Dental management of a 6-year-old boy with ventricular septal defect and down syndrome under general anesthesia: A case report

Anak Agung Sagung Dyah Karuniadewi 1, Dimas Surya Saputra 1, Rosiana Dewi Prayogo 1, Lely Indriasari 2 and Sindy Cornelia Nelwan 1, *

1 Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.
2 Dr. Saiful Anwar Regional General Hospital, Malang, East Java, Indonesia.
 
Case Study
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 22(03), 2173–2178
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2024.22.3.1955
Publication history: 
Received on 20 May 2024; revised on 28 June 2024; accepted on 30 June 2024
 
Abstract: 
Introduction: Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, characterized by physical and intellectual disabilities. DS has a significant risk factor for congenital heart diseases (CHD), which are abnormalities in the structure or function of the heart present from birth. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is a septal defect in the ventricular wall, where small defects are usually asymptomatic and large defects can cause shortness of breath, feeding difficulties, and poor growth.
Case History: A 6-year-old boy patient was referred to the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at Dr. Saiful Anwar Regional General Hospital, Malang, by his pediatric cardiologist to investigate focal infection prior to heart surgery. The patient has been diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and Down Syndrome (DS). During intraoral examination, multiple caries and multiple gangrene radix were found. The patient was given prophylactic antibiotics previously and scheduled to undergo tooth fillings and extractions under general anesthesia.
Discussion: Children with VSD have an increased risk of bacterial endocarditis. Dental procedures that cause trauma to soft tissue or bone may lead to bleeding, potentially leading to transient bacteremia. Prophylactic antibiotics are used in an attempt to prevent bacterial endocarditis. Due to these considerations, it was decided to undergo comprehensive dental management under general anesthesia (GA). With a comprehensive dental management approach under GA, all necessary procedures can be completed in a single visit.
Conclusion: Dental management in children with VSD and DS under general anesthesia is a good option.
 
Keywords: 
Ventricular Septal Defect; Down Syndrome; Special Needs Child; General Anesthesia; Quality of life
 
Full text article in PDF: 
Share this