Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic On The Pattern Of Azithromycin Prescribing; A Review

Objective: Emergence of COVID-19 infection and its persistence globally for three years in a row (2020-2022) entailed several modifications in healthcare services, among which drug prescribing was an important outcome. This review aims to highlight changing trends in azithromycin prescribing during pandemic years. Methods: PubMed database was systematically searched for combinations of the following keywords: Antibiotics; Antimicrobial resistance; Azithromycin; COVID-19. Results: A total of 12 articles were included in this review. All included studies demonstrated a notable increase in azithromycin consumption during COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, Brazil, USA, India, Croatia, and Jordan. Healthcare systems worldwide should be prepared to address anticipated outcomes of increased azithromycin use particularly possible changing trends in azithromycin resistance, and systemic side effects of the drug

Changes in digital cast measurements related with two types of rapid maxillary expanders, tooth-borne versus hybrid one: A retrospective cohort study

Objectives: This study compared digital study casts from tooth-borne and hybrid Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) using 3D virtual models scanned with a 3Shape laser scanner. Methods: A total of thirty patients with narrow maxilla were distributed into two equal groups using sequential randomization. The hybrid hyrax group (11 females and 4 males) had a mean age of 14.5 years, whereas the conventional hyrax group (10 females and 5 males) had a mean age of 13.96 years. Cone beam computed tomography and orthodontic casts were obtained before expansion and six months after the last activation. Eight parameters were measured, and the data was analyzed. Results: A paired t-test was used to evaluate the mean differences between pre-expansion and post-expansion measurements. Interdental distance (IDD) and rotations at first molar and premolars showed a statistically significant increase post-treatment compared to preoperative values, whereas arch depth and incisor inclination showed a statistically significant decrease. Furthermore, group B had statistically significant higher postoperative values and a greater IDD change (P≤0.05). Conclusion: RME with hybrid hyrax achieved skeletal effects and broaden the arch with only a slight increase in IDD compared to traditional RME. Regardless of the appliance, arch depth may be decreased following RME

Prescribing Oral Amoxicillin for Oro-facial Infections; Pharmacokinetic Perspectives: a review article

Despite the continuous efforts to synthesize new antibacterial compounds, most are still at a pre-clinical stage and shortage of new antibiotics is anticipated. Therefore, it is necessary to make the best use of currently available agents. Amoxicillin is the most commonly used antibiotic for treatment of orofacial infections as well as prophylaxis of endocarditis in children and adults. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of drugs helps to shape the appropriate clinical practices and provide guidance for clinicians. Clinical guidelines for prescribing have been established and explained in several resources. However the pharmacokinetic basis for prescribing is probably an underestimated and less tackled area among clinicians. Therefore, we critically reviewed the literature is to describe pharmacokinetics of oral amoxicillin in orofacial infections to provide better understanding of the guidelines and aid evidence-based prescribing practices. &nbsp

Xerostomia, salivary flow, and oral health status among saudi diabetic patients: A comparative cross-sectional study

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with numerous oral complications, including frequent oral infections, periodontal diseases, hyposalivation, and xerostomia. The present study aimed to investigate salivary flow rate, xerostomia, and oral health status among a group of Saudi diabetic patients as compared to healthy controls. Patients and Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study involved 50 diabetic patients (aged between 15 and 70 years) and 53 age-and gender-matched healthy controls. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire and clinical examination of oral health status, which included salivary flow rates, saliva pH, tooth loss, plaque accumula-tion, and gingival health. Independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and chi-square tests were performed to compare between groups. Results: The results revealed a statistically significant lower salivary flow (0.33 ± 0.16 vs 0.59 ± 0.54; p = 0.002) and lower saliva pH (6.36 ± 0.49 vs 6.58 ± 0.39; p = 0.014) in diabetic patients than in the control group. A higher proportion of diabetic subjects (60%) self-reported having xerostomia compared to controls (52%), but the findings were statistically non-significant. Additionally, the results revealed slightly poorer oral health and greater tooth loss among DM patients, although the results did not attain a significant difference (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the present study demonstrate poor oral health and a high prevalence of xerostomia among Saudi diabetic patients. Oral health education should therefore be promoted in this group of patients