Monday, September 25, 2023

Periodontal Treatment of Norwegian Patients With Rare Diseases: A Commentary

Øystein Fardal, Irene Skau, Jostein Grytten, Periodontal Treatment of Norwegian Patients With Rare Diseases: A Commentary, International Dental Journal, 2023, doi:10.1016/j.identj.2023.07.009. 

 An autosomal recessive disease that causes neurodegeneration. It results in muscle weakness and loss of sensation and proprioception, causing problems with movement as well as impaired speech. The symptoms tend to worsen as time progresses, so many patients end up in wheelchairs, lose their vision and hearing, and experience other medical complications such as diabetes mellitus and scoliosis. The cause of the disease is a reduction in frataxin, which is necessary for the production of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the management of iron stores. No previous connections with periodontal complications have been reported; however, diabetes is a known risk factor. In addition, the inability to perform adequate oral hygiene due to the disability may be an important risk factor.