DENTAL TREATMENT AS A VALUABLE ADJUNCT IN THE INTERDISCIPLINARY MANAGEMENT OF A CHILD WITH SEVERE DYSTROPHIC EPIDERMOLYSIS-BULLOSA (HALLOPEAU-SIEMENS)

Severe dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa with oral involvement often le ads to dental destruction and restricted food intake, resulting in mal nutrition and maldevelopment. The patients become handicapped and have a poor prognosis. We report on a now 13-year-old Turkish child with n ormal secondary dentition who had severely damaged primary dentition. The teeth were treated surgically and then by continuous dental hygien e measures over the next 7 years. This care also resulted in an improv ement in the nutritional state, associated anemia and the incidence of skin infections. Although cutaneous blistering and scarring has been progressive, with resulting mutilation of the fingers, the child is so cially well adjusted in school and family. Its clinical course demonst rates that the fate of patients with severe dystrophic epidermolysis b ullosa can be improved through multidisciplinary management.