Plasma Level Formaldehyde in Children Receiving Pulpotomy Treatment under General Anesthesia

Formocresol has long been used by dentists for pulpotomy of primary teeth. Due to some concerns regarding its possible carcinogenicity, formocresol has been the topic of numerous studies. This study sought to assess the changes in plasma level of formaldehyde of children after receiving pulpotomy under general anesthesia.

Twenty-five children between 2-6 years requiring dental treatments under general anesthesia were studied. Blood samples were taken of children before and after the procedure. Plasma level of formaldehyde was measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

A total of 106 pulpotomy treatments were performed in 25 children using 126 cotton pellets dipped in formocresol. An increase and a decrease in plasma level of formaldehyde were noted in 5 (20%) and 20 (80%) children, respectively post-operatively compared to baseline. The t-test showed no significant difference in plasma level of formaldehyde pre- and postoperatively (P=0.12). the plasma level of formaldehyde in children who had higher levels of formaldehyde prior to the operation was also higher than that of others after the operation and this association was statistically significant (P=0.001, r=0.64).

The results showed no significant change in the mean plasma level of formaldehyde in children who received pulpotomy under general anesthesia compared to its baseline value.