Assessment of the Changes in the Salivary Profile and Its Clinical Correlation in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Follow-up Study.

Abstract

To assess the changes in salivary profile and its clinical correlation in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing chemotherapy. Children who have been diagnosed with ALL undergoing chemotherapy at Bharati Hospital, Pune, were included in the study. Those children were included who fulfilled the following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Stimulated salivary samples were collected in sterile vials at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals and ware assessed for salivary pH and buffering capacity. Caries and oral manifestations were also checked at each interval. A total of 25 children with ALL undergoing chemotherapy were included to participate in the study. The results were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. There was a statistically significant difference in the change in salivary pH during the 1st and 6th months of chemotherapy (p-value of 0.001). Salivary buffering capacity was also found to be low in these patients during the 1st month of chemotherapy, which gradually increased during the entire course of chemotherapy (p-value of 0.011). Progression of dental caries was seen during the entire course of treatment. All the major changes were seen in the 1st month, that is, the induction phase of chemotherapy. Hence, we can say this is the most affected phase of chemotherapy. The parents and children should be educated and motivated to maintain proper oral hygiene. Whenever possible, all preventive dental procedures should be undertaken before the start of chemotherapy to avoid future complications. Paranjape MN, Shah P, Patil S, et al. Assessment of the Changes in the Salivary Profile and Its Clinical Correlation in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Follow-up Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-3):S268-S271.