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Biomedical subjects

F K L Spijkervet

Publications and source records attributed to F K L Spijkervet.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Exercise therapy for trismus in head and neck cancer.

The aim of this study was to analyze retrospectively effects of exercise therapy on trismus related to head and neck cancer or as a consequence of its treatment, and to compare these effects with trismus not related to head and neck cancer. Medical records of patients referred to the department of physical therapy with the diagnosis trismus were retrieved and analyzed. Data of 27 patients with trismus related to head and neck cancer and data of eight patients with trismus not related to cancer were found. The number and type of exercises were registered from the records, as was the extent of mouth opening before and after exercise therapy. The median (IQR) number of exercise treatments was 4 (3-9.3). Exercises included active range of motion exercises, hold relax techniques, manual stretching and joint distraction. The increase in mouth opening was significantly (p<or= 0.05) less in the group of patients with trismus related to head and neck cancer (mean increase: 5.5, sd: 6.0) as compared to the increase in mouth opening in the group with trismus not related to cancer (mean increase: 17.1, sd: 9.0). The mean number of treatments given to the group with trismus related to head and neck cancer (7.7) and the group with trismus not related to head and neck cancer (6.1) did not differ significantly. It is concluded that trismus related to head and neck cancer is difficult to treat with exercise therapy.

Adult↗

Parotid gland biopsy compared with labial biopsy in the diagnosis of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of the parotid biopsy as a diagnostic tool for primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), and to compare the parotid biopsy and the labial biopsy with regard to diagnostic value and biopsy-related morbidity. METHODS: In 15 consecutive patients with pSS and 20 controls, the parotid biopsy was assessed as a diagnostic tool based on the presence of lymphocytic foci, benign lymphoepithelial lesions and lymphoid follicles. These new histological criteria were compared with established diagnostic criteria for the labial biopsy in 35 consecutive patients suspected for pSS who underwent simultaneous biopsies from both sites. In addition, both biopsies were compared for morbidity. RESULTS: The first analysis revealed a focus score of >or=1 or lymphocytic infiltrates (not fulfilling the criterion of a focus score of 1) combined with benign lymphoepithelial lesions as diagnostic criteria for pSS. When comparing the parotid biopsy with the labial biopsy sensitivity and specificity were comparable (sensitivity 78%, specificity 86%). Level of pain was comparable and no loss of motor function was observed. No permanent sensory loss was observed after parotid biopsy, while labial biopsy led to permanent sensory loss in 6% of the patients. Malignant lymphoma was detected in one parotid biopsy by chance, without involvement of the labial salivary gland. CONCLUSION: A parotid biopsy has a diagnostic potential comparable with that of a labial biopsy in the diagnosis of pSS, and may be associated with less morbidity.

Biopsy↗

Progression of salivary gland dysfunction in patients with Sjogren's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland dysfunction is one of the key manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome. OBJECTIVES: (1) To assess prospectively loss of function of individual salivary glands in patients with primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome in relation to disease duration and use of immunomodulatory drugs. (2) To study changes in sialochemical and laboratory values and subjective complaints over time. METHODS: 60 patients with Sjögren's syndrome were included in this study. Whole and gland-specific saliva (parotid and submandibular/sublingual (SM/SL)), samples were collected at baseline and after a mean of 3.6 (SD 2.3) years of follow-up. Disease duration was recorded for all patients. RESULTS: Patients with Sjögren's syndrome with short disease duration had significantly higher stimulated flow rates at baseline than those with longer disease duration (p<0.05). When compared with healthy controls, the decrease in SM/SL flow rates at baseline was more prominent than that in parotid flow rates (p<0.05). Over time, there was a significant further decrease of stimulated flow rates, especially of the parotid gland, accompanied by increasing problems with swallowing dry food (p<0.05). The decrease was independent of the use of corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Sialochemical variables remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: Early Sjögren's syndrome is characterised by a decreased salivary gland function (parotis>SM/SL), which shows a further decrease over time, regardless of the use of DMARDs or steroids. Patients with Sjögren's syndrome with longer disease duration are characterised by severely reduced secretions of both the parotid and SM/SL glands. These observations are relevant for identifying patients who would most likely benefit from intervention treatment.

Adult↗

Preventive intervention possibilities in radiotherapy- and chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis: results of meta-analyses.

The aim of these meta-analyses was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for the prevention of oral mucositis in cancer patients treated with head and neck radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, with a focus on randomized clinical trials. A literature search was performed for reports of randomized controlled clinical studies, published between 1966 and 2004, the aim of which was the prevention of mucositis in cancer patients undergoing head and neck radiation, chemotherapy, or chemoradiation. The control group consisted of a placebo, no intervention, or another intervention group. Mucositis was scored by either the WHO, the National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI-CTC) score, or the absence or presence of ulcerations, or the presence or absence of grades 3 and 4 mucositis. The meta-analyses included 45 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria, in which 8 different interventions were evaluated: i.e., local application of chlorhexidine; iseganan; PTA (polymyxin E, tobramycine, and amphotericin B); granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor/granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF/G-CSF); oral cooling; sucralfate and glutamine; and systemic administration of amifostine and GM-CSF/G-CSF. Four interventions showed a significant preventive effect on the development or severity of oral mucositis: PTA with an odds ratio (OR) = 0.61 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.96); GM-CSF, OR = 0.53 (CI: 0.33-0.87); oral cooling, OR = 0.3 (CI: 0.16-0.56); and amifostine, OR = 0.37 (CI: 0.15-0.89). To date, no single intervention completely prevents oral mucositis, so combined preventive therapy strategies seem to be required to ensure more successful outcomes.

Amifostine↗

[Links between periodontal disease and general health. 1. Pneumonia and cardiovascular disease].

The possible link between oral and general health is based on an old concept. This paper summarizes current ideas on the role of translocation of oral pathogens to other parts of the body in the development of systemic disease. It appears that colonisation of the oral cavity by respiratory pathogens is a risk factor in the development of pneumonia in institutionalised elderly and intensive care patients. Using a chloorhexidine oral rinse may reduce the risk of pneumonia. Furthermore, periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Translocation of oral microorganisms and an increase in serum concentrations of inflammatory mediators are considered to play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Potentially, preventive oral health care and periodontal intervention could play a part in preventing cardiovascular disease.

Bacterial Translocation↗

Intralesional infiltration of corticosteroids in the treatment of localised langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the mandible Report of known cases and three new cases.

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) can involve virtually any site and organ of the body, either as an isolated lesion or as a widespread systemic disease. Bone can be involved as a part of generalised disease or as a separate entity, formerly known as eosinophilic granuloma. The clinical cause of localised LCH (LLCH) to bone is generally benign. Solitary bone lesions may resolve spontaneously after diagnostic biopsy in a period of months to years. If treatment is indicated, as in larger lesions with pain, swelling and risk for spontaneous fracture, the disease can be controlled by chemotherapy or local measures such as surgical curettage, low-dose radiotherapy and intralesional injection of corticosteroids. There are no controlled studies in the literature comparing outcomes of these treatment modalities because of low incidence of the disease and general tendency to regress. Three patients (female, 28 months; male, 9 years; male, 15 years) with LLCH of the mandible were treated in an one stage procedure with intralesional injection of 80, 40 and 80 mg methylpredisolone succinate, respectively, as the primary form of treatment. Patients were seen for clinical and radiological evolution 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment, and yearly thereafter. The overall outcome was excellent. The lesions showed clinically and radiologically complete remission approximately 6 months after treatment. There were no complications nor morbidity of the treatment. After a follow-up period of 12 months, the patients are well with no evidence of residual disease on radiographs. Local injection of corticosteroids should be the initial choice of treatment of LLCH of the mandible, because of the favourable treatment outcome in this disease and possible complications and lasting effects of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗

Rituximab treatment in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: an open-label phase II study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of B cell depletion treatment of patients with active primary Sjögren's syndrome of short duration (early primary SS) and patients with primary SS and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type lymphoma (MALT/primary SS). METHODS: Fifteen patients with primary SS were included in this phase II trial. Inclusion criteria for the early primary SS group were B cell hyperactivity (IgG >15 gm/liter), presence of autoantibodies (IgM rheumatoid factor, anti-SSA/SSB), and short disease duration (<4 years). Inclusion criteria for the MALT/primary SS group were primary SS and an associated MALT-type lymphoma (Ann Arbor stage IE) localized in the parotid gland. Patients were treated with 4 infusions of rituximab (375 mg/m2) given weekly after pretreatment with prednisone (25 mg) and clemastine. Patients were evaluated, using immunologic, salivary/lacrimal function, and subjective parameters, at baseline and at 5 and 12 weeks after the first infusion. RESULTS: Significant improvement of subjective symptoms and an increase in salivary gland function was observed in patients with residual salivary gland function. Immunologic analysis showed a rapid decrease of peripheral B cells and stable levels of IgG. Human anti-chimeric antibodies (HACAs) developed in 4 of 15 patients (27%), all with early primary SS. Three of these patients developed a serum sickness-like disorder. Of the 7 patients with MALT/primary SS, complete remission was achieved in 3, and disease was stable in 3 and progressive in 1. CONCLUSION: Findings of this phase II study suggest that rituximab is effective in the treatment of primary SS. The high incidence of HACAs and associated side effects observed in this study needs further evaluation.

Adult↗

Assessment of oral mucositis in clinical trials: impact of training on evaluators in a multi-centre trial.

In the assessment of mucositis, the inter-evaluator variability needs to be minimised and would likely to be best accomplished by training. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of training on concordance of evaluators in scoring oral mucositis. The evaluators were informed about the pathobiology and clinical appearance of mucositis and were trained in scoring mucositis according the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS). The effect of the training was evaluated by a pre- and post-training test. Each test consisted of 15 slides depicting oral mucositis. The pre- and post-training scores were compared to the reference standard. During 8 months at 6 meetings, 65 evaluators were trained. The mean percentage correctly scored slides according the OMAS increased significantly between the pre- and post-training test (P<0.001). Training evaluators in scoring oral mucositis has a significant improvement on the outcome of mucositis assessment.

Clinical Competence↗

[How the dental treatment for medically complicated patients can be improved].

This article is primarily an adapted translation in Dutch of an editorial paper in the journal Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology. The editorial paper described the increasing need to prepare future practitioners for a more medical-based mode of oral health care and medically complicated patients. The current dental education in the United States has some shortcomings in this respect. Several steps are necessary to start improving dental treatment for patients with medical disorders. Second part of this article describes the current dental education regarding this topic in the Netherlands and how to improve this. Besides optimizing the dental-1 medical education of future dentist, also the mutual need of optimizing the medico-dental training of physicians is mentioned as, at least in the Netherlands, many patients visit their physician instead of their dentist with a non-teeth related oral problem.

Chronic Disease↗

Changes in salivary gland immunohistology and function after rituximab monotherapy in a patient with Sjogren's syndrome and associated MALT lymphoma.

OBJECTIVES: To report the successful use of rituximab on salivary gland immunohistology and function in a patient with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and associated MALT lymphoma. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 42 year old woman with primary SS and associated MALT lymphoma located in the parotid gland and the hard palate. Four infusions of rituximab (375 mg/m(2)) weekly resulted in complete remission of the lymphoma. An incision biopsy of the parotid gland before and after treatment showed improvement of the (immuno)histopathological characteristics of SS, with possible regeneration of salivary gland tissue. Furthermore, salivary analysis showed decreased inflammatory characteristics and increased stimulated salivary flow. DISCUSSION: Rituximab is a promising agent in the treatment of SS associated MALT lymphoma. In addition to the effect on MALT lymphoma, B cell depletion by rituximab may also attenuate the activity of SS. This case report is the first to describe the effect of rituximab on histological and sialometric/chemical characteristics of SS. The efficacy of rituximab in the treatment of SS warrants further investigation.

Adult↗

Clinical effects of flurbiprofen tooth patch on radiation-induced oral mucositis. A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Mucositis is an oral sequela of radiotherapy. In the development of mucositis several mechanisms play a role, such as inflammation and the effect of radiation on the high proliferation rate of oral basal epithelial cells. Therefore, administration of a drug with antiinflammatory and antiproliferative properties might delay the disorder and/or alleviate the severity of oral mucositis. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of flurbiprofen in a tooth patch on the development, severity and duration of pseudomembranous mucositis in patients treated with curative head and neck radiotherapy. METHODS: The study group comprised 12 patients with a malignant tumor in the head and neck region to be treated with primary curative or postoperative radiotherapy. Patients applied once a day before sleep a flurbiprofen tooth patch to a natural tooth or upper denture during the full course of radiotherapy, starting 1 week before the onset of radiotherapy. Oral mucositis, pain, feeding, body weight and viability and maturation of epithelial cells were assessed. The results were compared with the findings in a historical control group. RESULTS: No differences were found for severity and duration of pseudomembranous mucositis between the two groups. The onset of pseudomembranous/ulcerative mucositis occurred later in the flurbiprofen group (14.6+/-3.8 days, mean+/-SD) than in the historical control group (11+/-3.5 days; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the flurbiprofen 15 mg tooth patch cannot prevent the development of pseudomembranous mucositis and has no influence on the duration of oral mucositis.

Aged↗

Oral mucositis and selective elimination of oral flora in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy: a double-blind randomised clinical trial.

Mucositis is an acute inflammation of the oral mucosa because of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. All patients receiving radiotherapy in the head and neck region develop oral mucositis. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of selective oral flora elimination on radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis, in a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Sixty-five patients with a malignant tumour in the head and neck regions to be treated with primary curative or postoperative radiotherapy participated in this study. The patients received either the active lozenges of 1 g containing polymyxin E 2 mg, tobramycin 1.8 mg and amphotericin B 10 mg (PTA) (33 patients) or the placebo lozenges (32 patients), four times daily during the full course of radiotherapy. Mucositis, changes in the oral flora, quality of feeding and changes of total body weight were assessed. Mucositis score did not differ between the groups during the first 5 weeks of radiotherapy. Nasogastric tube feeding was needed in six patients (19%) of the placebo group and two patients (6%) of the PTA group (P=0.08). Mean weight loss after 5 weeks of radiation was less in the PTA group (1.3 kg) (s.d.: 3.0) than in the placebo group (2.8 kg) (s.d.: 2.9) (P=0.05). Colonisation index of Candida species and Gram-negative bacilli was reduced in the PTA group and not in the placebo group (P<0.05). No effect on other microorganisms was detected. In conclusion, selective oral flora elimination in head and neck irradiation patients does not prevent the development of severe mucositis.

Adult↗

Oral sequelae of head and neck radiotherapy.

In addition to anti-tumor effects, ionizing radiation causes damage in normal tissues located in the radiation portals. Oral complications of radiotherapy in the head and neck region are the result of the deleterious effects of radiation on, e.g., salivary glands, oral mucosa, bone, dentition, masticatory musculature, and temporomandibular joints. The clinical consequences of radiotherapy include mucositis, hyposalivation, taste loss, osteoradionecrosis, radiation caries, and trismus. Mucositis and taste loss are reversible consequences that usually subside early post-irradiation, while hyposalivation is normally irreversible. Furthermore, the risk of developing radiation caries and osteoradionecrosis is a life-long threat. All these consequences form a heavy burden for the patients and have a tremendous impact on their quality of life during and after radiotherapy. In this review, the radiation-induced changes in healthy oral tissues and the resulting clinical consequences are discussed.

Cranial Irradiation↗

Prevention and treatment of the consequences of head and neck radiotherapy.

The location of the primary tumor or lymph node metastases dictates the inclusion of the oral cavity, salivary glands, and jaws in the radiation treatment portals for patients who have head and neck cancer. The clinical sequelae of the radiation treatment include mucositis, hyposalivation, loss of taste, osteoradionecrosis, radiation caries, and trismus. These sequelae may be dose-limiting and have a tremendous effect on the patient's quality of life. Most treatment protocols to prevent these sequelae are still based on clinical experience, but alternatives based on fundamental basic and clinical research are becoming more and more available. Many of these alternatives either need further study before they can be incorporated into the protocols commonly used to prevent and treat the radiation-related oral sequelae or await implementation of these protocols. In this review, the various possibilities for prevention and/or treatment of radiation-induced changes in healthy oral tissues and their consequences are discussed.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Quantification of oral mucositis due to radiotherapy by determining viability and maturation of epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: An in-vitro assay has been developed for quantitative assessment of chemotherapy induced oral mucositis. In the present study this method was evaluated for assessment of irradiation mucositis at a cellular level. METHODS: Ten patients participated in this consecutive study. All patients were treated with conventional fractionated curative postoperative radiotherapy. Prior to, and weekly during, the irradiation course, oral washings were obtained to determine viability of epithelial cells by trypan blue dye exclusion. Maturation of epithelial cells was assessed from smears (Papanicolaou staining). The viability data were compared with the WHO-score for mucositis. RESULTS: Epithelial cell viability increased during the first three weeks of radiation (P = 0.04), and was seen earlier than the subjective mucosal changes with the WHO-score. Cell maturity shifted from immature and intermediate to mature (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The cell viability assay can be considered an objective method for following the development of irradiation mucositis, and seems to be more sensitive during the first three weeks of irradiation than the WHO-scoring method.

Adult↗

Groningen temporomandibular joint prosthesis. Development and first clinical application.

Patients with a severely degenerated temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may benefit from an alloplastic TMJ replacement. The aim of the study was to develop a safe and properly functioning TMJ prosthesis. The design was based on imitation of anterior condylar translation by an inferiorly located centre of rotation, unrestricted mandibular movements by a double articulation, correct fit to the skull by a self-adjusting skull part consisting of two connected parts, and stable fixation by bone screws that are rigidly connected to the prosthesis parts. The prosthesis consists of a titanium skull part with ceramic inlay, a titanium mandibular part with a ceramic spherical head, and an intervening polyethylene disc. Titanium-alloy bone screws are used for fixation. All parts are available in a number of different shapes. In vitro laboratory and in vivo animal tests showed a low wear rate, the possibility of a close fit to the skull, a stable fixation, sufficient mechanical strength, appropriate choice of materials and proper functioning. Thereafter the step to first patient application was made. First patient application was carried out without adverse events. In conclusion, the presented TMJ prosthesis passed the pre-clinical tests and has progressed to clinical application. The fit to the skull, the expected lifetime of the device and the reliability of the implantation procedure require further evaluation in well-designed clinical trials.

Adult↗