A study was made of 31 patients with Angle Class II malocclusion. Fifteen patients did not undergo extraction of teeth (Group A), while 16 underwent extractions of four premolars (Group B). Data was obtained from the corresponding lateral radiographs of the head taken both before and after orthodontic treatment. The main aim of the study was to compare the response of the soft and hard tissues of the facial profile in Class II malocclusion treated with the extraction of four premolars and the response of borderline cases presenting with similar malocclusions, but not subjected to extraction. In this latter group reasonable doubt existed as to whether or not to remove teeth in order to solve the occlusal and aesthetic problems. It is concluded that significant hard tissue differences between the groups at the end of treatment were limited to a more retruded position of the incisors and a reduced overbite amongst those patients subjected to extraction. The main soft tissue differences between the groups at the end of treatment were a more retruded lower lip and a more pronounced lower labial sulcus in those patients subjected to extraction.
Background: Dermatitis artefacta (DA) is a self-inflicted dermatologic injury sometimes produced for secondary gains. Laboratory investigations, including histologic examination of lesional tissue biopsy, are usually negative and do not give a clue to the correct diagnosis. Patients and Methods: Over a five-year period, 14 patients were diagnosed with DA at King Fahad Hospital (KFH) in Al Baha during routine outpatient and inpatient dermatologic consultations. The diagnoses were based on vagueness of history given by the patients, and the presence of bizarre skin lesions distributed over sites accessible to the patients' hands. Investigations excluded the possibility of other diseases. In some cases, consultant psychiatric assessment was sought in order to identify possible underlying psychopathologic factors. Seven patients were hospitalized while the rest were managed as outpatients. Results: The 14 patients comprised 12 females and two males aged 12 to 71 (mean 25.9) years. All except one were Saudis. DA in the males was probably caused for secondary gains. The females, four of whom were married and eight single, were aged 12-36 (mean 21.8) years. Nine of the females (64%) had identifiable severe emotional or psychiatric problems. The remaining two were unmarried and had no identifiable underlying factors. Conclusion: This study reveals that the presentation of DA in Saudi Arabia is essentially similar to what has been reported from other parts of the world. It brings into focus a medical problem which needs to be recognized, as greater awareness may bring about earlier correct diagnosis and treatment.
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