Leprosy, a neglected disease that causes a wide variety of clinical conditions in tropical countries

Leprosy is an ancient disease that remains endemic and continues to be a major public health problem in some tropical countries, where it has been internationally recognized as being linked to the underdevelopment conditions. The natural course of the disease covers a wide variety of clinical conditions with systemic involvement. In this paper, we review the findings obtained in studies of the pathological mechanisms of leprosy, including a survey of the literature and of our own work. The understanding and control of the wide variety of clinical conditions should help improve patient care and thus prevent the onset of physical impairment and the stigma of the disease.CNPqCNPqFAEPA/FMRP-USPFAEPA/FMRPUSPFPCHFPC

Double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled clinical trial with clobetasol propionate in desquamative gingivitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a 0.05% clobetasol propionate ointment administered in trays to 22 patients with desquamative gingivitis in a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial. Patients received container number 1 and were instructed to apply the ointment 3 times a day for 2 weeks, and to reduce the application to once a day in the third week. Next, the patients were then instructed to discontinue the treatment for 2 weeks, and were then given container 2, used in the same way and for the same length of time as container 1. Regarding signs, 17 patients presented some improvement, while 5 experienced worsening with clobetasol propionate. With the placebo, 14 patients presented some improvement, and 8 patients presented worsening. For symptoms, there was complete improvement in 2 patients, partial improvement in 12, no response in 7, and worsening in 1 with clobetasol propionate. With the placebo, there was partial improvement in 8 patients, no response in 12 and worsening in 2. No statistically significant difference was found between clobetasol and placebo (p>0.05). Within the period designed to treat the gingival lesions of the patients, clobetasol propionate did not significantly outperform the placebo.O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do propionato de clobetasol a 0,05% administrada com moldeiras em 22 pacientes com gengivite descamativa por meio de estudo duplo-cego, cruzado, placebo-controlado. Pacientes receberam bisnaga número 1 e foram instruídos a aplicar a pomada 3 vezes ao dia por um período de 2 semanas, e reduzir a aplicação para 1 vez ao dia na terceira semana. Os pacientes foram instruídos a suspender o tratamento por 2 semanas, e então receberam a bisnaga 2, usando-a da mesma maneira que o container 1. Com relação aos sinais, 17 pacientes apresentaram alguma melhora, enquanto 5 apresentaram piora com o propionato de clobetasol. Com o uso do placebo, 14 pacientes apresentaram alguma melhora, e 8 pacientes apresentaram piora do seu quadro clínico. Com relação aos sintomas, houve completa melhora em 2 pacientes, melhora parcial em 12, ausência de resposta em 7, e piora em 1 pacientes durante o uso do propionato de clobetasol. Com o uso do placebo, houve melhora parcial em 8 pacientes, ausência de resposta em 12 e piora dos sintomas em 2 pacientes. Não foi verificada diferença estatisticamente significante em nenhum dos parâmetros entre o uso do clobetasol e placebo; p>0,05. Baseado no protocolo utilizado neste grupo de pacientes, o propionato de clobetasol não demonstrou efetividade significante quando comparado ao placebo

Avaliação do potencial carcinogênico do cadmio no epitélio de revestimento do palato e gengiva de ratos: estudo morfológico e morfométrico

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that exerts a variety of toxic effects, chronic and acute, in exposed organisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the carcinogenic potential of Cd in the palatal and gingival epithelium of Wistar rats. Two groups of animals were studied: group 1 consisted of 5 rats exposed to cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in drinking water (300 mg/L) for 6 months; group 2 also consisted of 5 rats placed in the same conditions as those of group 1, but kept free of Cd for 6 additional months. Two other groups (C1 and C2) with the same number of animals, but not exposed to CdCl2, were used as a control for groups 1 and 2, respectively. All animals were weighed before and after the experimental period. After animals being killed, tissues of interest were fixed in solution of 10% formalin, processed by standard histologic techniques, stained with HE, and analyzed under light microscopy using karyometric and stereologic parameters. Loss of body weight, atrophy of the gingiva and soft-palate epithelium were the principal findings of this study, and verified only in the group 1 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, at the concentration tested, Cd presented no carcinogenic effect on the oral tissues within the experimental time period.Cádmio (Cd) é um metal pesado que exerce uma variedade de efeitos tóxicos, crônicos e agudos, em organismos expostos. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o potencial carcinogênico do Cd no epitélio do palato e da gengiva de ratos Wistar. Dois grupos de animais foram estudados: grupo 1 que consistiu de 5 ratos expostos a cloreto de cádmio (CdCl2) em água de bebedouro (300 mg/L) por um período de 6 meses; grupo 2 que também consistiu de 5 ratos submetidos às mesmas condições dos animais do grupo 1, mas permaneceu livre de Cd por um período adicional de 6 meses. Dois outros grupos (C1 and C2) com o mesmo número de animais, entretanto não expostos ao CdCl2, foram usados como controle para o grupo 1 e 2, respectivamente. Todos os animais foram pesados antes e após o período experimental. Após terem sido sacrificados, os tecidos de interesse para o estudo foram fixados em formalina a 10%, processados por meio de técnica histopatológica padrão, corados em HE, e analisados sob microscopia de luz, utilizando parâmetros cariométricos e estereológicos. Perda de peso, atrofia do epitélio da gengiva e do palato mole foram os principais achados deste estudo, e verificados apenas no grupo 1 (p < 0.05). Em conclusão, Cd não produziu efeito carcinogênico nos tecidos orais, nas condições experimentais empregadas neste estudo

Oral Candida spp carriage and periodontal diseases in HIV-infected patients in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

The majority of HIV-infected patients develop Candida spp-associated clinical oral lesions. Studies have shown that asymptomatic oral colonization of Candida spp may lead to oral lesions or become a source of disseminated infections. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of periodontal conditions on Candida spp prevalence and Candida spp carriage in the oral cavity of HIV-infected patients compared to non-infected patients. Twenty-five patients not infected with HIV and 48 HIV-infected patients were classified according to periodontal conditions as being periodontal healthy or with periodontal disease. Candida spp carriage and classification were performed in oral rinse samples. Viral load and CD4+ T lymphocyte (CD4+L) counts were performed in blood samples from HIV-infected patients. No differences in Candida spp prevalence related to HIV status or periodontal condition were detected. However, Candida spp carriage was increased in periodontally affected HIV-infected patients when compared to periodontally healthy HIV-infected patients (p= 0.04). Periodontally healthy HIV-infected patients presented Candida spp carriage in similar levels as healthy or periodontally affected non-HIV-infected patients. Candida spp carriage was correlated with CD4+L counting in HIV-infected patients. We concluded that periodontal disease is associated with increased Candida spp carriage in HIV-infected patients and may be a predisposing factor to clinical manifestations of candidiasis

Episódios reacionais da hanseníase podem ser exacerbados por infecções orais?

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated whether leprosy reactions could be associated with oral infection. METHODS: Leprosy patients (n = 38) with (Group I) and without (Group II) oral infections were selected. Reactions were identified from the clinical and histopathological features associated with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and10kDa interferon-gamma-induced protein (IP-10) levels, determined before and after elimination of the foci of infection. RESULTS: Group I presented more reactions than group II did, and improvement of the reactions after dental treatment. Serum CRP and IP-10 did not differ before and after the dental treatment, but differed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oral infection could be an exacerbating factor in leprosy reactions.INTRODUÇÃO: Este estudo avaliou se as reações hansênicas podem estar associadas a infecções orais. MÉTODOS: Pacientes com hanseníase (n=38) com (Grupo I) e sem (Grupo II) infecções orais foram selecionados. As reações foram identificadas pelas características clínicas, histopatológicas, associadas a proteína-C-reativa (PCR) e proteína indutora de interferon-gamma de 10kDa (IP-10) séricos determinados antes e após a eliminação dos focos de infecção. RESULTADOS: Grupo I apresentou mais reações que o grupo II, e melhora das reações após o tratamento odontológico. PCR e IP-10 séricos não diferiram antes e após o tratamento odontológico, entretanto diferiram entre os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: As infecções orais podem ser exacerbadores das reações hansênicas.(CNPq) National Council for Scientific and Technological DevelopmentSão Paulo State Foundation against Leprosy(FAEPA) USP - Teaching, Research and Assistance Support Foundation of HCFMR

The need for communication between clinicians and pathologists in the context of oral and maxillofacial diseases

Good communication between clinicians and pathologists is a vital element in the diagnostic process, and poor communication can adversely affect patient care. There is a lack of research about communication in diagnostic oral and maxillofacial pathology. This narrative review explores different aspects of the quality of communication between clinicians and oral pathologists, with a focus on the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial diseases. An electronic search was carried out in MEDLINE through the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases up to April 2021. No studies reporting communication, its adequacy or the required skills between clinicians and pathologists in oral diagnosis were found. According to studies published in medicine, strategies for improving communication skills include clinicianpathologist collaboration; a well-formatted, clear and thorough report; training in communication skills; and patient-centered care. Further studies evaluating the current practices and quality in oral and maxillofacial pathology are required to identify barriers and encourage optimal communication to facilitate diagnosis, as well as patient safety.The Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES), the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, CNPq and a PhD scholarship from the São Paulo State Research Foundation.https://www.scielo.br/j/bordm2022Oral Pathology and Oral Biolog

A double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study of occlusive topical corticotherapy in gingival lesions of autoimmunes and inflammatory mucocutaneous diseases

Este estudo avaliou a eficácia do propionato de clobetasol a 0,05% em pomada, com uso de moldeiras individuais de silicone, em 22 pacientes com lesões gengivais de doenças mucocutâneas auto-imunes e inflamatórias, por meio de um estudo duplo-cego, cruzado, placebo-controlado. Os pacientes foram distribuídos em dois grupos: grupo 1, que consistiu de 5 pacientes em uso de corticosteróide e/ou imunossupressor sistêmico para controle de lesões cutâneas e/ou gengivais associadas às doenças mucocutâneas; grupo 2, que consistiu de 17 pacientes sem utilização de corticosteróide e/ou imunossupressor sistêmico. Os pacientes de cada grupo receberam a bisnaga 1, e foram orientados a utilizá-la no preenchimento das moldeiras. Em seguida, foram instruídos a aplicar a pomada com a moldeira 3 vezes ao dia, durante 20 minutos, por um período de duas semanas. A freqüência de uso da pomada foi reduzida na 3 a semana para 1 vez ao dia (pela manhã), em dias alternados. Após esta fase, foi estabelecido um intervalo de 2 semanas sem tratamento após o qual houve a inversão das pomadas (bisnaga 2), e os pacientes passaram a utilizá-la da mesma maneira que a bisnaga 1. As consultas de avaliações foram realizadas na 2 a , 5 a , 7 a , e na 10 a semana após o início do teste, e a resposta terapêutica foi baseada no percentual da remissão dos sinais classificada como completa (100%), excelente (75% a 99%), boa (50% a 74%), regular (1% a 49%), inalterada e piorada; e da remissão dos sintomas classificada como completa, parcial, inalterada e piorada. Durante as consultas de retorno, os pacientes foram monitorados quanto à ocorrência de efeitos colaterais. Com relação à remissão dos sinais, nos pacientes do grupo 1, 4 pacientes (80%) mostraram resposta regular; e 1 paciente (20%) apresentou piora do quadro clínico após o uso do propionato de clobetasol. Nos pacientes do grupo 2, 13 pacientes (76,5%) apresentaram alguma melhora durante o uso do propionato de clobetasol, e 4 pacientes (23,5%) apresentaram piora do quadro clínico. Com relação aos sintomas, durante o uso do propionato de clobetasol, 3 (60%) pacientes do grupo 1, apresentaram melhora parcial, 1 paciente (20%) não verificou mudança na sintomatologia, e 1 paciente (20%) referiu piora dos sintomas. Nos pacientes do grupo 2, completa melhora dos sintomas foi verificado em 2 pacientes (11,8%) e resposta parcial em 9 pacientes (52,9%) durante o uso do propionato de clobetasol. A diferença dos resultados obtidos entre o período de uso do propionato de clobetasol e placebo, nos dois grupos de pacientes e para os parâmetros analisados, não foi estatisticamente significante (Teste exato de Fisher; p > 0,05). Apenas 2 pacientes (11,8 %) do grupo 2 desenvolveram candidose após o uso do propionato de clobetasol. Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que a aplicação do propionato de clobetasol 0,05% em pomada, com o auxílio de moldeiras de silicone, apresenta eficácia boa a moderada no controle das lesões gengivais de doenças mucocutâneas, causando mínimo de efeitos colaterais.This study evaluated the efficacy of 0.05% clobetasol propionate in ointment administered with trays in 22 patients with gingival lesions of autoimmune and inflammatory mucocutaneous diseases. The patients were subdivided into two groups: group 1, which was composed by 5 patients treated systemically with corticosteroid and/or other immunosuppressive drug for control of skin and/or gingival lesions associated to mucocutaneous diseases; and the group 2, which was composed by 17 patients not being under systemic corticotherapy. The patients of each group received the container number 1 and they were instructed to apply the ointment with the tray for 20 minutes, 3 times daily, for 2 weeks. The frequency of use of ointment was reduced in the third week for once a day on alternate days. After that, the patients were instructed to discontinue the treatment for 2 weeks (washout period), and then were given the container number 2, to be used in the same way as that of the container 1. Each patient was examined in the weeks 2, 5, 7, and 10 after the beginning of the study. The therapeutic response was determined according to remission of signs on percentage, and assessed as follow: complete (100%), excellent (75% to 99%), good (50% to 74%), poor (1% to 49%), failed and worsened; and on remission of symptoms assessed as complete, partial, failed and worsened. At every visit, the patients were also examined for the presence of side-effects. In group 1, 4 patients (80%) had a poor response, and 1 patient (20%) had a worse of clinical presentation after the use of clobetasol propionate. In patients of group 2, 13 (76.5%) presented some improvement after the use of clobetasol propionate, and 4 patients (23.5%) presented worse of signals. For symptoms, 3 patients (60%) of the group 1 showed partial improvement while 1 (20%) presented no response, and 1 (20%) had symptoms worsened after the use of corticosteroid. In the group 2, complete improvement of symptoms was observed in 2 (11.8%) and partial in 9 (52.9%) after the use of clobetasol. There was no statistical difference when compared the results obtained with clobetasol propionate and placebo in the two groups of patients for the parameters evaluated (Fisher test; P > 0.05). Only 2 patients (11.8%) of group 2 developed candidosis after the use of clobetasol propionate. This study showed that clobetasol propionate ointment present good to moderate efficacy, with minimal side-effects, in the treatment of gingival lesions of mucocutaneous diseases