title: Gingival Inflammation and Aggressive Periodontitis in a Child with a Specific Antibody Deficiency.
abstract: Exuberant gingival inflammation accompanied by periodontitis is a rare finding in a very young child and may indicate a defect in the host response. Affected children should be referred to appropriate specialists to establish a definitive diagnosis. A 5-year-old girl presented with persistent gingival inflammation and periodontal destruction. Immunological investigations identified specific polysaccharide antibody deficiency which, when treated, resulted in a significant improvement in the gingival condition. This case illustrates the need for integrated management by a wide range of dental and medical specialists. Antibody deficiency is rare but, if not identified and treated effectively, can be associated with chronic ill health and decreased life expectancy. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article describes a rare case of gingival inflammation accompanied by periodontitis in a very young child secondary to an underlying host antibody deficiency and details the investigation, management and clinical outcomes.
authors.forename: Singithi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Liyange
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Edgar
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Shields
authors.forename: Gerard J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Linden
mesh_terms: D010520:Aggressive Periodontitis / Q000276:immunology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive / Q000379:methods; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000276:immunology*; D008231:Lymphopenia / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous