Oral presentation of haematological disease : Part II – Iron deficiency anaemia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : Iron deficiency anaemia may be responsible for diverse oral mucosa changes due to the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells, but also due to changes in the oral mucosal structure and defence mechanisms. Aims and objectives This study aims to report on three patients with iron deficiency anaemia who presented with distinct oral mucosal clinical features. DESIGN/METHODS : The oral mucosal features of three patients who presented at the University of Pretoria Oral Health Centre with iron deficiency anaemia, of variable causes, were recorded. Special investigations were performed and reflected their degree of iron deficiency. The patients were managed collaboratively with their respective physicians to address the underlying cause of anaemia. RESULTS : These cases demonstrate that dentists should explore the presence of anaemia to explain oral mucosal changes. Anaemia may present with wide-ranging clinical features, from recurrent to persistent oral ulcers, mucosal pallor, and Candida infection. Collaboration with attending physicians may help establish the cause of anaemia as a nutritional deficiency, gastric ulceration, or infective and inflammatory disease. CONCLUSIONS : Dentists are pivotal in diagnosing haematological diseases such as iron deficiency anaemia. The oral features of ulceration, glossitis, Candida infection and mucosal pallor are important diagnostic indicators of iron deficiency anaemia.