The value of Mental Index (MI) and Gonial Index (GI) in hypertension patients on its correlation with serum calcium and cortisol level

Objective: This research was aimed to analyze the mandibular cortical width based on a mental index (MI) and gonial Index (GI) in hypertension patients correlated with serum calcium and cortisol levels. Materials and Methods: This study was an analytic-observational study with 31 hypertension patients aged 41-79. All of the patients have checked their serum calcium and cortisol level. The panoramic radiograph was taken and analyzed using Image-J Fiji software. The mandibular cortical width was then measured with Mental Index (MI) and Gonial Index (GI) and correlated with the serum calcium and cortisol level. Results: The data obtained from examining serum calcium and cortisol levels and the measurement of Mental Index (MI) and Gonial Index (GI) showed varying results but tended towards normal values. The results of the correlation test between mental index and gonial index with cortisol and serum calcium showed no correlation with p>0.05. Conclusion: There was no correlation between serum calcium and cortisol level in the value of MI and GI in hypertension patients.

The accuracy of panoramic radiography as a screening of bone mineral density in women: a systematic review

Objectives: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies was conducted to assess if the radiomorphometric indexes observed in panoramic radiographies could estimate reduced bone mineral density (BMD) similarly to standard technique the bone densitometry (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) in females older than 30 years. Methods: A systematic search in four databases was conducted until January 2019. Two evaluators performed data extraction and evaluation of risk of bias independently, and agreement was achieved by consensus. Data were synthesized on a subgroup meta-analysis with a random effect model and the hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic curve was used to calculate pooled estimates of studies. Results: Thirty three studies were included and 12 different radiomorphometric indexes identified, including Mandibular Cortical Index (MCI). The final number of cases pooled for the analysis was 5266 females.The MCI for BMD loss (osteopenia) presented values of sensitivity 0.81 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.78–0.84] and specificity 0.48 (95% CI, 0.45–0.50), while for osteoporosis sensitivity 0.35 (95% CI, 0.30–0.40) and specificity 0.88 (95% CI, 0.86–0.90). The mandibular cortical width presented values of sensitivity 0.58 (95% CI, 0.40–0.73), specificity 0.73 (95% CI, 0.60–0.83) for osteopenia, while for osteoporosis sensitivity 0.57 (95% CI, 0.36–0.76) and specificity 0.83 (95% CI, 0.68–0.92). Due to the high sensitivity, MCI presented a potential value as a screening tool for initial BMD loss (osteopenia), once tests presenting high sensitivity are described as rarely missing subjects with the disease. To the other hand, MCI to osteoporosis and Mandibular Cortical Width for both conditions are not recommended because presented specificity higher than sensitivity. Conclusion: The MCI can be recommended as a feasible tool to screen initial BMD loss (osteopenia) in females above 30 years old using panoramic radiography exams.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing Is Associated with Reduced Mandibular Cortical Width in Children

Introduction: Evidence from the adult population suggests that sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) (i.e., obstructive sleep apnea [OSA]) is negatively associated with bone mineral density. Whether a similar association exists in children with SDB has not been investigated. Using the mandibular cortical width (MCW) as a proxy for skeletal bone density, we investigated if children at risk of SDB or diagnosed with OSA have a reduced mandibular cortical width compared to children without SDB. Methods: Two retrospective cross-sectional studies were performed. The first study included comparison of MCW between 24 children with polysomnographically (PSG) diagnosed OSA and 72 age- and sex-matched control children. The second study included a cohort of children in which SDB was suggested by the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) ( n = 101). MCW was measured from panoramic radiographs. Results: Multiple-predictors regression analysis from the first study indicated that in children with a severe form of SDB, as induced by OSA severity, there was a negative association with MCW (β = –0.290, P = 0.049). Moreover, PSG-diagnosed OSA children had thinner MCW (2.9. ± 0.6mm) compared to healthy children (3.5 ± 0.6 mm; P = 0.002). These findings were further supported by the second study illustrating that PSQ total scores were negatively associated with MCW (β = –0.391, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Findings suggest that children at risk for or diagnosed with SDB exhibit reduced mandibular cortical width that purportedly may reflect alterations in bone homeostasis. Knowledge Transfer Statement: We report that sleep-disordered breathing (including its severe form, obstructive sleep apnea) in children is associated with reduced mandibular cortical width. This association might be a direct consequence of reduced bone health to sleep-disordered breathing or a reflection that reduced bone formation underlies the development of sleep-disordered breathing. Our findings suggest that mandibular cortical width can be used as an adjunct diagnostic parameter for the diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing.