Periodontal manifestation of leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I.

Progressive periodontal disease in leukocyte adhesion deficiency children may lead to severe systemic infections and even death. A five-year-old Iranian male child with leukocyte adhesion deficiency I was first seen in December 2005 at the Pediatric Dentistry Department of Shahid Beheshti Medical University and diagnosed with periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic disease. The treatment approach was based on assessing plaque index, oral prophylaxis, periodic supra and subgingival scaling, in addition to strict oral hygiene instruction with a chlorhexidine prescription and restoration of decayed teeth. The patient attended two dental visits at a one month interval. At the second session, an improvement was seen in the plaque index. Gingival inflammation and bleeding were decreased. Unfortunately he did not regularly attend treatment sessions and at the following examination, progression of periodontitis and bone destruction occurred. The present case emphasizes the need for cooperation between medical and dental professionals, parents and the pediatric patient in order to achieve treatment goals in controlling oral infection in these patients.