Clinico-Pathological Analysis of Osteomyelitis in Cancrum Oris (Noma) Patients Seen in Noma Children Hospital, Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cancrum oris is a rapid and devastating infectious disease of the orofacial region, which can be life threatening in its fulminant stage. Infection of bone (osteomyelitis) is a possible sequelae of Noma (cancrum oris) and is more likely due to late presentation especially in our environment. A literature search revealed scanty research describing osteomyelitis in Noma patients.

Objective: To analyze the clinico–pathology of osteomyelitis in Noma patients diagnosed and treated at Noma Children Hospital, Sokoto.

Methods: The design was a 2-year retrospective study of records of Thirty–two patients who had sequestrectomy secondary to osteomyelitis in Noma (Cancrum oris). Age, gender, jaws affected and side of involvement were analyzed

Results: The age ranged from 2–11 years with mean ±standard deviation 5.47 ± 2.68 years was recorded. Osteomyelitis in Noma patients was found among 17 (53.10%) males compared to 15 (46.90%) females. In 20 (62. 50%) of the cases, anterior maxillary involvement was observed and the remaining 12 (37. 50%) was found at the mandibular posterior region and it is more common on the left side. Result of histopathology showed both acute and chronic inflammatory cells. Necrosis and bone hyperactivity was observed in most of the slides.

Conclusion: Osteomyelitis is a common complication of Noma and its treatment is of paramount importance for adequate management of Noma patients.