Case report highlights complexities of dental management in pediatric patients with West syndrome, indicating need for preventive care and multidisciplinary approaches.
West syndrome is a rare epileptic encephalopathy of infancy characterized by a triad of infantile spasms, hypsarrhythmia on EEG, and developmental regression. Etiologies include genetic mutations and structural brain abnormalities, and familial cases being exceptionally rare. This report describes two siblings, aged 4 and 7 years, both diagnosed with West syndrome. Both children exhibited neurological deficits, global developmental delay, intellectual disability, and frequent seizures. In addition, they presented with oral manifestations including dental attrition, dental caries, and sialorrhea (excessive salivation), likely due to neuromuscular incoordination and poor oral hygiene. Dental management was challenging due to the high frequency and limited cooperation. As invasive treatment posed significant risks, preventive care was prioritized. This included the application of topical fluoride varnish to arrest carious lesions and dietary modifications to reduce cariogenic exposure. Although general anesthesia was considered for comprehensive care, it was contraindicated due to the children’s classification as ASA Physical Status III, indicating significant systemic compromise. This case highlights the complexities of managing dental health in patients with West syndrome and underscores the importance of early, noninvasive, and multidisciplinary approaches to optimize oral and general health outcomes in neurologically compromised pediatric patients.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Gaikwad et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: