BEDNAR’S APHTHAE IN INFANTS IN DUHOK; A PROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Volume 12 , Issue 4 , December 2022 , Pages 433-437

Authors

Azad A. Haleem 1 ; Nareen A. Abdulrahman 2 ; Akrem M. Atrushi 3

1 Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

2 Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Duhok, College of Medicine, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

3 Department.of Pediatrics, University of Duhok, College of Medicine, Duhok, Kurdistan, Iraq.

DOI logo 10.17656/jsmc.10388

Keywords

Abstract

Background
Bednar’s aphthae are small shallow ulcers at the margin of the palate of newborns. They primarily result
from the traumatic action of a bottle teat or the nipple of the mother’s breast during feeding. More recently, an
immune process has been hypothesized to explain its pathogenesis.
Objectives
To study the clinical features, the associated factors, and the time of healing of Bednar’s aphthae in Duhok.
Patients and Methods
This study was conducted from January 1st, 2020, to February 1st, 2021. It enrolled 17 newborns and infants
diagnosed with Bednar’s aphthae through clinical examination while undergoing routine health checkups.
Information about sex, delivery mode, age, birth weight, gestational age, perinatal problems, feeding method,
feeding habits, type of milk (formula, breast milk, or both), and using a pacifier or not were obtained from
mothers through direct interviews. Through the use of a tongue depressor, the palate was visualized. In
addition, parents were educated on how to posture the patient while feeding properly. Four weeks later, a
follow-up visit was for the ulcers’ course follow-up.
Results
Male is the predominant gender. Vaginal delivery was the most common. All the participants were full-term
with normal birth weights. The age at which diagnosis was made ranged from 14 to 60 days. Most of them
were formula-fed. In 15 patients (88.23%), feeding was in a horizontal posture; 11 (64.7%%) had weak sucking,
10(58.82%) had prolonged feeding time, and 13(76.47%) used pacifiers. The location is marginal in 12 cases
(70.58%). The shape was oval in 13 patients (76.47%), and the healing time ranged from 1 week to 4 weeks.
The largest ulcer was 2x2 cm, and the smallest was 0.2x0.3 cm.
Conclusion
Bednar’s aphthae are self-limiting disorders in newborns and infants. Mechanical and immunologic factors
can be responsible for their pathogenesis. Health education for mothers can help the healing of the ulcers and
prevent their recurrence..

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