Effect of Repeated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy in Treatment of Periodontitis Associated with Fanconi Anemia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Periodontal disease is one of common oral manifestations in patients with Fanconi anemia (FA). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on periodontal clinical and microbial parameters in a patient with FA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For a 16-year-old girl, diagnosed with having FA and periodontal disease, the protocol treatment with duration of 10 months was designed. Every 2 months, thorough oral cavity disinfection was followed by PDT, using photosensitizer phenothiazine chloride activated by a diode laser light. During each visit, periodontal parameters were evaluated: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and clinical attachment level. Simultaneously, the presence of Candida albicans and of five periodontal pathogens was evaluated. RESULTS: Clinical results showed improvement in GI, BOP, and PPD during this 10-month period. BOP subsequently reduced from 100% to 79%, 72%, and 60% at 6, 8, and 10 months, respectively. The proportion of sites with PPD of >/=4 mm decreased from 38.7% at the baseline to zero after 10 months. Further, all five bacterial species and C. albicans were reduced significantly. CONCLUSIONS: PDT effectively influences periodontal healing and reduces periodontopathogenic bacteria without damaging the patient's tissues.