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AIM: To seek children's opinions about the acceptability of resin fissure sealant placement. STUDY DESIGN: Service evaluation using a child-centred questionnaire issued to a prospective sample of consecutive hospital patients.Method Questionnaires were issued to children, aged 3 to 16 years, immediately after resin fissure sealant placement in the Paediatric Dentistry Department in Sheffield. Participants used a three-point faces scale for positive, neutral and negative responses, arranged as a Likert scale with minimal text, to rate their treatment experiences and satisfaction with the dental visit. RESULTS: Two hundred questionnaires were returned. Overall, 96% (n = 191) recorded a positive or neutral response for the ease at which they coped with the procedure, with most children positive about having fissure sealants placed again (66%; n = 132). Further analysis demonstrated that children who had fissure sealants on a previous occasion found them easier than those having them for the first time (p <0.05, chi-squared test). Almost half of all participants where ambivalent about the taste and feeling (46%; n = 92 and 55%; n = 110 respectively). The vast majority of children were satisfied with the explanations provided by their operator. CONCLUSION: Most participants found having resin fissure sealants placed an overall acceptable procedure, with patient acceptance improving with increased treatment experience.

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The Hall technique, a novel method of placing preformed metal crowns (PMCs) without local anaesthesia or tooth preparation, was introduced to our undergraduate dental curriculum in 2009. This study aimed to describe student experience of, and attitudes towards, PMCs before and after exposure to this new technique. Clinical data were extracted from student logbooks to determine the number of PMCs placed for cohorts graduating in 2005 (n = 55), 2009 (n = 61) and 2010 (n = 75). Five focus groups were also conducted with 29 final-year dental students. Students graduating in 2005, 2009 and 2010 had placed a mean (range) of 0.03 (0-1), 0.63 (0-5) and 1.15 (0-9) PMCs, respectively. The proportion of students who had placed a PMC increased significantly from only 1.9% in 2005 to 75% in 2010 (P < 0.05, ANOVA). Students reported some positive experiences of the Hall technique. However, concern over perceived lack of future clinical support, an anticipated increase in time and financial pressures, and the ease of use of glass-ionomer cement as an alternative were described as potential barriers to PMC use. Findings suggest that the introduction of the Hall technique has had a marked impact on the use of PMCs as a treatment modality for carious primary teeth.

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AIM: To assess child and parent acceptance of preformed metal crowns (PMCs). STUDY DESIGN: This was a service evaluation using a child- and parent-centred self-report questionnaire in a convenience sample of hospital patients. METHODS: Questionnaires were developed with serviceusers and issued to 98 children who had received a PMC on a primary molar within the paediatric dentistry clinic, Sheffield Dental Hospital, UK. Children used a pictorial Likert scale to rate their treatment experience and views on PMCs. Parents were also asked to complete a 5-item questionnaire, to explore their attitudes towards the PMC and how they felt their child had coped with treatment. Both children and parents were invited to comment in a free-text box on any other issues relating to PMCs. Clinical data were extrapolated from the child's dental records as follows: child's age and gender; status of clinician who had placed the PMC (staff or student), and technique for PMC placement (Hall technique or conventional). RESULTS: 62 questionnaires were completed (63% response rate). The mean age of the child participants was 6.6 years (SD±1.51; range=3.8-10.3), and 65% (n=40) were male. Most children found the clinical procedure acceptable with 54.8% (n=34) reporting it was 'really easy', with no significant differences according to placement technique, or the experience level of the operator (P<0.05, chi-squared test). Only 4.8% (n=3) of parents expressed strong objections to the appearance. Both children and parents felt the clinical rationale had been fully explained to them (88.7%, n=55 and 100%, n=62 respectively). Themes commonly identified from the children's accounts related to specialness, function and recollections of the treatment, with the perception that PMCs were valued for being different. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that PMCs were mainly viewed favourably by children and their parents. Clinicians who have been reluctant to use this restorative approach may be encouraged by these findings. However, communication and clinical expertise are paramount in ensuring children and parents have positive treatment experiences and attitudes towards PMCs.

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AIM: To review recent dental child case reports to determine: 1 the main focus of the paper; 2 perceived contribution to the dental literature and, 3 involvement of the child. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: Case reports published between 2000 and 2005 were identified using Medline via Ovid and Embase databases. Papers were reviewed to determine: their perceived value; whether they related to a single case or case series; the main dental condition; how the child was referred to, and inclusion of any child-centred input within the report. RESULTS AND STATISTICS: 663 case reports, from 82 journal titles, were subject to review. The majority presented a single patient (82%) and discussed a type of intervention or treatment (58%). The most common themes related to oral pathology/medicine (28%), and orthodontics (26%). Most children were referred to as 'patients' (74%) with little use of personalised terms (4%). Few reports included any child-centred input or contribution from a proxy (10% and 2% respectively). Inter- and intra-examiner repeatability for categorisation was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of child-related reports described a treatment or intervention which is surprising given the low level of case reports in the hierarchy of evidence. The child's perspective in the presenting complaint or outcome needs greater consideration.

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AIM: To investigate presenting features of ectopically erupting first permanent molars and associations with other dental anomalies. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective convenience study. METHODS: 28 panoral radiographs were collected, over a 24-month period, of 7-11 year-old children with radiographic evidence of ectopic eruption of first permanent molars who presented to a Dental Teaching Hospital in the North of England. A further 20 radiographs were collected of matched patients with no evidence of ectopic molar eruption. All radiographs were analysed under standard conditions to record the distribution and type of ectopic eruption (if present). In addition, the presence of the following dental anomalies was noted: cleft lip and/or palate; supernumerary teeth; hypodontia, and infraocclusion of primary molars. Chi-squared analysis was performed to determine any significant differences in the frequency of these dental anomalies between ectopic molar and control groups. RESULTS: For patients with ectopic molar eruption, the majority demonstrated ectopic eruption of either one or two first permanent molars (32% and 57% of subjects respectively). There were a similar proportion of 'jumps' and 'holds'. 92% of these were maxillary teeth and there was equal left and right distribution. Interestingly, a positive record of ectopic eruption was only documented in the dental records of 35.7% of these subjects. Children with ectopic eruption were significantly more likely to have at least one additional dental anomaly than was the case for the control group (60.7% versus 25%). Notably, primary molar infraocclusion and cleft lip/palate were significantly more frequent in the ectopic group. CONCLUSIONS: This study, the first in a British population, has identified a significant association between ectopic eruption of first permanent molars and other dental anomalies. A multifactorial aetiology is thus supported and clinicians should be alert to the co-existence of ectopic eruption and other dental anomalies.

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OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of Etanercept treatment in systemic AA amyloidosis in tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS). METHODS: Etanercept therapy was given to a 27 year old woman, with systemic amyloidosis and nephrotic syndrome, and to her 51 year old father, also affected by TRAPS, who had previously undergone renal transplant for amyloidosis. Serum SAA levels, plasma cytokines, glomerular filtration rate and serum amyloid P scanning were monitored. RESULTS: Etanercept treatment resulted in initial clinical resolution of nephrotic syndrome in the 27 year old female. Both subjects demonstrated improvements in GFR and initial reduction or stabilisation of amyloid deposits on SAP scanning. CONCLUSION: Etanercept may reverse or slow the progression of systemic AA amyloidosis in subjects with C33Y TNFRSF1A mutation. Treatment may however need to be continuous and life-long to prevent progression to end stage disease.

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BACKGROUND: Long, slow haemodialysis (24 h/week) has been associated with excellent patient survival and reduced cardiovascular mortality. Comparisons of patient survival have only been possible with registry data and other published series which do not control for individual patient characteristics. This retrospective study compares actuarial patient survival between a unit using long, slow haemodialysis (Tassin) and one employing 'conventional' haemodialysis (Nottingham). METHODS: All patients undergoing haemodialysis at each centre since 1980 were included (Tassin, 452 patients; Nottingham, 282 patients). Actuarial curves of patient survival were calculated by the life-table method and log rank test was used to compare data. Patients were grouped as follows: standard (SRD) and non-standard (NSRD) renal diseases; diabetics and non-diabetics; patients with and without cardiovascular antecedents; risk stratification based on age and comorbidity. RESULTS: Overall survival was significantly better in Tassin. This difference was also noted for patients with SRD and non-diabetics (both P < 0.001) and for those with (P = 0.007) and without (P < 0.001) cardiovascular antecedents. Survival did not differ significantly for NSRD and diabetics. Survival was better in Tassin in low-risk (P < 0.001) and medium-risk (P < 0.001) groups, but not for high-risk (risk stratification). CONCLUSIONS: Overall survival is increased on long, slow haemodialysis. Although the benefits are seen in the most favourable prognostic categories, they are also present in patients with comorbid illness (medium-risk group) and pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

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Dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) was investigated in two groups of patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Group I consisted of patients with serum creatinine concentration above 1200 mumol/l and Group II comprised patients with serum creatinine concentration of 600 mumol/l and less. The mean Kt/V was significantly higher in Group II (Kt/V, 2.0) than in Group I (Kt/V, 1.59; p < 0.01) patients. The mean duration of CAPD was significantly longer in Group I (3.12 years) than in Group II (1.32 years; (p < 0.01) patients, and the mean total creatinine clearance for Group II patients was significantly higher than for Group I (p < 0.001) patients. There was good correlation between Kt/V and total creatinine clearance (r = 0.73; p < 0.001); and between Kt/V and normalized protein catabolic rate (NPCR, r = 0.6; p < 0.001). There was weak correlation between Kt/V and duration on dialysis, but this was statistically significant. There was no significant difference between mean NPCR and mean mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) in the two groups and no significant association between Kt/V and dietary inventory. Group II patients had a significantly better residual renal clearance (p < 0.0001). Pruritus was a troublesome feature in Group I patients but in both groups patients were distressed by loss of libido, insomnia and tiredness. This study revealed that Group II patients with lower creatinine concentrations had better dialysis adequacy but were on CAPD for a shorter duration than Group I and had significantly better residual renal clearance and total clearance. Muscle mass does not appear to have contributed significantly to the differences in creatinine concentration between the groups. Additional studies on peritoneal membrane function vis-à-vis solute transfer are in progress.

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Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) isolated from a sub-population of patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) who were identified because they demonstrated impaired intracellular bacterial killing, were assayed for hydrogen peroxide activity using two different techniques capable of distinguishing between total and intracellular hydrogen peroxide generation. In an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of impaired intracellular bacterial killing further, hydrogen peroxide activity was compared to PMN isolated from patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and a control group of healthy normal volunteers. PMN from conservatively treated ESRF patients demonstrated reduced production of intracellular hydrogen peroxide (mean 37.7 +/- 4.3 fluorescence units), compared to PMN from both ESRF patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (mean 57.9 +/- 6.6 fluorescence units) and normal controls (mean 60.4 +/- 3.5 fluorescence units). This suggests that the probable mechanism of impaired bacterial intracellular killing by the PMN of conservatively treated ESRF patients involves the production of intracellular hydrogen peroxide.

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Seventy ward referrals for renal disease were prospectively studied at each of two tertiary hospitals: University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Kingston, Jamaica and Nottingham City Hospital (NCH), England. At UHWI, the referral population was significantly younger, 89% being less than 60 years of age compared to 40% at NCH (p < 0.05). The leading cause of acute renal failure (ARF) at UHWI was systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) followed by acute tubular necrosis (ATN). The leading causes of ARF at NCH were ATN and obstructive uropathy. Primary renal disease and diabetes mellitus were the major causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) at both centres, followed by SLE and hypertension at UHWI and renovascular disease and chronic pyelonephritis at NCH. Nephrotic syndrome occurred more frequently at UHWI than at NCH but the numbers were small (p < 0.05). Mortality rates were similar among patients with ARF and nephrotic syndrome at both centres, but were higher for patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) at UHWI than at NCH (p < 0.05). Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was a frequent mode of renal replacement therapy at NCH (76% v 19% on haemodialysis). At UHWI, CAPD was not available and 45% of patients with ESRD were not offered maintenance dialysis because of inadequate facilities. The major difference in management and outcome between the two centres occurred in cases with CRF, suggesting that survival in patients with CRF in Jamaica could be improved if this therapeutic modality was available.

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In the presence of peritoneal dialysis effluent (PDE), human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) showed reduced production of hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid (H2O2 and HOCl, respectively) when at rest and when stimulated with both soluble (formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and phorbol myristate acetate) and particulate (Staphylococcus epidermidis) agonists. This effect occurred in a concentration-dependent manner between 0 and 70%. (vol/vol) dialysis effluent. The inhibition of H2O2 and HOCl observed in resting, formy-methionylleucyphenyalanine-stimulated, and S. epidermidis-stimulated PMN was confined to a low-molecular-mass (< 10,000-Da) fraction of PDE, whereas the inhibition of the PMA response was equally dispersed throughout both low (< 10,000-Da)- and high-molecular-mass (> 10,000-Da) fractions. Human serum albumin, a major component of PDE, also inhibited H2O2 and HOCl production by PMN; however, results from cell-free systems suggested that human serum albumin was not wholly responsible for the inhibition of PMN function seen with PDE. The solute(s) responsible did not affect myloperoxidase but very rapidly scavenged H2O2 and HOCl. These data suggest that the factors capable of affecting H2O2 and HOCl production by PMN accumulate in uremia and are removed from the circulation into dialysis effluent.

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This study investigates the reliability of glycated haemoglobin, measured by electroendosmosis or by affinity chromatography, fructosamine, and albumin adjusted fructosamine, as indices of glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetes complicated by chronic renal failure. Twenty uraemic diabetic patients took part in the study, including 5 patients managed conservatively, 6 on CAPD, 3 on haemodialysis, and 6 renal transplant recipients. Results were compared with those from 15 diabetic subjects with normal renal function. In renal patients, there was significant correlation between glycated haemoglobin measured by electroendosmosis (r = 0.45; p = 0.04) or by affinity chromatography (r = 0.57; p = 0.01) and mean capillary blood glucose concentrations over the previous 6 weeks. The regression equations did not differ significantly between subjects with renal failure and those with normal renal function, suggesting that similar ranges can be used in interpreting glycated haemoglobin results from each group of patients. Patients on haemodialysis may be an exception; there was evidence that glycated haemoglobin may be misleadingly low in such subjects. Fructosamine correlated significantly with mean blood glucose concentrations measured over the previous week in patients with normal renal function (r = 0.75; p = 0.001), but not in patients with chronic renal failure (r = -0.1; p = 0.71). Calculation of an albumin adjusted fructosamine result failed to improve the correlation with blood glucose concentrations. The use of fructosamine cannot be recommended as an index of glycaemic control in uraemic patients.

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BACKGROUND: Erythropoietin (Epo) is an effective but expensive treatment for anaemia in patients with chronic renal failure. Hyporesponsiveness to Epo, particularly in haemodialysis patients, is most commonly due to a functional iron deficiency, which is difficult to monitor reliably. METHODS: Forty-six stable haemodialysis patients, receiving Epo therapy, were commenced on regular low-dose intravenous iron (sodium ferric gluconate complex) at a dose of 62.5 mg/5 ml given as a slow injection post-dialysis twice weekly, weekly, or fortnightly, according to their serum ferritin levels. Haemoglobin, serum ferritin, Epo dose, and iron dose were measured at 6-weekly intervals over a 6-month period. RESULTS: At the beginning of the study, 12 patients in the group had ferritin levels of less than 100 microg/l, and were thus considered to potentially have an absolute iron deficiency. The study group was therefore split into two subgroups for the purpose of analysis, i.e. the 12 patients with ferritin levels of less than 100 microg/l at the start of the study or 'low ferritin group', and the remaining 34 patients with ferritin levels of greater than 100 microg/l at the start of the study or 'normal ferritin group'. In the low ferritin group (n=12), intravenous iron therapy increased serum ferritin levels, and produced a significant rise in haemoglobin, and a significant reduction in Epo dose. (Ferritin pre-iron, median (range) 68 (20-96) microg/l; post-iron, 210.5 (91-447) microg/l, P<0. 003, Wilcoxon. Haemoglobin pre-iron, 10.05 (8.2-11.9) g/dl; post-iron, 11.0 (9.9-11.9) g/dl, P<0.03. Epo dose pre-iron, 9000 (4000-30 000)-i.u./week, P<0.05). Similar results were obtained in the normal ferritin group (n=34) following intravenous iron therapy, with significant increases in serum ferritin levels and haemoglobin concentrations, and a significant reduction in Epo dose. (Ferritin pre-iron, 176 (103-519) microg/l; post-iron, 304.5 (121-792) microg/l, P<0.0001. Haemoglobin pre-iron, 9.85 (6.5-12.8) g/dl; post-iron: 11.25 (9.9-13.3) g/dl, P<0.0001. Epo dose pre-iron, 6000 (2000-15 000) i.u./week; post-iron, 4000 (0-15 000)-i.u./week, P<0. 005). CONCLUSION: Regular intravenous iron supplementation in haemodialysis patients improves the response to Epo therapy.

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Salt and water depletion, renal disease and urinary obstruction can all present with the syndrome of acute renal failure. Often this happens in a patient who is already ill from other causes, and management must combine seeking and correcting the cause of the renal failure, preserving life in the absence of renal function, and continuing the treatment of the coexisting problems.

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Free, acetyl-, medium- and long-chain acylcarnitine and total plasma carnitine concentrations were measured in eight continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients and eight age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Daily loss of carnitine was also quantified in both groups, by analysis of urine and dialysis fluid. Plasma total carnitine concentration in CAPD patients was not significantly different from controls (42.8 +/- 1.6 and 43.1 +/- 2.3 mumol/liter, respectively). However, the plasma free carnitine concentration of CAPD patients was significantly lower than that of controls (28.5 +/- 1.4 and 36.2 +/- 2.5 mumol/liter, respectively; P < 0.05). No difference in the daily loss of total carnitine was found between CAPD patients and controls (269.7 +/- 30.0 and 240.5 +/-33.0 mumol/liter, respectively), but the daily loss of free carnitine was significantly greater in CAPD patients (175.8 +/- 17.3 and 105.8 +/- 16.4 mumol/liter, respectively; P < 0.05). The ratio of total acylcarnitine (acetyl-, medium- and long-chain acylcarnitine) to free carnitine was significantly greater in plasma of CAPD patients than in controls (P < 0.01) and was lower in daily fluid losses (P < 0.001). These ratio differences suggests that an alteration in acyl group metabolism is occurring in CAPD patients. This may be attributable to an accumulation of medium- and long-chain acylcarnitine in liver of CAPD patients which would be exchanged for plasma free carnitine and/or to a differential loss of free and acylcarnitine across the peritoneal cavity.

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BACKGROUND: Erythrocytosis is a common complication of renal transplantation with an incidence of up to 17%. It is associated with an increased risk of complications due to thromboembolic events and has traditionally been treated by intermittent venesection. More recently, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been shown to cause a fall in haematocrit in a number of groups of subjects and some uncontrolled studies have shown these drugs to be of possible therapeutic benefit in post renal transplant erythrocytosis. METHODS: We performed a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study in 25 patients with post-transplant erythrocytosis. Subjects received either 2.5 mg of enalapril daily or a placebo for 4 months and all patients completed the study period without any serious adverse effects. RESULTS: Haematocrit fell from 52.7 (+/- SEM 0.7) to 47.1 (+/- 1.8) at 1 month and 46.1 (+/- 1.2) after 4 months in patients receiving enalapril, with no change in the placebo group (P = 0.004). We did not demonstrate any change in serum erythropoietin in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are a safe and effective form of treatment for erythrocytosis developing after renal transplantation. The mechanism of action, however, is not mediated by changes in erythropoietin production and remains uncertain.

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Three case reports of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in seronegative renal transplant recipients of seropositive donor kidneys are presented. Clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion for CMV disease in such patients. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to decrease morbidity and mortality. Prophylaxis with antiviral and/or CMV-hyperimmunoglobulin may decrease the incidence of serious infection.

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BACKGROUND: Lansoprazole is a H+.K(+)-ATPase (proton pump) inhibitor with an anti-secretory action and is therefore potentially useful in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux. METHODS: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy and short-term safety of lansoprazole at doses of 30 mg or 60 mg once daily, compared with ranitidine 150 mg twice daily, in the treatment of patients with reflux oesophagitis. This was a double-blind, stratified, randomized, comparative, parallel group study conducted in five centres in the UK. A total of 229 patients (155 men) aged 18-79 years with endoscopically-confirmed oesophagitis were randomized to receive lansoprazole 30 mg p.o. daily, lansoprazole 60 mg p.o. daily, or ranitidine 150 mg p.o. b.d. Efficacy was assessed by endoscopic examination at 4 weeks and 8 weeks, together with symptom relief and antacid usage. RESULTS: Lansoprazole 30 mg and 60 mg were superior at 4 and 8 weeks (P < 0.01) to ranitidine in healing reflux oesophagitis: respective healing rates being 84%, 72% and 39% after 4 weeks and 92%, 91% and 53% after 8 weeks. Relief of heartburn with lansoprazole 30 mg and 60 mg was superior to that achieved with ranitidine at both week 4 (P < 0.01) and week 8 (P < 0.02). Sixty-four patients experienced a total of 85 adverse events, one-third of which were considered drug-related. The incidence and severity were similar in the three groups. CONCLUSION: Lansoprazole 30 mg and 60 mg once daily are more effective than ranitidine 150 mg twice daily in the short-term treatment of reflux oesophagitis.

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The polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function of 22 patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) was studied immediately before and 3 months after starting continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and compared with a control group of healthy normal volunteers. The PMN functions studied were phagocytosis and killing of Staphylococcus epidermidis and respiratory burst activity. The results show that in the presence of normal pooled human serum PMN from patients with ESRF before CAPD treatment phagocytose bacteria normally, but have impaired killing. Before treatment, the PMN from patients with ESRF also showed an increase in both unstimulated and stimulated superoxide anion production. Abnormal PMN function was corrected by CAPD treatment, suggesting the involvement of a dialyzable toxin.

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