Craniofacial growth in ectodermal dysplasia : an 8 year longitudinal evaluation of Italian subjects

OBJECTIVE: To identify the main directions of growth of facial structures in subjects with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 3D noninvasive facial measurements were collected in 12 subjects (6 boys, 6 girls) with HED during four assessments (at 8, 11, 12, and 15 years) using an electromagnetic digitizer. The modifications of linear distances in the upper, middle, and lower third of the face were analyzed and compared with cross-sectional data obtained in normal healthy coetaneous. For each distance, differential values between the last and the initial data were calculated individually, separately for a first (8-11 years) and a second growth period (12-15 years). RESULTS: In the first time span, the growth of all facial measurements was reduced in HED subjects compared with control subjects. During this interval, most of the HED children underwent a functional and/or prosthetic treatment. During adolescence, the width and height of the lower and upper facial thirds showed a larger growth in HED subjects than in control subjects, while all facial depths and all distances in the middle facial third maintained a reduced growth. CONCLUSIONS: The deviation from normal facial growth of HED subjects tends to lessen with age. Functional and prosthetic appliances may have enhanced facial growth.