title: Use of a palatal stabilizing device in prevention of palatal grooves in premature infants.
abstract: A prospective, randomized study using an acrylic palatal stabilizing device (PSD) was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this device in preventing disruptions in palatal architecture. A total of 26 premature infants with birth weights of 540 to 1740 g, and intubated orally for a period varying from 7 to 109 days were randomized to control and experimental groups. All neonates in the control group developed palatal grooving ranging from 2 to 5 mm in depth, whereas those in the experimental group (with a PSD) showed no evidence of palatal grooving. We conclude that a PSD is an effective preventive device in premature orally intubated infants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Illinois, Chicago 60612.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fadavi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Adeni
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dziedzic
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Punwani
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vidyasagar
mesh_terms: D003761:Dental Impression Technique; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D010158:Palatal Obturators; D010159:Palate / Q000254:growth & development / Q000293:injuries*
chemical_list: D008768:Methylmethacrylates