Recent developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome

Abstract

Data sources

A systematic search of PubMed, LIVIVO, and Ovid was conducted up to March 2021. These databases were searched for relevant clinical studies on periodontal treatment success in individuals with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS).

Study selection

Clinical studies reporting successful treatment outcomes defined as the loss of four or fewer permanent teeth due to periodontitis and the arrest of periodontitis or probing depths of 5 mm or less in individuals with PLS followed up for ≥24 months were included, and data extracted.

Data extraction and synthesis

Twelve studies reporting on nine PLS patients met the inclusion criteria. The extracted main outcomes in the studies reporting successful periodontal treatment in PLS were as follows: (1) clinical and genetic diagnosis of PLS; (2) age at baseline; (3) initial dental, periodontal parameters, and microbiological assessment, if available; (4) description of disease progression and applied therapies; and (5) outcome and follow-up.

Results

Twelve studies reporting nine individuals were included. The timely extraction of affected or all primary teeth, compliance with oral hygiene instructions, supra- and subgingival debridement within frequent supportive periodontal care intervals, and adjunctive systemic antibiotic therapy in most patients affected a halt in disease progression. Suppression of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans below detection limits was associated with periodontal stabilization.

Conclusions

An intensive, multidisciplinary approach with strict compliance may enable the decelerated progression of PLS-associated periodontitis. The early diagnosis of PLS and the suppression of A. actinomycetemcomitans below the detection level might be critical factors for treatment success. It required significant effort and patient compliance. The study emphasized the importance of timely interventions, oral hygiene maintenance, regular professional dental care, and, in some cases, systemic antibiotics.