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Protocol for managing acute cancrum oris in children: an experience in five cases
1Department of Maxillo-Facial, Ahamadu Bello University Teaching Hopsital, Zaria, Nigeria. adeolad@hotmail.com
Background:
Acute cancrum oris (NOMA) is a major health concern in most parts of northern Nigeria, affecting children aged 2-9 years. The management of the acute phase/condition poses a great clinical challenge. We present our protocol for the management of acute NOMA in a referral health facility in northern Nigeria.
Materials And Methods:
The management of five consecutive children with acute NOMA managed at the maxillo-facial department of Ahamdu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, is presented. The initial management is conservative, followed later by multiple reconstructions.
Results:
NOMA thrives in children with poor nutritional status and/or compromised immune status. Aggressive wound debridement, antibiotic therapy and nutritional rehabilitation limited the spread of the orofacial tissue destruction and produced rapid wound healing.
Conclusion:
The management of acute NOMA should be nonoperative; surgery is only indicated to debride the ulcer. Efforts to boost patient's immune and nutritional status limit further tissue destruction and produced satisfactory wound healing.
