Minor physical anomalies including palatal rugae pattern and palatal dimensions in children with sickle cell disease: A cross-sectional analytical study

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hereditary hemoglobinopathy, which delays growth leading to an altered skeleton and craniofacial pattern. Palatal rugae patterning has been considered the regulator of the development of the palate. The purpose of the research work was to study the morphology of the palate, rugae pattern, and its dimensions in SCD children and compare them with healthy normal children, and to evaluate its role as minor physical anomalies (MPAs). Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study was designed as per STROBE guidelines. The sample comprised 50 children diagnosed with sickle cell disease (Group SCD) and 50 normal healthy children as control (Group C) belonging to the same age group (10–18 years). Dental impressions were made, followed by the pouring of dental casts. The length of the palatal rugae was measured and categorized into primary (>5 mm), secondary (3 mm–5 mm), and fragmentary rugae (