Sepsis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Sepsis, including details on septicemia, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment.

Preliminary investigation of bacteremia incidence after removal of the Haas palatal expander.

Rosa EA, Rached RN, Tanaka O, Fronza F, Fronza F, Araújo Assad R

Laboratory of Stomatology, Dental Branch, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil. edvaldo.rosa@pucpr.br <edvaldo.rosa@pucpr.br>

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream immediately after removing Haas palatal expanders; this could be considered an invasive procedure. METHODS: Eight patients (18.5 +/- 3.9 years old) wearing Haas palatal expanders had 5-mL blood samples taken immediately before and 10 minutes after removal of the apparatus. The blood was aseptically inoculated into hemoculture bottles and incubated at 37 degrees C for 7 days. Medium alterations suggesting bacterial growth were investigated by using Gram staining. RESULTS: Bottles containing blood taken before apparatus removal did not show bacterial growth. However, 4 of the 8 postremoval blood samples showed turbidity after 5 days, and bacterioscopy analysis showed Gram-positive cocci. Subsequent cultures in blood-agar medium plates allowed classifying the bacteria as viridans streptococcus. CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong possibility that trauma after removing Haas expanders might be correlated to transitory bacteremia, thereby implying the need for a more careful approach when dealing with special patients, such as those at risk of cardiopathic complications.

Published 11 January 2005 in Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop, 127(1): 64-6.
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