Mouth opening in systemic sclerosis: Its course over time, determinants and impact on mouth handicap.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Decreased maximal mouth opening is a common and disabling manifestation in systemic sclerosis patients. We aimed to study the course of maximal mouth opening, determinants of smaller maximal mouth opening over time and the burden of smaller maximal mouth opening on mouth handicap.

Methods

Consecutive systemic sclerosis patients participating in the prospective Leiden Combined Care in systemic sclerosis cohort were included. Annual clinical assessment included maximal mouth opening measurement and mouth handicap evaluation (Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis scale). Presence of microstomia (maximal mouth opening < 30 mm) was studied. Maximal mouth opening over time was assessed on group level and for all patients individually. Baseline characteristics were analyse

SUBMITTER: Khidir SJH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9896194 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature