Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
June 2008
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Electronic ISSN:
1754-2758
Vol:
9
Issue:
2

An investigation of the association between gingival bleeding and consultations for cardiac, ENT and immunological problems in people with Down syndrome

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the hypothesis that gingival bleeding is associated with markers of cardiac, immunologic and ear, nose and throat (ENT) problems in people with Down syndrome (DS). Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected using a validated self-complete questionnaire via members of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. Parental reports of regular (≥ once/year) consultations with relevant medical specialists were used as indicators of cardiac, immunologic and ENT problems. Similarly, gingival bleeding was based on parental evaluation. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the hypothesised associations while controlling for co-variables. Results: Of 2,327 questionnaires distributed 1,221 (52.5%) were returned. Controlling for co-variables, subjects consulting for immunological problems were more likely to also have bleeding gums compared to those not consulting regularly for these problems. However those consulting for cardiac and ENT problems were at the same risk for bleeding gums as those with no health problems. Conclusion: The results of this study support previous work indicating that gingival bleeding is associated with immunological problems in people with DS, but do not provide any evidence for an association between gingival bleeding and either ENT and/or cardiac problems in people with DS.

Key words: Down syndrome, general health, oral health, gingival bleeding

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£15.00
Page Start
73
Page End
80
Authors
Paul J Allison, Herenia P Lawrence, Karen Fung

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