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Researchers from University of Amsterdam detail new studies and findings in the area of life sciences
2009 AUG 3 - (NewsRx.com) -- Researchers detail in 'Limitations of previously published systematic reviews evaluating the outcome of endodontic treatment,' new data in life sciences. "The aim of this work was to identify the limitations of previously published systematic reviews evaluating the outcome of root canal treatment. Traditionally, periapical radiography has been used to assess the outcome of root canal treatment with the absence of a periapical radiolucency being considered a confirmation of a healthy periapex," investigators in Amsterdam, Netherlands report. "However, a high percentage of cases confirmed as healthy by radiographs revealed apical periodontitis on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and by histology. In teeth, where reduced size of the existing radiolucency was diagnosed by radiographs and considered to represent periapical healing, enlargement of the lesion was frequently confirmed by CBCT. In clinical studies, two additional factors may have further contributed to the overestimation of successful outcomes after root canal treatment: (i) extractions and re-treatments were rarely recorded as failures; and (ii) the recall rate was often lower than 50%. The periapical index (PAI), frequently used for determination of success, was based on radiographic and histological findings in the periapical region of maxillary incisors. The validity of using PAI for all tooth positions might be questionable, as the thickness of the cortical bone and the position of the root tip in relation with the cortex vary with tooth position," wrote M.K. Wu and colleagues, University of Amsterdam. The researchers concluded: "The serious limitations of longitudinal clinical studies restrict the correct interpretation of root canal treatment outcomes. Systematic reviews reporting the success rates of root canal treatment without referring to these limitations may mislead readers. The outcomes of root canal treatment should be re-evaluated in long-term longitudinal studies using CBCT and stricter evaluation criteria." Wu and colleagues published their study in International Endodontic Journal (Limitations of previously published systematic reviews evaluating the outcome of endodontic treatment. International Endodontic Journal, 2009;42(8):656-66). For additional information, contact M.K. Wu, University of Amsterdam and VU University, Dept. of Endodontology, Academic Centre of Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, Netherlands. The publisher of the International Endodontic Journal can be contacted at: Blackwell Publishing Inc., 350 Main St., Malden, MA 02148, USA. Keywords: Netherlands, Amsterdam, Life Sciences, Periodontitis, Clinical Trial Research, Diagnosis, Diagnostics, Treatment, Therapy, Radiography, Histology. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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