6533b827fe1ef96bd12859aa
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Haematological deficiencies in patients with recurrent aphthosis
Antonio CarroccioF. CalvinoDomenico CompilatoGiuseppina CampisiG. Di Fedesubject
medicine.medical_specialtymedicine.diagnostic_testAnemiabusiness.industryCase-control studyDermatologyIron deficiencymedicine.diseaseLogistic regressionSurgeryInfectious DiseasesInternal medicinemedicineSerum ironVitamin B12Family historybusinessStomatitisdescription
Background Recurrent aphthosis is a common oral ulcerative condition consisting also of a subset of similar ulcers, properly named ‘aphthous-like’ ulcers (ALU), linked to systemic diseases and among these, to iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Objectives The main objectives of this study were: (i) to evaluate the association between recurrent aphthosis and the most common predisposing factors; (ii) to assess the frequency of ALU in recurrent aphthosis; (iii) to verify the efficacy of a replacement therapy in all ALU patients. Methods Thirty-two adults with recurrent aphthosis and 29 otherwise healthy controls were consecutively recruited, interviewed and subjected to haematological investigations. Results Family history of recurrent aphthosis was significantly associated (P < 0.01). The overall frequency of haematinic deficiencies was 56.2% in recurrent aphthosis patients vs. 7% in controls (P < 0.0001). All ALU patients with a negative family history showed a complete remission of the ulcerative episodes after replacement therapy, while those with a positive family history only had a reduction in frequency and severity. In the logistic regression model, only family history was associated with recurrent aphthosis (P = 0.0137). Conclusion The strong association with familiarity, the unexpected higher frequency of ALU (compared with the idiopathic variant) and the good response to replacement therapy means that familiarity should always be investigated. Furthermore, routine haematological screening and tests for serum iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies should be assessed in all patients with recurrent aphthosis to treat any nutritional deficiency and to prevent more important related systemic manifestations.
year | journal | country | edition | language |
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2009-11-02 | Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology |