Role of Serum Iron and Haemoglobin in Oral Submucous Fibrosis

The aim of the present study was to assess the role of serum iron and Hb among patient with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on 61 patients who were clinically and histologically confirmed OSMF to explore relationship between serum iron and haemoglobin level with different grading of oral submucous fibrosis. Data was collected by face-to-face interview using a semi structured questionnaire, at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and Dhaka Dental College & Hospital. Obtained data were statistically analyzed by SPSS software version 23 and p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The result showed that out of 61 patients, the mean age was 47.39 year (range 30 years to 60 years). 41% showed involvement of right sided buccal mucosa, 50.8% had pain in mouth, 70% had burning sensation, 77.05% belonged to moderate cases type of OSMF and 22.95% belonged to mild cases. No severe case was found. Mean serum iron and Hb level were 63.85±12.96 µg/dl and 11.73±1.84 gm/dl respectively. Statistically significant relationship was found between OSMF and sex of the respondent, site of buccal mucosa, educational status, and history of taking betel nut (p=≤0.001, 0.013, ≤0.001 and ≤0.001 respectively). Difference of serum iron and Hb level between mild and moderate group of OSMF was statistically significant (p=≤0.001 and 0.004 respectively). In conclusion, serum iron and Hb level decrease with the increased severity of OSMF.