Abstract Dental referrals to the Endodontics Specialty Clinic (ESC) are routine owing to the complexity of endodontic treatments. To obtain a better prognosis for treatment, students/dentists must perceive their technical limits. This study sought to investigate the referrals of patients to the ESC from different clinics of the Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas - SP, Brazil, and check: a) the demographic profile of patients and the most commonly affected tooth; b) the clinic with the largest number of referrals; c) the reasons for referrals; d) the complexity of the cases; e) and the difficulty in assessing the referred cases based on the classification provided by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and Souza-Filho. The study sample consisted of patients’ electronic dental referral records from February 2015 to June 2019. A total of 1,707 patients were referred to the ESC during the study period, and 62.4% were female. Lower molars were the most frequently involved teeth (34.8%), and 60.7% of the cases were referred due to the presence of root curvature. The AAE classification showed prevalence of highly difficult cases (71.3%), whereas Souza-Filho classification demonstrated a high rate of class III cases (85.8%). This study highlights the difficulties encountered by undergraduate students before or during endodontic treatments, reinforcing the need for clear criteria for selecting cases appropriate for each education level, thus improving endodontic treatment prognosis.

Aim The objective of this study was to describe a case series concerning internal bleaching of anterior traumatized teeth that underwent regenerative endodontic procedures (REP). Methods Seven non-vital maxillary anterior teeth discolored after regenerative endodontic procedures were included and divided into two groups according to the medication protocol used in the REP: (1) Triple antibiotic paste (TAP) group (n=4); (2) Calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel (HC+CHX) (n=3). The bleaching technique used was walking bleach, where sodium perborate associated with distilled water was used. Bleaching agent was replaced weekly until the darkened tooth was slightly lighter than the adjacent tooth. The color was recorded with the aid of a digital spectrophotometer in two moments (T1: prior the first session of bleaching, T2: fourteen days after the last session of bleaching). The change in color after the procedure (ΔE) was calculated and reported in a descriptive analysis. Results The ΔE for all teeth showed color differences exceeding the perceptibility threshold (ΔE > 3.7). Both groups showed similar ΔE (TAP: 18.3 ± 11.5; HC+CHX: 14 ± 11.2) at the end of the treatment. The average number of sessions needed to achieve satisfactory results was 1.7 ± 0.6 for HC+CHX group and 2.3 ± 0.5 for TAP group. Conclusion Internal bleaching with sodium perborate associated with distilled water is effective in treating discolored teeth after regenerative endodontic procedures.

Resumo: O estudo buscou investigar a prevalência de trauma dentário em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática em oito bases de dados: MEDLINE (via PubMed), LILACS, BBO, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Open Access Theses and Dissertations e OpenThesis. Foram incluídos apenas estudos de prevalência que usavam métodos de amostragem probabilística, sem limitação de ano ou idioma de publicação. Para avaliar o risco individual de viés, foram utilizadas as ferramentas de avaliação crítica da JBI para estudos de prevalência. Os estudos individuais foram combinados na metanálise com o uso do modelo de efeitos aleatórios. A heterogeneidade entre os estudos foi analisada pelas estatísticas Q de Cochran e I-quadrado. A análise de metarregressão foi realizada para avaliar as fontes de heterogeneidade. A abordagem GRADE avaliou a certeza das evidências entre os estudos incluídos. A busca resultou em 2.069 registros, dos quais 36 foram incluídos no estudo. Os estudos elegíveis foram publicados entre 2000 e 2021, com uma amostra total de 40.194 crianças e adolescentes. A maioria dos estudos (75%) teve baixo risco de viés. Nos dentes permanentes, a prevalência de trauma dentário foi de 21% (IC95%: 16,0; 26,0) e nos dentes decíduos foi de 35% (IC95%: 26,0; 44,0). A prevalência de trauma dentário foi mais alta no sexo masculino que no feminino, para ambas as dentições. Com base na baixa certeza, a prevalência das lesões dentárias traumáticas em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros é mais alta que no resto do mundo, tanto nos dentes decíduos quanto nos permanentes. Além disso, a prevalência de trauma dentário é mais alta em meninos que em meninas.

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dental trauma in Brazilian children and adolescents. A systematic review was conducted considering eight databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), LILACS, BBO, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, and OpenThesis. Only prevalence studies that used a probabilistic sampling method were included, without restriction on year or language of publication. The JBI critical appraisal tools for prevalence studies were used to assess the individual risk of bias. The individual studies were combined in the meta-analysis using the random-effects model. The heterogeneity between the studies was analyzed by Cochran’s Q and the I-square statistics. A meta-regression analysis was performed to evaluate the sources of heterogeneity. The GRADE approach assessed the certainty of evidence across included studies. The search resulted in 2,069 records, of which 36 were included in the study. The eligible studies were published from 2000 to 2021, with a total sample of 40,194 children and adolescents. Most studies (75%) had a low risk of bias. In permanent teeth, the prevalence of dental trauma was 21% (95%CI: 16.0; 26.0) and in deciduous teeth; 35% (95%CI: 26.0; 44.0). The prevalence of dental trauma among boys was higher than among girls for both dentitions. Based on a low certainty, the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in Brazilian children and adolescents is higher than that found worldwide both in deciduous and permanent teeth. Also, the prevalence of dental trauma among boys is higher than among girls.

Resumen: Este estudio tuvo como meta investigar la prevalencia de trauma dental en niños y adolescentes brasileños. Se realizó una revisión sistemática considerando ocho bases de datos: MEDLINE (via PubMed), LILACS, BBO, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Open Access Theses and Dissertations y OpenThesis. Solamente se incluyeron estudios de prevalencia que usaron un método de muestreo probabilístico, sin restricción sobre el año o lengua de publicación. Se usó las herramientas de evaluación crítica del JBI para estudios de prevalencia studies para evaluar el riesgo individual de sesgo. Los estudios individuales se combinaron en metaanálisis, usando un modelo de efectos aleatorios. La heterogeneidad entre los estudios se analizó mediante las estadísticas de Cochran Q e I-cuadrado. Se realizó un análisis de meta-regresión para evaluar las fuentes de heterogeneidad. El enfoque GRADE evaluó la certidumbre de evidencia a través de los estudios incluidos. La búsqueda resultó en 2.069 registros, de los cuales treinta y seis se incluyeron en el estudio. Los estudios elegibles se publicaron entre 2000 y 2021, con una muestra total de 40.194 niños y adolescentes. La mayoría de los estudios (75%) tenían un bajo riesgo de sesgo. En los dientes permanentes la prevalencia de trauma dental fue 21% (IC95%: 16,0; 26,0) y en los dientes deciduos la prevalencia de trauma dental fue 35% (IC95%: 26,0; 44,0). La prevalencia trauma dental entre niños fue más alta que entre niñas en ambas denticiones. Basado en una baja certidumbre, la prevalencia de lesiones traumáticas dentales en niños y adolescentes brasileños es más alta que la encontrada en el resto del mundo, tanto en dientes deciduos como en dientes permanentes. Asimismo, la prevalencia de trauma dental entre niños es más alta que entre niñas.

Resumo: O estudo buscou investigar a prevalência de trauma dentário em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática em oito bases de dados: MEDLINE (via PubMed), LILACS, BBO, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Open Access Theses and Dissertations e OpenThesis. Foram incluídos apenas estudos de prevalência que usavam métodos de amostragem probabilística, sem limitação de ano ou idioma de publicação. Para avaliar o risco individual de viés, foram utilizadas as ferramentas de avaliação crítica da JBI para estudos de prevalência. Os estudos individuais foram combinados na metanálise com o uso do modelo de efeitos aleatórios. A heterogeneidade entre os estudos foi analisada pelas estatísticas Q de Cochran e I-quadrado. A análise de metarregressão foi realizada para avaliar as fontes de heterogeneidade. A abordagem GRADE avaliou a certeza das evidências entre os estudos incluídos. A busca resultou em 2.069 registros, dos quais 36 foram incluídos no estudo. Os estudos elegíveis foram publicados entre 2000 e 2021, com uma amostra total de 40.194 crianças e adolescentes. A maioria dos estudos (75%) teve baixo risco de viés. Nos dentes permanentes, a prevalência de trauma dentário foi de 21% (IC95%: 16,0; 26,0) e nos dentes decíduos foi de 35% (IC95%: 26,0; 44,0). A prevalência de trauma dentário foi mais alta no sexo masculino que no feminino, para ambas as dentições. Com base na baixa certeza, a prevalência das lesões dentárias traumáticas em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros é mais alta que no resto do mundo, tanto nos dentes decíduos quanto nos permanentes. Além disso, a prevalência de trauma dentário é mais alta em meninos que em meninas.

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dental trauma in Brazilian children and adolescents. A systematic review was conducted considering eight databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), LILACS, BBO, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, and OpenThesis. Only prevalence studies that used a probabilistic sampling method were included, without restriction on year or language of publication. The JBI critical appraisal tools for prevalence studies were used to assess the individual risk of bias. The individual studies were combined in the meta-analysis using the random-effects model. The heterogeneity between the studies was analyzed by Cochran’s Q and the I-square statistics. A meta-regression analysis was performed to evaluate the sources of heterogeneity. The GRADE approach assessed the certainty of evidence across included studies. The search resulted in 2,069 records, of which 36 were included in the study. The eligible studies were published from 2000 to 2021, with a total sample of 40,194 children and adolescents. Most studies (75%) had a low risk of bias. In permanent teeth, the prevalence of dental trauma was 21% (95%CI: 16.0; 26.0) and in deciduous teeth; 35% (95%CI: 26.0; 44.0). The prevalence of dental trauma among boys was higher than among girls for both dentitions. Based on a low certainty, the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in Brazilian children and adolescents is higher than that found worldwide both in deciduous and permanent teeth. Also, the prevalence of dental trauma among boys is higher than among girls.

Resumen: Este estudio tuvo como meta investigar la prevalencia de trauma dental en niños y adolescentes brasileños. Se realizó una revisión sistemática considerando ocho bases de datos: MEDLINE (via PubMed), LILACS, BBO, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Open Access Theses and Dissertations y OpenThesis. Solamente se incluyeron estudios de prevalencia que usaron un método de muestreo probabilístico, sin restricción sobre el año o lengua de publicación. Se usó las herramientas de evaluación crítica del JBI para estudios de prevalencia studies para evaluar el riesgo individual de sesgo. Los estudios individuales se combinaron en metaanálisis, usando un modelo de efectos aleatorios. La heterogeneidad entre los estudios se analizó mediante las estadísticas de Cochran Q e I-cuadrado. Se realizó un análisis de meta-regresión para evaluar las fuentes de heterogeneidad. El enfoque GRADE evaluó la certidumbre de evidencia a través de los estudios incluidos. La búsqueda resultó en 2.069 registros, de los cuales treinta y seis se incluyeron en el estudio. Los estudios elegibles se publicaron entre 2000 y 2021, con una muestra total de 40.194 niños y adolescentes. La mayoría de los estudios (75%) tenían un bajo riesgo de sesgo. En los dientes permanentes la prevalencia de trauma dental fue 21% (IC95%: 16,0; 26,0) y en los dientes deciduos la prevalencia de trauma dental fue 35% (IC95%: 26,0; 44,0). La prevalencia trauma dental entre niños fue más alta que entre niñas en ambas denticiones. Basado en una baja certidumbre, la prevalencia de lesiones traumáticas dentales en niños y adolescentes brasileños es más alta que la encontrada en el resto del mundo, tanto en dientes deciduos como en dientes permanentes. Asimismo, la prevalencia de trauma dental entre niños es más alta que entre niñas.

Abstract Objective Pulp revascularization is an effective treatment for immature necrotic teeth. Calcium hydroxide has been used in pulp revascularization as an intracanal medication due to its antimicrobial action and the non-exhibition of crown discoloration and cytotoxicity for stem cells from the apical papilla. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical success and quantitative radiographic changes of root development in immature traumatized teeth using calcium hydroxide plus 2% chlorhexidine gel as intracanal medication. Methodology In this retrospective study, 16 patients were treated with a standardized pulp revascularization protocol. Calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel were manipulated in a 1:1 (v/v) ratio and inserted into root canals with Lentulo spirals (Dentsply Maillefer, Baillaigues, Switzerland). Patients were followed up for a period from 9 to 36 months for the evaluation of clinical and radiological data. Radiographic measurements of root length, root width, apical diameter, and MTA placement from the apex were quantified using software ImageJ. Wilcoxon test and t-test were used, according to nonparametric or parametric data, respectively, for changes over time in root length, root width, and apical diameter. Results Fifteen teeth survived during the follow-up period (93.75%) and met the criteria for clinical success. Although the changes seem to be very small in many cases, significant increases in the average root length (14.28%, p<0.0001), root width (8.12%, p=0.0196), and decrease in apical diameter (48.37%, p=0.0007) were observed. MTA placement from the apex and age at the time of treatment was not significantly associated with the quantitative radiographic outcomes. Conclusions Pulp revascularization in traumatized immature teeth treated with calcium hydroxide plus 2% chlorhexidine gel as intracanal medication had high success and survival rates, showing periodontal healing and resolution of signs and symptoms. However, concerning the continued root development, the outcomes can still be considered unpredictable.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo retrospectivo avaliou o perfil demográfico dos pacientes e as características clínicas das urgências dentárias em um Serviço de Plantão de Urgências de uma Faculdade brasileira de Odontologia. Métodos: Durante o período de junho de 2013 a maio de 2014, os dados foram coletados de 1.345 registros clínicos, com informações sobre a queixa principal, gênero, idade, alteração sistêmica, inspeção clínica do dente afetado, diagnóstico pulpar e periapical, o tipo de procedimento realizado e se houve necessidade de medicação sistêmica pós-operatória. Os dados foram analisados usando o software SAS e o teste do qui-quadrado foi utilizado para verificar a presença ou ausência de significância estatística ao nível de 5%. Resultados: A dor dental (53,3%) foi a queixa principal mais encontrada. Pacientes do gênero feminino (63,1%), com idade entre 29-48 anos (42%), sem condições sistêmicas (75%) e com dentes cariados (25%) foram os mais prevalentes. Além disso, o envolvimento de molares inferiores (29,81%) e o diagnóstico de pulpite irreversível (30,42%) foram os achados mais frequentes. O tratamento endodôntico de urgência (45,8%) foi o procedimento mais realizado. A pulpite irreversível (30,4%) e a necrose pulpar associada a periodontite apical aguda (21,9%) foram as condições mais frequentes que necessitaram de tratamento endodôntico de urgência e, na maioria dos casos, não houve prescrição de medicamentos sistêmicos pós-operatórios (95,7%). Conclusão: A prevalência de urgências endodônticas durante o período de um ano enfatiza a necessidade de diagnósticos mais precisos e a importância de oferecer esse serviço à população.

ABSTRACT Objective: This retrospective study evaluated the demographic profile of patients and the clinical characteristics of dental emergencies in a brazilian university outpatient clinic. Methods: During the period from June 2013 to May 2014, data were collected from 1.345 clinical records. Chief complaint, gender, age, systemic alteration, clinical inspection of the affected tooth, pulp and periapical diagnosis, the type of procedure performed and whether there was the need for post-operative systemic medication. Data were analyzed using the SAS software and chi-square test was used to verify the presence or absence of statistical significance at a level of 5%. Results: Dental pain (53.3%) was the main reason why people attended the emergency service, that is, female patients (63.1%), aged 29-48 years old (42%), patients without systemic conditions (75%), and patients with decayed teeth (25%). In addition, involvement of lower molars (29.81%) and diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis (30.42%) were the most frequent findings. Emergency endodontic treatment (45.8%) was the most performed procedure. Irreversible pulpitis (30.4%) and pulp necrosis associated with acute apical periodontitis (21.9%) were the most frequent conditions requiring emergency endodontic treatment, and in most cases, there was no need for post-operative systemic medications (95.7%). Conclusion: The prevalence of endodontic emergencies during the period of one year emphasizes the need for more accurate diagnosis and the importance of providing this service to the population.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different ethanol concentrations on dentin roughness, surface free energy, and contact angle between AH Plus and the root canal dentin. One hundred human maxillary anterior teeth were split longitudinally and 200 dentin specimens were polished to make the surface flatter and smoother. An acrylic bar was positioned between two dentin specimens and impression material was added to create a block, simulating an instrumented root canal space. Specimens were removed from the mold and cleaned in an ultrasonic bath for 10 min. Thereafter, dentin specimens were divided into four groups (n = 50) according to the drying methods used: a) wet: vacuum only, b) paper points: vacuum + absorbent paper points, c) 70% alcohol: 70% alcohol (1 min) + vacuum + absorbent paper points, and d) 100% alcohol: 100% alcohol (1 min) + vacuum + absorbent paper points. A rugosimeter and a goniometer were used to verify the roughness (Ra) and to measure the surface free energy and the contact angle between the AH Plus sealer and the root canal dentin. ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05) were used for statistical analysis. The 70% and 100% ethanol groups showed significantly decreased roughness as well as increased surface free energy in the root canal dentin when compared to the wet and paper point groups. In addition, ethanol significantly reduced the contact angle between the AH Plus sealer and the root canal dentin. Ethanol solutions (70% and 100%) provide better wettability of AH Plus sealer on dentin surfaces.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo clínico foi avaliar a relação entre a demora na procura por tratamento e o desenvolvimento de reabsorções inflamatórias externas em dentes luxados com ápice fechado. A amostra desta pesquisa foi constituída por 67 pacientes que apresentaram 133 dentes traumatizados, dos quais 56 foram acometidos por luxação extrusiva, 69 por luxação lateral e 8 por luxação intrusiva, proservados por no mínimo 24 meses. Foi registrado o tempo decorrido entre a data do trauma e o primeiro atendimento. Verificou-se a ocorrência de necrose pulpar e reabsorções inflamatórias externas em cada tipo de traumatismo. O Teste Exato de Fisher foi aplicado para verificar a influência da data do atendimento inicial e o desenvolvimento de reabsorções inflamatórias externas em cada tipo de luxação e o teste de Odds Ratio foi aplicado para verificar o risco do desenvolvimento de reabsorções inflamatórias externas em função da demora na procura por tratamento. Os resultados revelaram que a necrose pulpar foi verificada em 105 dentes luxados (78,9%) e a reabsorção inflamatória externa foi verificada em 17.8% das luxações extrusivas (10), sendo 15,9% das luxações laterais (11) e 25% das luxações intrusivas (2). A demora na procura por tratamento influenciou o desenvolvimento de reabsorções infamatórias externas nas luxações laterais (p=0,0174). Os pacientes que procuraram tratamento após 45 dias da data do trauma apresentaram 3,4 vezes mais chance de desenvolver reabsorção inflamatória externa do que os pacientes que procuraram tratamento logo após o traumatismo. Conclui-se que o tratamento tardio após a ocorrência do traumatismo pode prejudicar o prognóstico e favorecer o desenvolvimento de reabsorções inflamatórias externas em dentes luxados com ápice fechado.

Abstract This clinical study aimed to evaluate the relationship of the delay between dental trauma and the initial attendance to the development of external inflammatory root resorption in permanent teeth affected by severe luxation. Sixty-seven patients, aged between 11 and 56 years, presenting 133 injured teeth with closed apex (56 extrusive luxation, 69 lateral luxation and 8 intrusive luxation) were followed up for a minimum of 24 months. The time elapsed between dental trauma and the initial attendance was recorded. The presence of necrotic pulp and external inflammatory resorption for each type of trauma was verified. Fisher’s exact test was used to verify the influence of the initial attendance date at the Dental Trauma Center and the development of inflammatory resorption (p<0.05). The odds ratio was used to check the risk of developing external inflammatory resorption due to delay in seeking treatment. Pulp necrosis was observed in 105 teeth (78.9%) and external inflammatory resorption was detected in 17.8% cases of extrusive luxation (10 teeth), 15.9% of lateral luxation (11 teeth) and 25% of intrusive luxation (2 teeth). For lateral luxation, extended delay between the date of injury and initial attendance influenced the occurrence of external inflammatory resorption (p=0.0174). Patients who began treatment 45 days after the injury were 3.4 times more likely to develop external inflammatory resorption than patients who sought treatment after the trauma. Treatment late after the occurrence of dental trauma can impair the prognosis and result in the development of external inflammatory resorption in luxated teeth.

Phosphoric acid has been suggested as an irrigant due to its effectiveness in removing the smear layer.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of a 37% phosphoric acid solution to other irrigants commonly used in endodontics.Material and Methods : The substances 37% phosphoric acid, 17% EDTA, 10% citric acid, 2% chlorhexidine (solution and gel), and 5.25% NaOCl were evaluated. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Actinomyces meyeri, Parvimonas micra, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella nigrescensaccording to the agar diffusion method. The cytotoxicity of the irrigants was determined by using the MTT assay.Results : Phosphoric acid presented higher antimicrobial activity compared to the other tested irrigants. With regard to the cell viability, this solution showed results similar to those with 5.25% NaOCl and 2% chlorhexidine (gel and solution), whereas 17% EDTA and 10% citric acid showed higher cell viability compared to other irrigants.Conclusion : Phosphoric acid demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity similar to that of 5.25% NaOCl and 2% chlorhexidine (gel and solution).

OBJETIVO: Devido aos avanços da medicina e ao envelhecimento da população, a proporção de pacientes em risco de morte após cirurgias está aumentando. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar o desfecho e a epidemiologia de cirurgias não cardíacas em pacientes admitidos em unidade de terapia intensiva. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, observacional, de coorte, realizado em 21 unidades de terapia intensiva. Um total de 885 pacientes adultos, cirúrgicos, consecutivamente admitidos em unidades de terapia intensiva no período de abril a junho de 2006 foi avaliado e destes, 587 foram incluídos. Os critérios de exclusão foram; trauma, cirurgias cardíacas, neurológicas, ginecológicas, obstétricas e paliativas. Os principais desfechos foram complicações pós-cirúrgicas e mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva e 90 dias após a cirurgia. RESULTADOS: Cirurgias de grande porte e de urgência foram realizadas em 66,4% e 31,7%, dos pacientes, respectivamente. A taxa de mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva foi de 15%, e 38% dos pacientes tiveram complicações no pós-operatório. A complicação mais comum foi infecção ou sepse (24,7%). Isquemia miocárdica foi diagnosticada em apenas 1,9%. Um total de 94 % dos pacientes que morreram após a cirurgia tinha co-morbidades associadas (3,4 ± 2,2). A principal causa de óbito foi disfunção de múltiplos órgãos (53%). CONCLUSÃO: Sepse é a causa predominante de morbidade em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias não cardíacas. A grande maioria dos óbitos no pós-operatório ocorreu por disfunção de múltiplos órgãos.

OBJECTIVES: Due to the dramatic medical breakthroughs and an increasingly ageing population, the proportion of patients who are at risk of dying following surgery is increasing over time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and the epidemiology of non-cardiac surgical patients admitted to the intensive care unit. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, observational, cohort study was carried out in 21 intensive care units. A total of 885 adult surgical patients admitted to a participating intensive care unit from April to June 2006 were evaluated and 587 patients were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were trauma, cardiac, neurological, gynecologic, obstetric and palliative surgeries. The main outcome measures were postoperative complications and intensive care unit and 90-day mortality rates. RESULTS: Major and urgent surgeries were performed in 66.4% and 31.7% of the patients, respectively. The intensive care unit mortality rate was 15%, and 38% of the patients had postoperative complications. The most common complication was infection or sepsis (24.7%). Myocardial ischemia was diagnosed in only 1.9% of the patients. A total of 94 % of the patients who died after surgery had co-morbidities at the time of surgery (3.4 ± 2.2). Multiple organ failure was the main cause of death (53%). CONCLUSION: Sepsis is the predominant cause of morbidity in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. In this patient population, multiple organ failure prevailed as the most frequent cause of death in the hospital.