Abstract
Aim: Beta-thalassemia (β-thalassemia) major is one of the most common inherited genetic blood disorders and is characterized by many systemic manifestations and skeletal problems. Children with β-thalassemia have a high caries index and must receive proper dental treatment to achieve better oral health. The aim of study is to compare two types of vital pulp therapies in children with β-thalassemia major. Methods: Sixty-five children with β-thalassemia major having carious primary molars were selected from Ain Shams University and the Hereditary Blood Disorders Clinic at the National Research Centre to be treated at Pediatric Dentistry, Department, Faculty of Dentisrtry, Ain Shams University . Patients received one of both types of vital pulp therapies: mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomy and indirect pulp capping. The children were divided into two groups as follow: Group I (n=30) received MTA pulpotomy and Group II (n=35) received indirect pulp capping using high viscosity glass ionomer cement. Clinical and radiographic follow-ups were done at the baseline, six months, and after one year. Patient preferences for types of vital pulp therapies were evaluated at the end of treatment. Comparison of the groups with qualitative data was done using Chi-square test. Comparison of the groups with quantitative data and a parametric distribution was done using an independent t-test at significance level 0.05. Results: The findings revealed success rates of 90% in Group I and 100% in Group II. There was 10% clinical and radiographic failure in Group I and 0% in Group II but the difference between the two groups when compared to each other was statistically not significant (p= 0.055). Conclusions: Both types of vital pulp therapies showed high success rates in children with β-thalassemia major and thus can be used safely in these patients. However, minimally invasive types of dental treatment may be preferred in children with β-thalassemia major as indirect pulp capping for being less invasive and requires less effort, fatigue and time.
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