6533b81ffe1ef96bd12770fa

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Prenatal and neonatal risk factors for the development of enamel defects in low birth weight children

subject

description

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 257–262 Objective:  To analyse the influence of several prenatal and neonatal risk factors in the development of enamel defects in low birth weight children. Subjects and methods:  Children between 4 and 5 years of age (n = 102) were classified into: Group 1) 52 low birth weight (<2500 g); Group 2) 50 normal birth weight (≥2500 g). Medical history, prenatal and neonatal variables were collected. Enamel defects were evaluated with the modified Developmental Defects of Enamel Index. Results:  The prevalence of hypoplasia and average number of affected teeth were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (59.6%vs 16% and 1.6 vs 0.3 respectively). Low gestational age was linked to a higher prevalence of hypoplastic (P = 0.027) and combined defects (P = 0.001). Children with neonatal risk factors (low Apgar scores, parenteral nutrition, orotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation and acidosis) developed defects more frequently (P < 0.05). Defects were symmetrically distributed in children who were not intubated; in those who required intubation they concentrated on the left maxillary teeth (P < 0.05). Smoking during pregnancy, young maternal age and multiple birth were significantly associated to developmental defects. Conclusions:  The prevalence of enamel defects in primary dentition is significantly influenced by birth weight, gestational age and several systemic factors. Orotracheal intubation probably plays an important role as a result of laryngoscope trauma on the maxilla.