Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome: dental management considerations.

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), platelet dysfunction, and ceroid storage. It is common among the Puerto Rican population and is expected to spread within the United States and other countries. Due to the platelet deficiency, these patients are of major concern to pediatric dentists. The purpose of this article is to explain in detail the characteristic triad of this syndrome and to propose an adequate approach to perform dental treatment, using appropriate protection recommendations for HPS patients. Recommendations for dental treatment are considered. They include the use of: (1) eyeglasses with 99 UV filter to protect them from the unpleasant dental light stimulus; (2) an extra-soft toothbrush and conservative brushing technique; (3) medication with antifibrinolitic agents; and (4) local measures to achieve hemostasis.