Resumen

ARTEAGA BONILLA, Ricardo  y  FUENTES ZAMBRANA, Mireya. Noma. Report of one case. Rev. bol. ped. [online]. 2004, vol.43, n.1, pp.18-20. ISSN 1024-0675.

Noma is an acute gangrenous infection that affects the oral cavity and face; it leaves deep aesthetic and functional sequelae. Its origin has not been fully established, nonetheless, malnutrition and other illnesses that attack the immune system have been identified as major risk factors. The treatment is based on antimicrobial administration and surgery. The following case describes the condition of a two-year old child with a profound injury located on the right side of his face, associated to protein-caloric malnutrition and the patient was treated with penicillin and clindamycin. He also underwent reconstructive surgery (secuestrectomy) and teeth extraction with excellent results. The text describes updated aspects of this illness.

Palabras clave : noma; gangrenous infection; malnutrition.