Comparative Evaluation of Oral Fluid Microcrystallization Index in Patients with Maxillofacial and Neck Boils in Different Approaches of Post-Operative Treatment

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to study the index of microcrystallization of oral fluid in patients with boils of the maxillofacial region, to carry out a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of postoperative treatment of this disease using a standard rehabilitation treatment and the same treatment combined with electroacupuncture (EAT). Materials and methods. We observed 40 patients with boils of the maxillofacial region aged 18-58 years old who were divided into two groups of 20 people in each group after primary surgical treatment (PST) of the infectious and inflammatory focus. Group 1 received a standard anti-inflammatory therapy in the postoperative period. In group 2, the standard treatment was combined with electroacupuncture. The study involved 20 practically healthy people (a control group). The microcrystallization index (MCI) was determined by the method of I.O. Pohodenko-Chudakova, Yu.M. Kazakova, N.D. Pokhodenko (2011). In the control group, the microcrystallization index was determined once, in groups 1 and 2 – twice (at the patient's admission to the hospital and on the 10th day after the primary surgical treatment). The obtained data was processed statistically using the package of application tables "Statistica 10.0" Results and discussion. In the control group, type I of microcrystallization was determined in 72 (40.0%) quadrants, type II – in 98 (54.4%) quadrants, and type III – in 10 (5.6%) quadrants. In group 1 patients in the 1st study, type I of microcrystallization was in 17 (9.4%) quadrants, type II – in 53 (29.5%) quadrants, and type III – in 110 (61.1%) quadrants. In group 2, type I of microcrystallization was detected in 11 (6.1%) quadrants, type II – in 49 (27.2%) quadrants, and type III – in 120 (66.7%) quadrants. On the 10th day of the follow-up period in patients of group 1, type I of crystal formation was determined in 66 (36.7%) quadrants, type II – in 75 (41.7%) quadrants, type III – in 39 (21.6%) quadrants. During the same follow-up period, type I was found in 66 (36.7%) quadrants, type II – in 93 (51.7%), and type III ‒ in 21 (11.6%) quadrants. The microcrystallization index value of group 1 decreased during standard treatment, but it didn’t have directed signs (χ2=7.0; p=0.316). The microcrystallization index in the 2nd study was significantly different from the control (U=0.0; p <0.001) and therefore did not reach the normal values. According to the data of group 2, the revealed positive dynamics had directed signs (χ2=20.0; p <0.001). The microcrystallization index at the end of treatment had no significant differences with the control (U=99.5; p=0.007). Conclusion. The study proves the advantage of the results of treatment of a group of patients who were treated with electroacupuncture as well as the possibility of using the microcrystallization index of oral fluid both for diagnosing the severity of the general condition of a patient with a boil of the maxillofacial region and predicting the course of the disease