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Predictive factors for masticatory performance in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
H W van Bruggen1, L van de Engel-Hoek2, M H Steenks1
1Department of Oral Function and Prosthetic Dentistry, College of Dental Science, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics and Special Dental Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Neuromuscular Disorders : NMD
|June 28, 2014
Summary
Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) experience significantly reduced chewing ability and bite force. These mastication issues appear early in the disease, even before motor function declines.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oral Health
Background:
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients often report difficulties with chewing and swallowing.
- These oral motor impairments can lead to serious complications like choking and dysphagia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively assess masticatory performance in individuals with DMD.
- To identify factors that predict compromised chewing function in DMD patients.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-three DMD patients and 23 controls completed questionnaires on mandibular function.
- Clinical examination, anterior bite force, and masticatory performance were measured.
- Quantitative ultrasound of the tongue and motor function were assessed in patients, categorized by disease stage.
Main Results:
- DMD patients exhibited significantly lower masticatory performance, anterior bite force, and occlusal contacts compared to controls (p < 0.001).
- Mastication abnormalities were evident early in DMD, preceding detectable motor function decline.
- Disease progression correlated with reduced masticatory performance, with non-ambulatory stages showing significantly poorer function.
Conclusions:
- Masticatory performance, bite force, and occlusal contacts are severely impaired in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
- Chewing dysfunction is an early manifestation of DMD, independent of overall motor function decline.
- Disease stage is the primary predictor of masticatory performance deficits in DMD.
