Nederlands tijdschrift voor tandheelkunde最新文献

Identification of phenotypes and endotypes contributes to a better understanding of the complex pathophysiology and heterogeneous clinical presentation of obstructive sleep apnea. The general goal of this dissertation was to determine the added value of the identification and use of potential predictors; risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea and factors influencing treatment outcome. By identifying predictors, the specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic tools can be increased. In addition, these predictors can provide guidance in choosing from the treatment options, which could subsequently lead to an increase in treatment success. The phenotypes studied in this dissertation are: snoring sound, dental parameters and positional dependency. The predictive value of specific manoeuvres and tools during sleep endoscopy for treatment success with a mandibular repositioning device was also studied. Finally, the innovative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, hypoglossal nerve stimulation was investigated.

In the Netherlands there are a few families that have been active from generation to generation in the profession of dentist. Although this is not the case with the Stark family, as many as 12 members of the family have been in the dental profession over a period of 75 years. In addition, a few were also very active outside dentistry, with the greatest example being the painter and toothpaste manufacturer Elias Stark (1849-1933).

Herpes labialis is one of the most common skin infections. In most people it is asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, but very severe cases do occur. Herpes remains latent and can recur. Herpes labialis is a clinical diagnosis. If in doubt, additional testing can be carried out, usually polymerase chain reaction. There are no treatments that can eliminate the virus. In case of more severe symptoms and frequent recurrences, there may be an indication for treatment. In case of mild complaints, topical zinc sulphate/zinc oxide and analgesics (systemic or topical lidocaine) will suffice. More severe complaints and frequent recurrences can be treated with antiviral creams (Aciclovir) or with systemic antiviral medication (Valaciclovir). In frequent recurrences, prophylactic Valaciclovir can also be given for a period of many months. Treatment should be started as soon as possible and will slightly shorten the duration of the disease.

White lesions of the oral mucosa may be caused by various disorders. In most instances of white lesions, diagnoses can be made solely on clinical grounds. When the clinical diagnosis is not compatible with a known disease, the term leukoplakia is used. This is of importance since the yearly malignant transformation rate of oral leukoplakia into a squamous cell carcinoma is 2-4%. The presence and degree of epithelial dysplasia is the most important predictor for malignant transformation.

Basal cell nevus syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder, predominantly caused by a mutation in the PTCH1 gene. As basal cell carcinomas and keratocysts are the most common abnormalities, dermatologists, orofacial maxillary surgeons, and dentists play a key role in patient care. From the age of 8, screening for odontogenic keratocysts with an orthopantomogram or MRI is recommended every other year. The intensity increases to annual screening after the development of the first odontogenic keratocyst. If BCNS is caused by an underlying SUFU mutation, screening is not indicated since there are no reports of odontogenic keratocyst in these patients to date. Radiation exposure by, for example, computed tomography, should be minimized as it induces new BCCs. Regular follow-up by a dermatologist for early diagnosis and treatment of (multiple) BCC's is recommended for life.

Various restorative and prosthetic materials, dental implants, medicines and cosmetic materials, such as toothpaste and denture cleaning products, are used in oral care. In principle, these materials can cause contact allergies, which can manifest as lichenoid reaction, cheilitis and angioedema. It is usually a local reaction of the oral mucosa and surrounding tissues, but a systemic reaction can also occur elsewhere in the body. If a patient develops complaints from dental materials that could be due to an allergy, it makes sense to investigate this allergologically, although these do not yet show full specificity or sensitivity. After a positive allergological examination, it is possible to examine more specifically whether the patient's complaints match the test result and it can be decided whether it is sensible to replace the dental material and, if so, which material could be an alternative. After removal of the causative allergens, the complaints should disappear completely.

Lichen planus is an inflammatory disorder of the skin and/or mucosa. Immune dysregulation, infections, environmental and genetic factors play a role in its pathogenesis. Clinically, there are 6 important distinctive manifestations. The mucosal subtypes manifest inside the mouth, oesophagus, genitalia and - although less often - the nose, ear canal, tear duct and conjuctiva. The non-mucosal subtypes occur on the skin, scalp (hair follicles) and nails. Patients may suffer from several subtypes of lichen planus. Unfamiliarity with the different manifestations may lead to a delay in diagnosis and thus to insecurity and distress in patients. The advice to all healthcare providers is to ask patients with lichen planus about symptoms of all subtypes and clinically inspect the skin and mucosa, or to refer the patient to a dermatologist.

Mucosal anomalies are frequently seen in autoimmune bullous diseases, particularly in pemphigus vulgaris and mucous membrane pemphigoid. The blistering, erosions, ulceration or erythema may present anywhere on the oral mucosa, but also on other mucosal sites. A differential diagnosis is needed of (erosive) oral lichen planus, systemic autoimmune disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, chronic graft-versus-host disease, infectious causes, Behçet's syndrome and recurrent aphthous stomatitis. A quick diagnosis and initiation of adequate treatment are important because of the potential severity of the disease and to prevent complications due to cicatrization. Besides a biopsy for histopathological analysis, a perilesional biopsy for direct immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoserological tests are needed for diagnosis of pemphigus or pemphigoid. In addition to a mucosal biopsy, a biopsy for direct immunofluorescence of the skin can contribute to a diagnosis of a bullous disease. Besides topical corticosteroids, immunosuppressive treatment is often required for treating autoimmune bullous diseases, such as treatment with rituximab in patients with pemphigus.

Ulceration is a common presenting sign of a wide spectrum of diseases of the oral cavity involving many etiologic factors, such as trauma, infection, neoplasms, medication, and immune related disorders, ranging from self-limited lesions to life-threatening diseases. In most cases, a proper diagnosis can be established based on medical history and clinical features only. Early diagnosis is important as oral ulcerations might be a manifestation of a systemic disease or sometimes even due to a malignant process.