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Pulpal necrosis with sickle cell anaemia
A Demirbaş Kaya1, B O Aktener, C Unsal
1Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. draysegulkaya@yahoo.com
International Endodontic Journal
|August 20, 2004
Summary
Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) can lead to nonvital teeth and jaw structure changes, even without a clear dental history. Radiographic and sensitivity tests reveal significant differences in SCA patients compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Oral Radiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a genetic disorder affecting red blood cells.
- SCA can manifest with systemic complications, including potential oral health impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine radiographic signs of SCA in the jaw.
- To determine if SCA can cause pulpal necrosis without a prior pathological history.
Main Methods:
- Compared 36 SCA patients with 36 controls (ages 16-40).
- Recorded patient histories, performed pulp sensitivity tests (electrical, thermal, percussion), and took panoramic X-rays.
- Analyzed data using chi-square and Fischer's exact tests.
Main Results:
- 6% of SCA patients' teeth were nonvital without trauma history.
- 83% of SCA patients reported unexplained orofacial/dental pain.
- 67% showed deteriorated bone quality radiographically, with 22% exhibiting mandibular cortical changes.
- Significant differences in pulpal sensitivity and radiographic findings between SCA and control groups (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- SCA can cause pulp necrosis with no identifiable cause.
- SCA leads to observable radiographic changes in jaw structure, particularly the mandible.