title: Lesch-Nyhan syndrome: a preventive approach to self-mutilation.
abstract: Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS), a rare inborn error of metabolism, is characterized by self-injurious behaviour, which results in partial or total destruction of oral and perioral tissues and/or fingers and hands. Prevention of self-mutilation raises significant difficulties. Treatment modalities include drug therapy, extraction of teeth, oral appliances and orthognathic surgery, all with variable success. A case of a 10-year-old boy with aggressive behaviour and severe lower lip injuries is presented. A palatal plate fabricated to raise the anterior bite proved to have satisfactory results. Although two adjustments were required during the recall visits, the effectiveness of the appliance in assisting healing of soft tissue damage was immediate and still apparent during the 3 years and 8 month follow-up period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Implant Biology, Dental School, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fardi
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Topouzelis
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kotsanos
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D019140:Dental Care for Children; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill / Q000379:methods*; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007926:Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D008046:Lip / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000150:complications; D009968:Orthodontic Appliances, Removable; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014945:Wound Healing