Oral manifestations of aplastic anemia in children

Few studies concerning oral manifestations of aplastic anemia (AA) in children have been reported. The purpose of the authors' study was to describe oral lesions in children with AA.

The authors conducted a retrospective review using medical records of children diagnosed with AA who were treated at the Pediatric Service of the Regional Hospital of Concepción, Chile, between March 1996 and May 2001. They recorded episodes of oral mucosal lesions and assessed platelet and neutrophil counts at the time the oral lesions appeared.

Twelve children (nine boys and three girls) were diagnosed with AA. Their age range was 3 to 12 years (median age, 7 years). Nine subjects were receiving immunosuppressive therapy, and three received only supportive care. The most common oral manifestation of the disease was hemorrhage, which developed most often in patients with platelet counts less than 25 x 10(9) cells/liter. The second and third most common oral manifestations were candidiasis and viral infection, respectively.

Children with AA frequently exhibit oral manifestations of the condition. Prevention, early diagnosis and proper treatment of oral complications are essential to diminish morbidity and avoid a possible fatal outcome.

Oral lesions can be the first manifestation of AA; consequently, dentists should be aware of these manifestations so that an early diagnosis of the disease can be made.