Objective Myofascial pain syndrome with trigger points is the most common cause of nonodontogenic pain. Although injection of the trigger points is the most effective pain reduction treatment, many patients exhibit recurrence after a short period. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of magnesium sulfate injections in the treatment of the masseter muscle trigger points when compared to saline injections. Material and method This study randomly (1:1) assigned 180 patients to one of two treatment groups based on whether their trigger points were injected with 2 ml of saline or magnesium sulfate. Pain scores, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and quality of life were measured at the pre-injection and 1, 3, and 6 months post-injection. Results The pain scores were significantly higher in the saline group during all follow-up assessments, whereas the MMO was significantly higher in the magnesium sulfate group up to 3 months of follow-up (p < 0.001). However, the difference in MMO ceased to be statistically significant after 6 months of follow-up (p = 0.121). Additionally, the patient’s quality of life score was significantly higher in the magnesium sulfate group compared to the saline group (p < 0.001). Conclusion Injection of magnesium sulfate is an effective treatment measure for myofascial trigger points. However, further studies with a proper design addressing the limitations of the current study are necessary. ClinicalTrials: org (ID: NCT04742140) 5/2/2021.

Objective: To evaluate and analyze the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on the scar formed after unilateral complete cleft lip scar repair using a modified Millard technique. Hypothesis: An unavoidable cheiloplasty scar is a result of the wound healing process that not only influences patient self-esteem for life but also affects muscle function. Design: Blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Patients: From December 2016 to February 2018, 24 patients with unilateral complete cleft lip undergoing primary cheiloplasties were equally assigned to study and control groups. Intervention: All patients were treated by modified Millard cheiloplasty. In the study group, PRP was injected into the muscle and skin layers immediately after wound closure, while the control group patients were treated with no PRP injection. Outcomes Measures: Scar width was assessed after 6 months through the muscle using ultrasonography and at the skin surface via photographs. Results: Scar width showed a significant improvement in the study group. Conclusions: Injection of autologous PRP provides effective improvement of cutaneous and muscular wound healing and decreases scar tissue formation.

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Background The environmental etiology of non-syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs) is still under research. The aim of this case-control study is to assess COVID-19 associated factors that may be related to the risk of NSOFC in five Arab countries. These factors include COVID-19 infection, COVID-19 symptoms, family member or friends infected with COVID-19, stress, smoking, socioeconomic status and fear of COVID-19. Methods The study took place in governmental hospitals in five Arab countries from November 2020 to November 2021. Controls are matched in the month of delivery and site of recruitment. A clinical examination was carried out using LASHAL classification. Maternal exposure to medication, illnesses, supplementation, COVID-19 infection during their pregestation and 1st trimester periods were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. Maternal exposure to stress was assessed using the Life Events scale, fear of covid-19 scale, family member or friend affected with covid-19 infection, pregnancy planning and threatened abortion. Results The study recruited 1135 infants (386 NSOFC and 749 controls). Living in urban areas, maternal exposure to medications 3-months pregestation, maternal exposure to any of the prenatal life events and maternal fear of COVID-19 significantly increased the risk of having a child with NSOFC. On the other hand, mothers exposed to supplementation 3-months pregestation, mothers suspected of having COVID-19 infection, family members or friends testing positive with COVID-19 significantly decreased the risk of having a child with NSOFC. Conclusions This study suggests that NSOFC may be associated with maternal exposure to lifetime stress and COVID-19 fear in particular, with no direct effect of the COVID-19 infection itself. This highlights the importance of providing psychological support for expecting mothers during stressful events that affect populations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the usual antenatal care.