Longitudinal Analyses of Early Lesions by Fluorescence: An Observational Study

Previous caries experience correlates to future caries risk; thus,early identification of lesions has importance for risk assessment and management. in this study,we aimed to determine if quantitative light-induced fluorescence (qlf) parameters–area (a [mm2]),fluorescence loss (▲f [%]),and ▲q [%×mm2]–obtained by image analyses can predict lesion progression. we secured consent from 565 children (from 5-13 years old) and their parents/guardians and examined them at baseline and regular intervals over 48 months according to the international caries detection assessment system (icdas),yearly radiographs,and qlf. qlf images from surfaces with icdas 0/1/2/3/4 at baseline that progressed (n = 2,191) to cavitation (icdas 5/6) or fillings and surfaces that did not progress to cavitation/fillings (n = 4,141) were analyzed independently for a,▲f,and ▲q. linear mixed-effects models were used to compare means and slopes (changes over time) between surfaces that progressed and those that did not. qlf a,▲f,and ▲q increased at a faster rate for surfaces that progressed than for surfaces that did not progress (p =.0001),regardless of type of surface or baseline icdas score. auc for icdas ranged from 0.65 to 0.80,but adding qlf information improved auc (0.82-0.87,p <.0005). we concluded that faster changes in qlf variables can indicate lesion progression toward cavitation and be more clinically relevant than actual qlf values. © 2013,international & american associations for dental research. all rights reserved.