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Aims: Depression and anxiety are severe health problems affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Consequently, the use of antidepressants has constantly been on a rise. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressant are now commonly used due to fewer side effects as compared to other types of antidepressants. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of periapical abscesses (PAs)in patients using SSRIs. Methods and Results: Integrated data of hospital patients was used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for SSRIs and acute PAs was retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. The different diagnoses were coded using the international coding systems ICD 10. Diagnosis was made by calibrated dentists in a hospital setting based on clinical examination and imaging data. The odds ratio (OR) for the prevalence of acute PAs and its association with the use of SSRIs were calculated and analyzed statistically. It was found that the prevalence of acute PAs was significantly higher in patients using SSRIs as compared to the other hospital patient population. The OR was 2.8 and the difference between patients using SSRIs and patients who do not was statistically significant (p <.0001). Conclusion: Under the conditions of this study, it appears that the prevalence of acute PAs is higher in patients using SSRIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To assess the prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to evaluate the effect of glucocorticoids (GCs) used to treat SLE, on the prevalence of such lesions. Methods: Integrated data of hospital patients was used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for SLE and periapical abscess was retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. The odd ratio (OR) of periapical abscesses and its association with SLE and intake of GCs were calculated and analyzed statistically. Results: The prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients treated with GCs was 1.5% compared to 0.39% in patients who were not treated with GCs. The OR for periapical abscesses in patients treated with GCs was 2.53 compared with OR of 0.66 in patients not treated with GCs. The differences were statistically significant (p <.0001). The prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients with SLE was 1.88%. The OR was 3.18 and the difference statistically significant (p <.0001). Conclusions: Under the conditions of this study, it appears that the prevalence of periapical abscesses is higher in patients with SLE. Patients receiving GCs therapy, either for SLE or for other conditions, may present higher prevalence of periapical abscesses [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors of this letter are responding to comments about their study on the prevalence of acute periapical abscesses in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. They acknowledge the importance of including additional information on the study subjects, such as radiation therapy doses, preexisting medical conditions, medications, and occurrences of osteoradionecrosis (ORN). However, due to limitations with the i2b2 platform, they were unable to retrieve this data simultaneously. The authors clarify that their study aimed to highlight the dental needs of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy rather than determine the cause of dental issues. They recommend careful dental and oral health monitoring for this vulnerable group of patients. [Extracted from the article]