Assessment of Thalassemia Major and Related Dento-Maxillofacial Complications

Abstract

Background:The β-thalassemias are genetic disorders of hemoglobin synthesis characterized by deficient (β⁺) or absent (β⁰) synthesis of the β-globin subunit of hemoglobin molecule. The present study was conducted to assess thalassemia major and related dento-maxillofacial complications.

Materials & Methods:60 thalassemia majorpatients of both genders (Group I) were included. Equal number of controls were also enrolled (Group II). Assessment of dental caries, oral hygiene, periodontal status, orofacial features, tooth size and dental arch dimensions, dental development, and physical pattern.

Results: Common clinical features were frontal bossing in 45%, Saddle nose in 20%, incompetent lips in 12%, headache in 35%, chipmunk facies in 30%, nasal airway problem in 24%, lip paresthesia in 11%, increased overjet in 60%, maxillary protrusion in 55%, parotid gland enlargement in 35% and pallor oral mucosa in 38%. DMFT index in group I was 6.52 and in group II was 4.84, gingivitis was seen in 25% in group I and 10% in group II and periodontitis in 30% in group I and 14% in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: Thalassemia major produces a variety of orofacial and systemic complications.Thalassemia major patients are at higher risk to develop periodontal diseases anddental caries.