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A case report of haemophilia: a review of haemophilia and oral health implications

British Dental Journal volume 234, pages 92–95 (2023)Cite this article

Abstract

Haemophilia is an inherited haematological disorder that can result in prolonged bleeding in patients. Dental procedures such as extractions and periodontal surgery can be associated with post-operative bleeding; therefore, patients with the diagnosis of haemophilia must have proper medical management. In this article, we aim to illustrate the importance of: having the appropriate knowledge to manage a patient with haemophilia suspected by the dental team; the need for proper medical management; and referral of patients with symptoms of a bleeding disorder.

Key points

  • In mild form, haemophilia can remain undiagnosed until a procedure, such as dental extraction or periodontal therapy, is required. At that time, the first treatment provider might encounter prolonged bleeding.

  • Although haemophilia is a rare condition, it is likely that at some stage, a dental practitioner may need to manage a patient and knowledge of heritable bleeding disorders and their management is essential.

  • People with haemophilia require close liaison with their clinician and team regarding management and augmentation of the clotting factor deficiency to prevent delayed and prolonged bleeding.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Gita Massey MD, Associate Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Haematology and Oncology, for her edits to the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Paediatric Dental Resident, Bon Secours St Mary´s Hospital Program for Advanced Paediatric Dental Education, 6900 Forest Ave, Suite 110, Richmond, Virginia, 23230, USA

    Shreya Desai

  2. Research Course Director, Bon Secours St Mary´s Hospital Program for Advanced Paediatric Dental Education, 6900 Forest Ave, Suite 110, Richmond, Virginia, 23230, USA

    Elizabeth J. Berry

  3. Director of Paediatric Dentistry, Bon Secours St Mary´s Hospital Program for Advanced Paediatric Dental Education, 6900 Forest Ave, Suite 110, Richmond, Virginia, 23230, USA

    John H. Unkel

  4. Co-Research Coordinator, Bon Secours St Mary´s Hospital Program for Advanced Paediatric Dental Education, 6900 Forest Ave, Suite 110, Richmond, Virginia, 23230, USA

    Judy Reinhartz & Dennis Reinhartz

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  1. Shreya Desai
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  2. Elizabeth J. Berry
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Contributions

Shreya Desai: completed first draft of manuscript and design of the paper. Elizabeth J. Berry and John H. Unkel: completed major revisions to the manuscript and design of the paper. Judy Reinhartz and Dennis Reinhartz: contributed to manuscript editing.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elizabeth J. Berry.

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The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Written consent to publish was obtained from the patient's parent for the inclusion of data in the case report and Figure 1.

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Desai, S., Berry, E., Unkel, J. et al. A case report of haemophilia: a review of haemophilia and oral health implications. Br Dent J 234, 92–95 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5448-y

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