Preliminary investigation of bacteremia incidence after removal of the Haas palatal expander.
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.
Rosa
Edvaldo Antonio Ribeiro
EA
Laboratory of Stomatology, Dental Branch, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil. edvaldo.rosa@pucpr.br <edvaldo.rosa@pucpr.br>
Rached
Rodrigo Nunes
RN
Tanaka
Orlando
O
Fronza
Felipe
F
Fronza
Francisco
F
Araújo Assad
Roberley
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D002648:Child; D017005:Dental Debonding / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D019533:Streptococcus oralis / Q000302:isolation & purification