Biomedical subjects

S A Al-Mutawa

Publications and source records attributed to S A Al-Mutawa.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Field trial on caries prevention with xylitol candies among disabled school students.

BACKGROUND: In a 1999 survey high caries levels were found among physically disabled school students in Kuwait. OBJECTIVES: A field study was planned to test the efficacy of xylitol candies in preventing caries among individuals in two special schools in Kuwait. METHODS: Altogether 176 students were examined in 2002 and 145 (105 in xylitol group and 40 in the control group) after 18 months' intervention. The WHO criteria were used in recording caries according to surfaces (third molars were excluded) by 2 calibrated examiners (E.H., M.S.). The students were allocated to the xylitol group only if the parent/caregiver returned the informed consent form. School health nurses distributed xylitol candies to the students 3 times during the school day (after breakfast and lunch, and before leaving the school). RESULTS: In the xylitol group, the baseline DS and DMFS scores were 3.4 and 8.2 and in the follow-up 1.9 and 7.1, respectively. In the control group, the baseline scores were DS 3.9 and DMFS 9.8, and the follow-up scores DS 3.9 and DMFS 13.2. CONCLUSION: Xylitol seemed to have a strong preventive and a clear remineralizing effect on caries.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Behcet's disease.

Behcet's disease is a recurrent multisystem vasculitis that can affect any organ or system, but was originally described as orogenital ulcerations and uveitis. Specific criteria have been proposed for diagnosis and identification of affected organs by different national authorities. Behcet's disease is proposed to be due to an antigen/antibody reaction. The antigen can be external (microbial or other) or self-antigen. Self-antigens include HLA-B, S and interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein, the oral mucosal antigens, and alphatropomycin. The antibody reaction manifests as changes common to any inflammatory process. Circulating immune complexes and neutrophil hyperactivity are present with the expression of adhesion molecules related to disease activity associated with phenotypic and functional aberrations affecting both Th1 and Th2 activity. The results in an increase of interleukin-4, -10, and -1B and interleukin-2 receptors with deficient interleukin-12, interferon-gamma, and expression of cell adhesion CDII/CD18, accompanied by increased B cells secreting IgG. The clinical picture varies according to the organ affected; emphasis is placed on those of diagnostic importance and those affecting morbidity and mortality. The histopathology demonstrates vasculitis with inflammatory cell infiltration, the endothelium expressing ICAM-1 and E-selectin, vascular occlusion with sequences. Treatment includes corticosteroids. Other immunosuppressant and biological agents include anti-tumor necrosis factor, interferon-alpha, Campath-1, and the S antigen. Colchicine and other miscellaneous therapies are included.

Behcet Syndrome↗

PubMed2003

Immunopathogenesis of toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis is a ubiquitous infection affecting 500 million persons around the world, with a range of incidence 12%-90%, increasing with age, education, crowding and sanitary habits. Cats are the definitive host. Infection is primarily congenital but acquired ocular infection has been documented. The review focuses on the immunopathogenesis of toxoplasmosis with emphasis on the eye problem due to its morbidity. The response to infection correlates with both parasitic and retinal antigens. The clinical picture and histopathology is a reflection of the immune response which constitutes early humeral response which presents both systemically and locally primary infection and is elevated with reactivation. This is followed by the cellular response, varying from low grade monocular infilterate a total tissue destruction with response of live parasites especially in immuno-compromised patients. Penetration of the parasite and its enclosure within the parasitophorous vacuole and its eneyst all make its eradicatier impossible. This reflects the variability of antiparasitic therapy that include folate antagonists, macrolides, hydroxy naphthoquindones and fluoroquinolones. Use of corticosteroid should be limited to severe reactions and should be associated with specific therapy.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed2001

Dental caries experience of disabled children and young adults in Kuwait.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the caries experience of disabled children and young adults in Kuwait, to set baseline data, and to determine their treatment need. METHOD: Dental caries was scored by surface in accordance with WHO criteria. The study population comprised 832 disabled children and young adults (3-29 years; mean age 12.1 years) who were visually impaired, hearing impaired, had physical handicaps or developmental disorders, attending special needs schools. RESULTS: The proportion of caries free subjects in the primary dentition (3-12-year-old children) was 11.2%. The mean dmft was 5.4, and dmfs 15.2, being highest in the Down's syndrome and lowest in the blind. The proportion of caries-free subjects in permanent dentition, over 5 years of age was 24.2%. The smallest percentage of caries-free subjects was found in the hearing impaired (16.4%) and highest percentage in the blind (35.5%). The mean DMFT was 4.5 and the DMFS 8.7, being highest in the Down's syndrome and lowest in the blind. Prevalence of untreated decay was highest in hearing impaired (86%). The caries experience of first permanent molars represented the largest proportion of the DMFT score (53.6%). In the permanent dentition increasing age, impaired hearing, and poor oral hygiene were significantly associated with caries risk. CONCLUSIONS: Caries experience among this disabled population was clearly higher than among the respective age groups in a previous national population survey. The study confirmed the need for strengthening organised preventive and restorative care for this population in Kuwait.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Ocular sarcoidosis in Kuwait with a review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: To study 18 cases of sarcoidosis, the hall mark of which was uveitis. SETTING: Referrals from peripheral eye clinics. PATIENTS: 18 patients with bilateral almost symmetric uveitis, negative Mantoux test and positive gallium scan were enrolled in the study. Preliminary bronchoscopy and bronchial lavage were not done due to social habits. RESULTS: Age ranged between 7-48 years with median 15 and mean 19 years. Although the patients were multinational, yet all of them were residents of Kuwait. A father and son were affected within 8 months period. 78% were strictly ocular, associated pulmonary and salivary gland affection 11% each. Sole anterior uveitis was found in 28%, associated with intermediate uveitis in 55% and with posterior in 16.6% of cases. Clinically detectable dry eyes associated 33% of cases. All our patients developed glaucoma which resolved with treatment of uveitis in 88% of them. Gallium uptake of the eye balls was found in 22%, of the lacrimal glands (panda sign) in 67%, and of the salivary glands or chest 11% each. Positive biopsy was found in 72%, 22% of which was conjunctival. Chest X-ray and SACE were positive in 11%. 61% had hypergammaglobulinaemia and all had negative ANA and RF. CONCLUSIONS: (1) 61% of ocular sarcoidosis presented below sarcoid age. (2) Multinationality together with father's and son's affection indicate a climatic or environmental insult in an already predisposed person. (3) Routine chest X-ray and SACE may not be adequate for diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis. Gallium should be done in suspected cases. (4) Follow-up for prospects is emphasized.

Adolescent↗