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Zinc is an essential micronutrient. Several studies have shown that zinc deficiency is common in older people. Zinc has been extensively studied with regard to its role in wound healing, infections, immune system, cardiovascular disease, and several other medical conditions. Several investigators have published intervention studies using zinc supplements in older people with favorable outcomes. This paper will briefly review the pathophysiologic effects of zinc, nutritional deficiency, and effects of zinc supplementation in older people.

In this publication, Nager syndrome was analyzed in the literature and six patients from our clinic were evaluated in relation to symptoms, etiology and pathogenesis. The diseases to be considered when making a differential diagnosis are pointed out. Clarification of the etiology is still pending. Molecular genetic research in these patients is possibly the key for new findings. A case report illustrates the results of interdisciplinary treatment by the surgeon and orthodontist. Possibilities and problems in relation to therapy are demonstrated.

The diagnosis of median facial dysplasia is made in cases of a typical deficiency of the median facial structures without concomitant abnormalities of the brain, and presence of unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate. The identification and description of this type of cleft lip and palate are important because such patients have severe growth disturbances and tissue deficiencies. These make surgical reconstruction and orthodontic treatment difficult. This is demonstrated in two examples. The clinical and roentgenological findings in the mother of one of the demonstrated patients point to a discrete form of the same anomaly.

The oral-surgical and the orthodontic treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate are interdependent. Consequently, they cannot be performed separately. In most cases, a continuous coordinated treatment planning by both specialties, from the first day of life, will permit to obtain optimal treatment results. The ultimate aim of co-ordinated treatment is not only the aesthetic and functional rehabilitation, but also the securing of the age-related growth of the midface.