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ORO-Dental Manifestations in West Syndrome

Fedora Della Vella1, Maria Contaldo2, Renato Fucile1

  • 1Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.

Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
|November 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

West Syndrome, a severe infant epilepsy, is linked to significant oral health issues including dental decay and gum problems. Early dental intervention is crucial for managing these complications in affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Pediatric Dentistry

Background:

  • West Syndrome is a rare epileptic encephalopathy characterized by infantile spasms, hypsarrhythmia on EEG, and psychomotor delay.
  • It affects infants, typically within the first year of life, and can be symptomatic or idiopathic.

Observation:

  • A case report details a West Syndrome patient with multiple dental issues: caries, gingival enlargement, eruption abnormalities, high-arched palate, and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH).
  • The patient received dental treatment at the University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' dental clinic.

Findings:

  • West Syndrome patients exhibit numerous oral abnormalities, such as delayed eruption, missing teeth (agenesis), abnormal tooth shape/position, plaque/calculus buildup, malocclusions, and detrimental oral habits like mouth breathing and nail biting.
  • Poor oral hygiene is common due to motor difficulties and low patient compliance, often necessitating general anesthesia for dental procedures.

Implications:

  • Pharmacological treatments for West Syndrome (antiepileptics, ACTH) can cause gingival enlargement, exacerbating plaque accumulation and gingivitis risk.
  • Comprehensive, specialized dental care is essential for West Syndrome patients to address their unique oral health challenges.
Abstract

Keywords:
EpilepsyEpilepticMRIORO-dentalSpecial needsWest Syndrome.

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