Anti-inflamatórios no tratamento de infecções odontogênicas: revisão da literatura

Abstract

Odontogenic infections are pathologic processes of great importance in the dentistry routine. Its treatment may be a challenge for professionals and it may be the subject of discussion. Usually, some professionals prescribe anti-inflammatories for severe cases of infection to alleviate acute symptoms, such as pain, edema, trismus, dysphagia, dysphonia, and dyspnea. However, some studies indicate disadvantages of using these medications to treat infections. A review of the literature was conducted to answer whether individuals affected by severe odontogenic infection improve their condition with the use of non-steroidal or steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when evaluating length of hospitalization, pain, edema, trismus, among others aspects. In December 2023, the electronic database PubMed/MEDLINE was accessed and specific terms indexed in the Mesh were used for the search. Observational studies, clinical trials or reviews that correspond to the focus question could be included. At the end of the article selection process, four studies were included. Two other articles were found in the reference list of primarily selected articles. A cross-sectional study reported worsening of odontogenic infections among patients who used anti-inflammatories. A second and third cross-sectional studies reported no differences in outcomes when comparing the use and non-use of anti-inflammatories. However, the second detected a greater consumption of antibiotics by those who were treated with anti-inflammatories. An audit reported a low rate of prescription of corticosteroids in the treatment of odontogenic infections in the routine of dental offices, except in severe cases, such as in the presence of dyspnea and dysphagia. A review that aimed to report the use of anti-inflammatories in odontogenic infections did not suggest any influence of these medications on the treatment. Finally, a systematic review included researches and case reports that evaluated the effects of corticosteroids on deep neck infections, epiglottitis, supraglottitis, orbital and periorbital cellulitis, pharyngitis and peritonsillar abscess. Positive results were found, but none of the included studies reported outcomes based on odontogenic infections. Therefore, it is suggested that the use of anti-inflammatory drugs may hide inflammatory signs of the infection, delaying its correct diagnosis and treatment, resulting in an unfavorable prognosis. High-doses corticosteroids for a short period of time are seen as an adjuvant in the treatment of severe cervicofacial infections.