Use of photodynamic therapy as an adjuvant to periodontal treatment in patients with Down syndrome: case report

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease induced by bacteria in plaque biofilm on the surface subgingival. The inflammation leads to pocket formation in the gingival tissue, attachment loss, bone destruction and ultimately possible tooth loss. The prevalence of periodontal disease in adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) is 30% to 40%, and individuals in the next 30-40 years the percentage is about 100%. Authors suggest that periodontal disease in DS is consistent with the pattern of aggressive periodontitis, and is correlated with changes in the immune system of the same. In view of these changes, many researchers seek methods to supporting basic periodontal therapy such as combination with antibiotics, but their indiscriminate use can lead to resistant bacteria strains. Photodynamic therapy, a combination of photosensitizing agent or dye to a light source, and has been extensively studied with promising results. The present report deals with photodynamic therapy in the treatment of periodontal disease in an individual with Down syndrome.(AU) A periodontite e uma doenca inflamatoria induzida por bacterias do biofilme da placa bacteriana localizadas na superficie subgengival. A inflamacao conduz a formacao de bolsa no tecido gengival, perda de insercao, destruicao ossea e ultimamente uma possivel perda dentaria. A prevalencia de doenca periodontal em adolescentes com sindrome de Down (SD) e de 30% a 40%, sendo que em individuos proximos aos 30 ao 40 anos a porcentagem e de cerca de 100%. Autores sugerem que a doenca periodontal na SD e compativel com o padrao de periodontite agressiva, e tem relacao com as alteracoes no sistema imunes dos mesmos. Em vista destas alteracoes, muitos pesquisadores buscam metodos coadjuvantes a terapia periodontal basica, como associacao com antibioticos, porem seu uso indiscriminado pode levar a resistencia das cepas bacterianas. A terapia fotodinâmica, associacao agente fotossensibilizador a uma fonte de luz, vem sendo muito estudado e com resultados promissores. O presente relato aborda a terapia fotodinâmica no tratamento da doenca periodontal em um individuo com sindrome de Down.(AU)