Bednar's aphthae in neonates: incidence and associated factors.

BACKGROUND

Bednar's aphthae can still be found in newborn infants but have nearly disappeared from recent paediatric literature.

OBJECTIVES

To find out the incidence of Bednar's aphthae among newborn infants during the first week of life and the factors associated with the ulcers.

METHODS

Clinical findings and statistical data were documented of 1,654 infants routinely examined for preventive reasons in two obstetric hospitals in Cologne, Germany.

RESULTS

Bednar's aphthae were found in 236 of the 1,494 neonates examined (15.8%) in whom the whole palate could be visualized. They were associated with spontaneous birth at term, nutrition with formula, and mucosal hyperaemia of the typical anatomical location.

CONCLUSIONS

Bednar's aphthae are not a rare phenomenon and still commonly occur in neonates.