Obstructive sleep apnea in Treacher Collins syndrome

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) among the Norwegian population with Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS). A secondary aim was to establish whether TCS phenotype severity is associated with OSAS severity. A prospective case study design was used. Individuals who were 5 years old and above with a known diagnosis of TCS in Norway were invited to participate in a study. The study included genetic testing, medical and dental examinations and polysomnography. All participants demonstrated disturbed respiration during sleep; 18/19 met the diagnostic criteria for OSAS. Subjectively evaluated snoring was not a reliable predictor of OSAS. We found no significant association between TCS phenotype severity and the severity of OSAS. OSAS is common in TCS, but there is no association with the phenotype severity. Individuals diagnosed with TCS must undergo sleep studies to identify the presence of OSAS

Living with orofacial conditions: psychological distress and quality of life in adults affected with Treacher Collins syndrome, cherubism, or oligodontia/ectodermal dysplasia—a comparative study

Purpose The relationship between quality of life, psychological distress, and orofacial syndromes in children and adolescents has been reported in several studies. However, little is known about differences in psychological distress and quality of life among adults with different orofacial conditions. Therefore, the aims of this study were to examine and compare these factors among three groups of adults affected by Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS), cherubism, and oligodontia/ectodermal dysplasia (ED). Methods We included 11 individuals with TCS (mean age 46.9, SD 12.9 years), 15 with cherubism (mean age 50.3, SD 16.8 years), and 49 with oligodontia/ED (mean age 30.7, SD 15.6 years). The respondents completed questionnaires related to psychological distress and quality of life. Results The oligodontia/ED group had a significantly higher level of anxiety and worse mental health-related quality of life than both the TCS and cherubism groups. Adults with TCS reported the highest level of depression, and the lowest levels of overall quality of life, well-being, and physical health-related quality of life. The cherubism group displayed the best overall quality of life, well-being, and mental health. Conclusions Psychological distress and quality of life differed in various orofacial conditions. This study provided insight into these aspects that may contribute to improved care. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License which Permits any use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and the source are credited

Living with orofacial conditions: psychological distress and quality of life in adults affected with Treacher Collins syndrome, cherubism, or oligodontia/ectodermal dysplasia—a comparative study

Purpose The relationship between quality of life, psychological distress, and orofacial syndromes in children and adolescents has been reported in several studies. However, little is known about differences in psychological distress and quality of life among adults with different orofacial conditions. Therefore, the aims of this study were to examine and compare these factors among three groups of adults affected by Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS), cherubism, and oligodontia/ectodermal dysplasia (ED). Methods We included 11 individuals with TCS (mean age 46.9, SD 12.9 years), 15 with cherubism (mean age 50.3, SD 16.8 years), and 49 with oligodontia/ED (mean age 30.7, SD 15.6 years). The respondents completed questionnaires related to psychological distress and quality of life. Results The oligodontia/ED group had a significantly higher level of anxiety and worse mental health-related quality of life than both the TCS and cherubism groups. Adults with TCS reported the highest level of depression, and the lowest levels of overall quality of life, well-being, and physical health-related quality of life. The cherubism group displayed the best overall quality of life, well-being, and mental health. Conclusions Psychological distress and quality of life differed in various orofacial conditions. This study provided insight into these aspects that may contribute to improved care

Are Botulinum Toxin Injections Into the Major Salivary Glands a Good Treatment Option?

There are several treatment options available for drooling; botulinum toxin injections into the major salivary glands are one. There is no consensus as to how many and which glands should be injected. A research project on this topic was terminated because of adverse effects. Individual results and the adverse effects are described and discussed in this article. Six individuals with cerebral palsy were randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups, with five individuals receiving ultrasound-guided injections to parotid and submandibular glands and one receiving injections to the submandibular glands only. Reduction of observed drooling was registered in 3, while 4 patients reported subjective improvement (Visual Analog Scale). Two participants reported adverse effects, including dysphagia, dysarthria, and increased salivary viscosity. Injections with botulinum toxin can be a useful treatment option but there is a risk of adverse effects. Multidisciplinary evaluation and informed discussions with patients/caregivers are important factors in the decision-making process