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Noma: clinical and evolutive aspect
L Evrard1, G Laroque, R Glineur
1Service de Stomatologie et de Chirurgie Maxillo-faciale, Hôpital Erasme, Bruxelles.
Acta Stomatologica Belgica
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Noma, a severe gangrenous stomatitis in children, causes significant oral mutilations and permanent trismus. This paper presents iconography and discusses the disease's pathogenesis and sequels.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Public health in developing nations
Background:
- Noma is a neglected tropical disease characterized by rapid tissue destruction of the oral and facial structures.
- Primarily affects malnourished children in low-income countries, leading to severe disability and mortality.
- Often results in disfiguring facial scars, functional impairments like trismus, and psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a comprehensive iconography of noma in its acute phase and its long-term sequels.
- To discuss the current understanding of noma's pathogenesis.
- To highlight the esthetic and functional challenges faced by survivors.
Main Methods:
- Review and compilation of clinical images documenting the acute presentation and sequelae of noma.
- Discussion of relevant literature on the etiology and pathophysiology of noma.
- Clinical case analysis focusing on functional and esthetic outcomes.
Main Results:
- Detailed visual documentation of the spectrum of noma presentation, from initial lesions to severe mutilations.
- Illustrations showcasing the impact on facial structures, including lips, cheeks, and jaws.
- Examples of functional sequelae such as severe trismus and difficulties with speech and feeding.
Conclusions:
- Noma inflicts devastating esthetic and functional disabilities, necessitating urgent global health attention.
- Effective prevention and early intervention strategies are crucial to mitigate the impact of noma.
- Further research into pathogenesis may reveal novel therapeutic targets.