Subnasale to Gnathion Distance and Nasal Index of Children with Homozygous Sickle Cell Disease in Port-Harcourt

Abstract

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Keywords

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Subnasale to Gnathion Distance and Nasal Index of Children with Homozygous Sickle Cell Disease in Port-Harcourt

Abstract

Aim: This study is designed to determine changes in some of craniofacial parameters such as subnasale to gnathion distance and nasal index in sickle cell anaemia in comparison to the healthy children in Port-Harcourt.Method: In this research which span over a two year period, measurements were taken of the facial indices (nasal and the subnasale to gnathion distances) of 100 confirmed homozygous (SS) children who attended the Sickle cell clinic of the University of Port Harcourt teaching Hospital and 500 normal growing children, drawn from the University of Port Harcourt Day Care Centre and Demonstration Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools.Result: Results from the study showed that mean values for nasal index were lower, though, not statistically significant, showing tendency towards more platyrrhine noses which is most prominent between ages 2-5 years when skull growth is at its peak. Mean values of subnasale to gnathion distance were higher but also not statistically significant among age groups for sickle cell anaemia.Conclusion: These features were put forward to explain the possible facial dysmorphology associated with the long term effect of haemolytic anaemia at the different stages of postnatal skull growth

Keywords

• Normal growth, Sickle cell disease, subnasale to gnathion distance, nasal index

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