[Evaluation of oral hygiene status in patients with Thalassemia in Dr. Sheikh hospital Mashhad in 2004]

ABSTRACT

Thalassemia disease is characterized by anemia with splenomegaly and bone change in the early ages of life. It is a blood disease with two subtypes; Alpha and Beta. The Disorder is in synthesis of RBC Globulins. According to genetic defects and globulin structure defect, this disease is classified into major,minor and intermediate. The aim of this study was evaluating the periodontal status and measuring the index of GI [Loe and Sillness] and OHI[DI-S and CI-S] compared with the control group. In this case-control study, 100 patients suffering from major thalassemia referring to Dr.Sheikh Pediatric Hospital as the case group and 100 patients referring to Mashhad dental school as the control group, were studied. The two groups matched in age, sex and tooth brushing frequency in a day. GI and OHI-S [CI-S and DI-S] were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was carried out by chi-square test. GI and DI were significantly different in the case group and GI and OHI-S were greater in 19-26 year old than other patients age groups. In patients undergone splenectomy, the periodontal diseases were more frequent than those without splenectomy. Discussion: These difference in GI and OHI between the case and control groups could be attributed to maxillo-facial disorders, mouth breathing, imperfect plaque control, as well as host immune factors due to splenectomy which predisposes these patients to periodontal diseases. Gingival diseases were more prevalent in patients with thalassemia due to more plaque formation