-HHT-related causes of GI bleeding were diagnosed in four patients. During a mean follow up of 18.9 months, the group of 40 patients with HHT-related bleeding had improvements in their mean Hb and blood transfusion requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Some HHT patients with GI bleeding improve on drug therapies, but others fail. Transfusion-dependent GI bleeding is difficult to manage, and optimal management may include both medical and endoscopic treatments.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Success and shortcomings of a clinical care pathway in the management of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

OBJECTIVES: Acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is the most common medical emergency encountered by gastroenterologists resulting in high patient morbidity and cost. We sought to establish if a GI bleeding clinical care pathway could improve the quality and cost effectiveness of inpatient medical care. METHODS: A disease management program for acute upper GI bleeding was established. Length of stay, time to endoscopy, utilization of potentially unnecessary radiological tests, acid suppression, and cost of care were compared between patients pre- and postinitiation of GI bleeding pathway guidelines. RESULTS: The instituted GI bleeding management program significantly reduced the use of intravenous H2-blockade from 65.3% to 47.7% (p = 0.002). The use of radiological tests, time to endoscopy, and length of hospital of stay were unchanged. There was a trend toward a reduction in total cost and variable direct cost per patient admitted with acute upper GI bleeding, from $5,381 to $4,627 and from $2,269 to $1,952, respectively. CONCLUSION: A clinical care pathway may affect the management of acute upper GI bleeding and reduce costs. However, there are significant limitations and barriers to the overall effectiveness of such a pathway in actual clinical practice.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

A prospective, randomized comparison of adrenaline injection in combination with detachable snare versus adrenaline injection alone in the prevention of postpolypectomy bleeding in large colonic polyps.

OBJECTIVES: Our study sought to compare the efficacy of adrenaline injection in combination with detachable snare versus adrenaline injection alone in the prevention of postpolypectomy bleeding in large colonic polyps. METHODS: At the time of colonoscopy, patients with at least one colonic polyp > or =2 cm were randomized to receive treatment either by the injection of a 1:10.000 solution of adrenaline and the position of a detachable snare followed by a conventional snare polypectomy (group A) or injection of adrenaline followed by a conventional snare polypectomy (group B). A total of 159 consecutive patients were randomly assigned to one of the above groups. Out of them, 84 patients (47 men, 37 women, mean age 61 yr) were assigned to group A and 75 (37 men, 38 women, mean age 64 yr) to group B. Early (<24 h) and late (>24 h-30 days) bleeding complications were assessed. RESULTS: Overall bleeding complications occurred in 10/159 (6.2%) of the patients. There were two cases of bleeding in group A (2.3%), and eight in group B (10.6%) (P= 0.04). The number of early bleeding episodes was significantly reduced in group A patients (1 case) compared to that of group B (7 cases) (P= 0.02). In contrast, there was no significant difference between group A and B as far as late bleeding is concerned. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the use of adrenaline injection in combination with detachable snare may significantly decrease the number of early postpolypectomy bleeding episodes in patients with large colonic polyps.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Use of gingival bleeding for reinforcement of oral home care behavior.

The present study examined the use of gingival bleeding as a reinforcement mechanism for interproximal home care with the toothpick. After initial assessments of plaque and gingival bleeding, 36 subjects were given a professional toothcleaning and instructed to maintain oral hygiene by toothbrushing alone for 3 months. After 3 months of brushing only, subjects were re-examined and given another professional toothcleaning. Having been matched for age and percentage of sites bleeding on probing, as determined at the initial examination, they were than randomly attached to one of three groups. One group, the control, continued to clean their teeth with only a toothbrush, while the other two groups used the toothbrush supplemented with the toothpick for interproximal subgingival cleaning. Both toothpick groups received identical instruction in toothpick technique, but one group was taught to use bleeding as an interpretive device for health. Three months later, clinical assessments indicated significantly less gingival bleeding for both toothpick groups as compared with the control (whose gingival health worsened). Although there was no significant difference between the final scores of the toothpick groups, only the group that used gingival bleeding as a sign of disease showed a significant improvement in gingival health (P less than 0.003), and also had a fivefold higher rate of return of self-report compliance cards. These results suggest that the use of gingival bleeding as a reinforcement mechanism should be considered as a strategy in oral home care instruction to promote compliance with recommended behavior.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Self-assessed bleeding in monitoring gingival health among adolescents.

The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional community-based investigation was to assess the self-assessment of bleeding and plaque as methods to monitor gingival health among adolescents. Two study groups (n = 184 each) of 14-year-old Finnish school children performed either of self-assessment plaque or bleeding. Prior to that they were clinically examined by 10 dentists from the community dental service who recorded bleeding on probing from four surfaces of all teeth (BOP%) and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) status. The self-assessment of plaque was not significantly correlated with a clinical bleeding on probing measurement (BOP%). The self-assessment of bleeding, based on observed bleeding after toothbrushing and after interproximal cleaning with toothpicks, exhibited statistically significant correlation with BOP% (r = 0.54, P < 0.001). Percent agreement was 75%, kappa agreement 0.33, sensitivity 31% and specificity 71%, respectively. In conclusion, the preliminary results suggest that the self-assessment of bleeding does not have sufficient validity for screening individuals but it could be a useful method for monitoring gingival health of populations, in particular, if the concurrent aim is to enhance periodontal awareness.

Adolescent↗