Abstract

We performed intravenous sedation with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride during minor oral surgery and compared this agent with propofol. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: dexmedetomidine hydrochloride (D) and propofol (P) groups. In Group D, systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased immediately after the start of initial loading, although no significant differences were noted. Both SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) gradually decreased during maintenance administration and were significantly lower than pretreatment values. The heart rate decreased immediately after the start of administration and was significantly lower during both initial loading and maintenance administration; the heart rate was also significantly lower than that in Group P. In Group D, arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) significantly decreased after the sedation level reached an optimum level until the end of administration. The bispectral index (BIS) value gradually decreased during initial loading. At the optimal sedation level, it decreased to 80 to 85. During maintenance administration, marked changes were observed in this parameter. No marked differences in amnestic effects and comfort were noted between the 2 groups. If the sedation level can be evaluated accurately via another objective method, intravenous sedation with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride may be useful in dental treatment.

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of topical benzocaine 20% versus a combination of lidocaine, tetracaine, and phenylephrine in providing sufficient analgesia for the placement of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices (TADs). The 2 topical anesthetics were tested against each other bilaterally using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. The agents were left in place for the amount of time prescribed by the manufacturer. The TAD was then placed, and each subject rated the degree of pain on a Heft-Parker visual analogue scale. A pulse oximeter was used to record the preoperative and postoperative pulse rates. Statistically significant differences in perceived pain (P < .05) and success rate (P < .01) between drugs were seen, but no significant difference in pulse rate change between the topical anesthetics was observed (P > .05). It was concluded that when the efficacy of topical benzocaine and of a combination product was compared as the sole anesthetic to facilitate acceptable pain control for placement of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices, the combination product was considerably more efficacious.

Abstract

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzymatic disorder of red blood cells in humans. It is estimated that about 400 million people are affected by this deficiency.1 The G6PD enzyme catalyzes the first step in the pentose phosphate pathway, leading to antioxidants that protect cells against oxidative damage.2 A G6PD-deficient patient, therefore, lacks the ability to protect red blood cells against oxidative stresses from certain drugs, metabolic conditions, infections, and ingestion of fava beans.3 The following is a literature review, including disease background, pathophysiology, and clinical implications, to help guide the clinician in management of the G6PD-deficient patient. A literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, OMIM, and Google; this was supplemented by a search for selected authors. Keywords used were glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, anesthesia, analgesia, anxiolysis, management, favism, hemolytic anemia, benzodiazepines, codeine, codeine derivatives, ketamine, barbiturates, propofol, opioids, fentanyl, and inhalation anesthetics. Based on titles and abstracts, 23 papers and 1 website were identified. The highest prevalence of G6PD is reported in Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the central and southern Pacific islands; however, G6PD deficiency has now migrated to become a worldwide disease. Numerous drugs, infections, and metabolic conditions have been shown to cause acute hemolysis of red blood cells in the G6PD-deficient patient, with the rare need for blood transfusion. Benzodiazepines, codeine/codeine derivatives, propofol, fentanyl, and ketamine were not found to cause hemolytic crises in the G6PD-deficient patient. The most effective management strategy is to prevent hemolysis by avoiding oxidative stressors. Thus, management for pain and anxiety should include medications that are safe and have not been shown to cause hemolytic crises, such as benzodiazepines, codeine/codeine derviatives, propofol, fentanyl, and ketamine. The authors of this article make 5 particular recommendations: (1) Anyone suspected of G6PD deficiency should be screened; (2) exposure to oxidative stressors in these individuals should be avoided; (3) these patients should be informed of risks along with signs and symptoms of an acute hemolytic crisis; (4) the clinician should be able to identify both laboratory and clinical signs of hemolysis; and finally, (5) if an acute hemolytic crisis is identified, the patient should be admitted for close observation and care.

Effective Dosage of Flunitrazepam on Behavioral Management during Dental Treatment in Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Akiko Shiki, Yukio Ishikura, Katsuya Ogata

2009;37(1):7-14

We provided flunitrazepam for behavioral management during dental treatment in cerebral palsy (CP) patients. In order to elucidate the relationship between physical condition and the effective dose of flunitrazepam in behavioral management, regression analysis was performed on categories of physical difficulty to dental treatment as independent variables and on effective doses of flunitrazepam in behavioral management of CP patients as dependent variables.

Subjects and Methods: The subjects were 24 CP patients who were classified in 3 groups: A1,

CAN CONTINUING EDUCATION EVER BE HARMFUL?

Psychosedation With Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride During Minor Oral Surgery

Abstract

Comparative Efficacy of 2 Topical Anesthetics for the Placement of Orthodontic Temporary Anchorage Devices

Abstract

Perioperative Management of the Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficient Patient: A Review of Literature

Abstract

Preoperative Medical Evaluation: Part 1: General Principles and Cardiovascular Considerations

Abstract

Continuing Education Program

JDSA JOURNAL ABSTRACTS

Effective Dosage of Flunitrazepam on Behavioral Management during Dental Treatment in Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Continuing Education Program

JDSA JOURNAL ABSTRACTS

CAN CONTINUING EDUCATION EVER BE HARMFUL?

Psychosedation With Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride During Minor Oral Surgery

Comparative Efficacy of 2 Topical Anesthetics for the Placement of Orthodontic Temporary Anchorage Devices