Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in People with Rare Hereditary Connective Tissue Disorders: Marfan Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze data on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in people with Marfan syndrome and to obtain information on the diagnosis period, orthodontic treatment, and oral symptoms.

METHODS: A questionnaire was developed consisting of open questions and the standardized German version of the OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile) questionnaire for the evaluation of OHRQoL. The age of diagnosis, time period from the first signs of the disease to diagnosis, and OHIP-values were compared between male and female participants. Additionally, the OHIP-values between participants who were orthodontically treated and those who were not treated were assessed. The statistical analysis was performed using the Mann⁻Whitney test with a significance level at p = 0.05.

RESULTS: A total of 51 questionnaires were evaluated, which included 34 female and 17 male participants. Overall, 84% of respondents reported oral symptoms. Male respondents tended to diagnose the disease earlier ( p = 0.00), with a smaller period between the first symptom and the diagnosis ( p = 0.04). The OHIP-14 score was gender-neutral at 13.65 ± 13.53 points.

CONCLUSION: In Marfan syndrome, many years (12.01 ± 11.61) elapse between the onset of first symptoms and correct diagnosis of the disease. People with Marfan syndrome have a worse OHRQoL than do the general population.