Dental Journal (Majalah Kedokteran Gigi)
Vol. 55 No. 1 (2022): March 2022

Management of patients with aphthous-like ulcers related to aplastic anaemia in the COVID-19 pandemic era through teledentistry: A case report

Lani Berlina Talahatu (Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya)
Bima Ewando Kaban (Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya)
Nurina Febriyanti Ayuningtyas (Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya)
Intan Noha Brilyanti (Internist of Internal Medicine Clinic, dr. Soebandi General Hospital, Jember)
Adiastuti Endah Parmadiati (Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya)
Desiana Radithia (Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya)
Aulya Setyo Pratiwi (Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Mar 2022

Abstract

Background: Aplastic anaemia is a disease that occurs when the body fails to produce enough blood cells. Oral lesions, such as canker sores, are often used as an early marker of this disease condition. In the COVID-19 pandemic era, a teledentistry method is expected to assist in the management of patients with various diseases including aplastic anaemia. Purpose: This case report discusses the management of patients with aphthous-like ulcers related to aplastic anaemia in a 34-year-old woman, based on history, clinical examination, and blood tests through teledentistry. Case: The patient complained of a bleeding wound on the inner left cheek and corner of the left lip that appeared one month ago. There was an ulcer lesion that was bleeding easily in the buccal mucosa sinistra and the angular sinistra, as well as macules lesion on her hand and foot. The complete blood count test exhibits a low platelet level. Case management: The diagnosis was an aphthous-like ulcer related to aplastic anaemia. Patient was treated with topical antiseptic and anti-inflammatory mouthwashes for the oral lesions, as well as collaboration with the medical team. The lesions improved after the patient received a blood transfusion and drug therapy from the internist while she was hospitalized, but the lesions reappeared in other locations in the oral cavity when the platelet level dropped. Conclusion: Management of oral manifestations in patients with aphthous-like ulcers related to aplastic anaemia in the COVID-19 pandemic era can be done through teledentistry. However, this requires sensitivity from the dentist, patient compliance in following instructions, and the involvement of a multidisciplinary approach, such as collaboration with internists to achieve recovery. Delay in detecting and treating aplastic anaemia will lead to death, as in this case.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

MKG

Publisher

Subject

Dentistry

Description

The Dental Journal (Majalah Kedokteran Gigi) (e-ISSN:2442-9740; p-ISSN:1978-3728) is published by the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. Its diciplinary focus is dental science and dental hygiene. The Dental Journal (Majalah Kedokteran Gigi) is published in English on a quarterly ...