Prevalence of Orofacial Complications in Iranian Patients with β -Thalassemia Major

Background: Majorβ -thalassemia is the most common monogenic known disorder in Iran and about 15000 persons are affected. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of orofacial complications. Methods: In this cross-sectional study during 2003-2004, 300 patients with major β -thalassemia referring to 8 hospitals for routine examinations, blood infusion and treatment in cities of Tehran, Isfahan, Sari, Zahedan, Shahre Kord and Sanandag were studied. The questionnaires included general information, medical and dental history. Results: The prevalence of orofacial complications in major β -thalassemia was: saddle nose (67%), maxillary protrusion (49/7%), color change of oral mucousa (41/7%), rodent face (34/7%), deep bite (21/7%), spacing (20/7%), and open bite (8/7%), respectively. There was not any relationship between the complications and sex. Most of the patients (91%) were in the first and second decade of life. Early diagnosis and blood infusion caused less prevalence of rodent face. The most observed type of occlusion was class 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Conclusion: Knowing the prevalence of complication can help the dentists to do properly for these patients to solve their problems and improve knowledge of the parents about their children’s dental health.