Prevalence of Orofacial Complications in Thalassemic Patients in Thalassemia Center of Qazvin

Regarding the importance of orofacial complications in thalassemic patients and lack of enough information about this disease in Iran, it seemed necessary to perform a research to help better diagnosis and reducing the orofacial complications of thalassemia. in a descriptive study all patients of Qazvin thalassemia center were examined (110 patients). Orofacial examination (shape of face and nose, maxillary protrusion, oral paleness, delayed eruption of teeth, caries rate and type of occlusion) was done and their relation with medical treatment was evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software and x2test. The prevalence of orofacial complications are as fallow: saddle nose (71.08%), maxillary protrusion (55.5%), paleness of oral mucosa (48.2%), rodent face (30%), deep bite (28.2%), spaces between maxillary anterior teeth (22.7%), open bite (13.6%) and delayed eruption of primary (10%) and permanent (8.2%) teeth. Prevalence of occlusion types decreased as fallow: class I, II and III. Caries index (DMFT) was significantly more among thalassemic patients than healthy cases (P<0.05). The prevalence of orofacial complications of thalassemia was very considerable. This study also showed the importance of early diagnosis and intensive medical treatment in reducing these complications.