Correlation Between Bacterial Endotoxin Levels in Root Canals of Primary Teeth and the Periapical Lesion Area.
OBJECTIVE
The purposes of this study were (1) to assess the endotoxin levels in root canals of primary teeth with necrotic pulps and periapical lesions; and (2) to evaluate the correlation of endotoxin levels with the periapical lesion size.


METHODS
Twenty primary molars with necrotic pulps and periapical lesions were selected. Standardized radiographs were obtained and the lesions were measured. Material from each root canal was collected to quantify the bacterial endotoxin. The results were analyzed using Pearson's correlation, student's t test, and Fisher's exact test (α equals five percent).


RESULTS
The initial amount of bacterial endotoxin in the root canals ranged from 0.089 to greater than 50.00 endotoxin units (EU)/mL and was detected in 100 percent of the samples. A positive but not significant correlation was observed between the amount of endotoxin and periapical lesion size in primary molars.


CONCLUSIONS
Endotoxin was observed in 100 percent of root canals of primary teeth with a periapical lesion. However, there was no statistical significance between bacterial endotoxin levels and the periapical lesion area.
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo-Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Alexandra Mussolino
AM
de Queiroz
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo-Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Juliana
J
Arid
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo-Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Paulo
P
Nelson-Filho
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo-Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Marília Pacífico
MP
Lucisano
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo-Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Raquel Assed Bezerra
RA
Silva
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Carlos Arterio
CA
Sorgi
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. marilia.lucisano@forp.usp.br.
Lúcia Helena
LH
Faccioli
Professor, in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, at the University of São Paulo-Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Lea Assed Bezerra
LA
Silva
D002648:Child; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*
D004731:Endotoxins