Case report: Alagille syndrome

The clinical case of a boy aged 6 years suffering from Alagille syndrome is described. This is a rare genetic disease characterised, from the hepatic point of view, by anomalies of the intrahepatic biliary ducts (in terms of number, histology and immunohistochemistry) with cholestasis; from the systemic point of view it is characterised by anomalies of various systems (heart, musculoskeletal system, eyes, face, kidneys and nervous system). The patient was referred for dental consultation by the Pediatric Cardiology Section, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic, Bologna City Hospital. Medical history indicated liver transplantation at 3 years; immunosuppressive treatment; heart disease with low risk of bacterial endocarditis (interventricular defect and systolic murmur). Objective examination revealed a dental formula compatible with his age, of a decided green colour (above all the permanent dentition) with numerous caries lesions on the posterior deciduous teeth. In agreeing the treatment plan with the cardiologist (treatment of caries and sealing the fissures and cracks in the permanent first molars) it was decided that antibiotic prophylaxis was not required since such conservative treatment is not at risk for bacterial endocarditis. The patient returned 15 min after the end of the second session with marked swelling of the right upper hemi-lip. Having excluded traumatic origin, a hypothesis was formulated of hypersensitivity to products used during the dental session, in particular talcum-coated gloves and latex rubber dam. The patient was referred immediately to the Dermatology Service, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic, for the appropriate dermatological tests (prick test and epicutaneous test) which confirmed the suspected diagnosis: urticaria from contact with latex materials. The clinical case described confirms the need for the dentist of an interdisciplinary approach in patients suffering from systemic diseases and/or syndromes.