Study results from University of Helsinki, Haartman Institute update understanding of cardiovascular disease therapy
2007 NOV 19 -- New research, 'Oral infections and systemic disease--an emerging problem in medicine,' is the subject of a report. According to a study from Finland, "The relationship between oral and general health has been increasingly recognised during the past two decades. Several epidemiological studies have linked poor oral health with cardiovascular disease, poor glycaemic control in diabetics, low birth-weight pre-term babies, and a number of other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis." "Oral infections are also recognised as a problem for individuals suffering from a range of chronic conditions, including cancer and infection with human immunodeficiency virus, as well as patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia. This review considers the systemic consequences of odontogenic infections and the possible mechanisms by which oral infection and inflammation can contribute to cardiovascular disease, as well as the oral conditions associated with medically compromised patients. A large number of clinical studies have established the clinical efficacy of topical antimicrobial agents, e.g., chlorhexidine and triclosan, in the prevention and control of oral disease, especially gingivitis and dental plaque. The possible risks of antimicrobial resistance are a concern, and the benefits of long-term use of triclosan require further evaluation. Oral infections have become an increasingly common risk-factor for systemic disease, which clinicians should take into account," wrote R. Rautemaa and colleagues, University of Helsinki, Haartman Institute. The researchers concluded: "Clinicians should increase their knowledge of oral diseases, and dentists must strengthen their understanding of general medicine, in order to avoid unnecessary risks for infection that originate in the mouth." Rautemaa and colleagues published their study in Clinical Microbiology and Infection (Oral infections and systemic disease--an emerging problem in medicine. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2007;13(11):1041-7). For more information, contact R. Rautemaa, University of Helsinki, Dept. of Bacteriology and Immunology, Haartman Institute, Finland. Publisher contact information for the journal Clinical Microbiology and Infection is: Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DG, Oxon, England. Keywords: Finland, Cardiovascular Disease Therapy, Antimicrobial Resistance, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Clinical Microbiology, Drug Resistance, Epidemiology, Therapy, Treatment. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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