OWN - Quintessenz Verlags-GmbH CI - Copyright Quintessenz Verlags-GmbH OCI - Copyright Quintessenz Verlags-GmbH TA - J Orofac Pain JT - Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache IS - 2333-0376 (Electronic) IS - 2333-0384 (Print) IP - 2 VI - 24 PST - ppublish DP - 2010 PG - 197-202 LA - en TI - Mandibular Function is Severely Impaired in Systemic Sclerosis Patients FAU - Ferreira, Edna Livia A. AU - Ferreira E FAU - Christmann, Romy B. AU - Christmann R FAU - Borba, Eduardo F. AU - Borba E FAU - Borges, Claudia T. L. AU - Borges C FAU - Siqueira, Jose T. T. AU - Siqueira J FAU - Bonfa, Eloisa AU - Bonfa E CN - OT - Helkimo indices and fibrosis OT - systemic sclerosis OT - temporomandibular disorders OT - temporomandibular joint AB - Aims: To evaluate the presence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and its possible association with the severity of skin involvement. Methods: The presence of TMD was evaluated in 35 SSc women and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls by means of the anamnestic (Ai) and clinical (Di) Helkimo indices; the jaw mobility was further analyzed (MI). Skin involvement was scored by the Modified Rodnan Skin Score (MRSS). Results: Signs and symptoms of TMD were more frequent in SSc patients than in controls, the frequency distribution of the different clinical dysfunction indices differing significantly (P < .001) between patients (Di0 8.6%, DiI 48.6%, DiII 22.8%, and DiIII 20%) and controls (Di0 50%, DiI 33.3%, and DiII 16.7%). Cyclophosphamide for severe and rapidly progressive cutaneous fibrosis was prescribed in six out of seven patients with severe signs (DiIII), in contrast this treatment was indicated for only two out of 25 patients with mild to moderate signs (DiI and DiII, P < .001). Impaired jaw mobility was more frequent in SSc patients than controls (P < .001). It was severe in 77.1% (MIII) and mild in 22.9% (MII) of the cases, in contrast to controls (MI0 33.4%, MII 53.3%, and MIII 13.3%; P < .001). Approximately half of SSc patients with severe (MIII) but none of those with mild impairment were on cyclophosphamide treatment for severe cutaneous fibrosis (P = .02). Conclusion: Severe signs of TMD according to the anamnestic and clinical Helkimo indices were very frequent in SSc patients. AID - 850981