Longitudinal evaluation of oral health in pediatric oncologic patients.

Abstract

Introduction: The project proposes to integrate dental care for pediatric patients at the UC Cancer Center. This would facilitate an interdisciplinary medical-dental approach, ensuring optimal oral health before oncological treatments. The project also seeks to identify and address oral deterioration due to pediatric oncological therapy, implementing preventive and curative measures.  Objective: To describe longitudinally, at one year, the impact on oral health of treatment based on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients. Material and Method: A prospective longitudinal observational study of oral health will be carried out in pediatric patients undergoing a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. A sample of 20 patients is estimated to date, 17 have been recruited, they underwent a pre-established diagnosis and monitoring of oral health before, during and after the hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Results: The greatest involvement is in the soft tissues. 100% present gingivitis and dry mouth, 76% mucositis, between days 7 to 14 after the transplant and the most affected is the tongue. Conclusions: Treatments for neoplasms associated with bone marrow depression produce: gingivitis, mucositis and dryness of the oral mucosa. The one with the greatest impact due to its difficult management is mucositis, which causes pain, mucosal wounds and burning. It makes feeding difficult and leads to the risk of infections, which slows down the treatment and compromises their quality of life. The tongue is the organ most affected by mucositis, which would explain the difficulty that children have in feeding.