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Periodontal condition in growing subjects with Marfan Syndrome: a case-control study
Nicolò Venza1, Carlotta Danesi1, Diego Contò1
1Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma "Tor Vergata", Roma, Italia.
Background:
Marfan's syndrome (MFS) is a systemic disorder of connective tissue caused by mutations in the extracellular matrix protein fibrillin-1. Orofacial characteristics may be useful in identification of the syndrome. Severe periodontitis is sometimes observed in MFS patients, but no in-depth information has been reported in Italian groups of growing subjects with MFS. The aim of this study was to analyze the periodontal condition on a group of growing subjects affected by MFS, in comparison with a typically developed control group.
Methods:
A group of 16 subjects with diagnosed MFS were recruited from the Centre for Rare Diseases for Marfan Syndrome and Related Disorders of Tor Vergata University Hospital. The Marfan Group (MG) was compared with a Control Group (CG) composed by 20 nonsyndromic subjects. The periodontal clinical parameters like Marginal Gingival Thickness (GT), Plaque Index (PI), Bleeding On Probing (BOP) and Modified Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) were assessed.
Results:
The mean value of PI in MG was 59%, instead in CG it reached 21%. Analysis showed a significant difference between MG and CG also for the BOP. In MG the mean value of BOP attained 36% and in CG it reached 16%. A statistical significant difference of distribution of PSR index between the two groups was found for all sextant examined.
Discussion:
Patients with Marfan syndrome reveal a higher presence of plaque and consequently a generalized inflammation in the oral cavity when compared with a control group.
Insights
Patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) exhibit significantly higher plaque levels and generalized oral inflammation compared to healthy individuals. This study highlights the importance of monitoring oral health in growing MFS patients.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Periodontology
- Pediatric Dentistry
Background:
- Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a genetic connective tissue disorder caused by fibrillin-1 mutations.
- Orofacial features can aid in MFS identification.
- While severe periodontitis is noted in MFS, detailed data on Italian pediatric populations is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the periodontal status of growing subjects with Marfan syndrome.
- To compare oral health parameters in MFS patients versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- 16 MFS patients (Marfan Group) and 20 controls (Control Group) were assessed.
- Periodontal parameters included Marginal Gingival Thickness (GT), Plaque Index (PI), Bleeding On Probing (BOP), and Modified Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR).
Main Results:
- The Marfan Group showed a significantly higher Plaque Index (59% vs. 21%) and Bleeding On Probing (36% vs. 16%) compared to the Control Group.
- A statistically significant difference in Modified Periodontal Screening and Recording index distribution was observed across all sextants between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Marfan syndrome patients present with increased plaque accumulation and generalized oral inflammation.
- These findings underscore the need for vigilant oral health management in pediatric MFS cases.
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