Oral health‑related quality of life and orthodontic treatment need in thalassemia major patients

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia major (TM) is a severe life‑threatening hemoglobinopathy. It causes a
typical chipmunk face due to increased hematopoiesis. Severe malocclusion often accompanies facial
deformity, which may affect Oral Health‑related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). The aim of this study
was to assess the relationship between orthodontic treatment needs and OHRQoL in TM patients.
Materials and Methods: One hundred and five adult patients with TM participated in this
cross‑sectional study. Oral Health Impact Profile‑14 (OHIP‑14) questionnaire was used to measure
OHRQoL and the patient’s need for orthodontic treatment was evaluated using the Index of
Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). The comparison of OHIP‑14 scores between groups
regarding orthodontic treatment need was carried out using t‑test (SPSS software); P < 0.05 was
considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of participants was 24.92 (±9.33) years, with 52% female versus 48%
male. Orthodontic treatment need was 27.6%. The mean score of OHIP‑14 was 12.95 (±7.02).
A statistically significant relationship was found between OHIP‑14 score and age, gender, and
orthodontic treatment need (P < 0.05). All domains of OHIP‑14 were significantly related to
orthodontic treatment need (P < 0.05), except for “physical disability” (P = 0.282).
Conclusion: OHRQoL was lower in TM patients with orthodontic treatment needs. Planning to
treat malocclusion seems necessary to improve the quality of life in these patients.
Key Words: Index of orthodontic treatment need, oral health, quality of life, thalassemia