Oral health care for patients with epidermolysis bullosa--best clinical practice guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: To provide the users with information on the current best practices for managing the oral health care of people living with EB. METHODS: A systematic literature search, in which the main topic is dental care in patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa, was performed. Consulted sources, ranging from 1970 to 2010, included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, DARE, and the Cochrane controlled trials register (CENTRAL). In order to formulate the recommendations of the selected studies the SIGN system was used. The first draft was analysed and discussed by clinical experts, methodologists and patients representatives on a two days consensus meeting. The resulting document went through an external review process by a panel of experts, other health care professionals, patient representatives and lay reviewers. The final document was piloted in three different centres in United Kingdom, Czech Republic and Argentina. RESULTS: The guideline is composed of 93 recommendations divided into 3 main areas: 1) Oral Care--access issues, early referral, preventative strategies, management of microstomia, prescriptions and review appointments 2) Dental treatment: general treatment modifications, radiographs, restorations, endodontics, oral rehabilitation, periodontal treatment, oral surgery and orthodontics, and 3) Anaesthetic management of dental treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A preventive protocol is today's dental management approach of choice.

Early teeth extraction in patients with generalized recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: A case series.

OBJECTIVES: To present early teeth extractions as a treatment option in severe dental crowding in patients with generalized recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three patients with generalized RDEB were treated with early teeth extractions to prevent severe dental crowding. RESULTS: Two patients had bilateral upper first premolars extraction, and the third patient had permanent maxillary canine extraction. Crowding was avoided, and no further orthodontic treatment was necessary. CONCLUSION: Considering the challenges of severe mucosal fragility and microstomia in patients with generalized RDEB, early teeth extractions are a reasonable option as an orthodontic management. This approach reduces the severity of dental crowding as the child gets older and reduces the need for orthodontic appliances. Individual factors such as access to dental care, general health, and oral health have an important impact on the decision-making process. Orthodontic treatment planning should include a multidisciplinary team.

De Novo COL7A1 mutation in a patient with trisomy 21: coexistence of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common autosomal chromosomal disorder. Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by skin and mucous membrane fragility, with formation of blisters and erosions after minor trauma. Dystrophic EB (DEB) is inherited as an autosomal dominant (DDEB) or recessive (RDEB) trait. Both forms are caused by mutations in COL7A1, the gene coding for the type VII collagen. We report a patient affected by both conditions: DS and DDEB. METHODS: A patient with DS developed generalized blisters at the age of three months. Cytogenetic study was performed to confirm DS. Skin biopsies were examined with immunohistochemical and electron microscopy techniques to determine EB subtype. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples. COL7A1 mutations were screened by heteroduplex analysis using conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis and sequencing. RESULTS: Karyotype analysis revealed trisomy 21. Histological study agreed with a DEB diagnosis. Mutational analysis showed a heterozygous c.6127G>T mutation in COL7A1, which is compatible with DDEB. Parental study suggests that c.6127G>T arises as a de novo mutation. CONCLUSIONS: This report demonstrates that EB can be associated with other common conditions and reports the case of a patient who suffered two de novo independent genetic conditions. It also contributes to expanding the knowledge and database of clinical and molecular aspects of DDEB.

Oral care and dental management for patients with epidermolysis bullosa.

Dental treatment is an important part of the multidisciplinary care of patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Routine dental treatment can be difficult to provide in patients with severe tissue fragility caused by mucosal sloughing, microstomia, ankyloglossia, and scarring. This article provides a review of dental practices, exploring different areas of oral management and highlighting the importance of early referral, preventive programs, and close follow-up to maintain oral health. It also discusses treatment modifications and precautions needed for each of the 4 mayor types of EB.