Mucositis In Children Research Articles

A brief literature review and own clinical experience in prophylaxis of oral mucositis in children using low level laser therapy

A brief literature review and own clinical experience in prophylaxis of oral mucositis in children using low level laser therapy

Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Prevention of Chemotherapy Induced Oral Mucositis in Children with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Randomized, Double-blind, Clinical trial.

Many preventive modalities have been advocated to reduce the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced Oral Mucositis (OM). Photobiomodulation, also known as Low-Level laser. Therapy, has shown promising results. This clinical trial was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of Photobiomodulation (PBM) for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) in children with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). A double-blinded randomized clinical trial was performed, including forty-two children diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) admitted to receiving chemotherapy (CT) at Children's Cancer Hospital 57357, Cairo, Egypt. Patients were randomly assigned to either the control or test group. Both groups followed the standard preventive protocol for oral mucositis. In the control group I sham therapy, while in the Laser group I had Photobiomodulation sessions for five consecutive days once a day performed by Diode laser (Sirrolaser Blue ™, USA) 660nm, 15watt, 10 s. Laser sessions began on day 1 of chemotherapy and were repeated on days 2,3, 4, and 5. The response to both groups was evaluated according to the development of oral mucositis; graded using the classification criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Cancer Institute scale (NCI - Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0). Incidence of oral mucositis was evaluated from baseline to 5, 12, 19, and 30 days after treatment. A clinical significant difference between the laser and control group was observed. The laser group showed a higher prevalence of no oral mucositis with decreased incidence of OM, while on day 12, the control group showed a higher prevalence of grades I and II (P-value <0.001, effect size = 0.796). However, the laser group showed higher prevalence of mucosa free of OM; on day 19, the control group showed higher rates of grades II and III, (P-value <0.001, effect size = 0.670). while on day 30 there was higher rates of grades I and II (P-value <0.001, effect size = 0.576) with higher rates of healthy oral mucosa in the laser group. Photobiomodulation effectively reduces the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in pediatric patients diagnosed with AML.

Efficacy of Mucosamin Spray as an Adjunct for Prevention of Oral Mucositis in Children under Chemotherapy: A Two-Center Randomized Clinical Trial.

Chemotherapy-induced mucositis is the most common complication during cancer treatment. This complication can lead to pain, increased risk of infection and malnutrition. Therefore, it is important to find a solution to reduce the severity and duration of side effects. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Mucosamin spray as an adjunct for prevention of oral mucositis in children under chemotherapy. This parallel-design clinical trial evaluated 48 patients aged 5 to 15 years with leukemia and lymphoma presenting to the Hematology Department of Mofid and Mahak Hospitals. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (n=24). Before starting chemotherapy, all patients received oral hygiene instructions (toothbrushing without flossing). Patients in both groups were requested to use a mouthwash composed of nystatin, aluminum-magnesium hydroxide suspension (aluminum MgS), and diphenhydramine for 1 min every morning on a daily basis starting the day before treatment. Patients in the intervention group were also requested to spray their entire oral mucosa with Mucosamin spray 3 times a day in addition to using the mouthwash. Patients were requested to refrain from eating and drinking for 1h after spraying. The patients were clinically examined by a senior dental student once every other day for 20 days regarding the occurrence, severity, and duration of oral mucositis. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and log rank test. No significant difference was noted between the two groups in the incidence, severity, or time of development of mucositis (p> 0.05). The 7-day non-recovery percentage was 72.7% (SE= 13.4) and 25.0% (SE= 15.3) in the control and test groups, respectively, indicating shorter duration (faster healing) of mucositis in the intervention group (p= 0.01). Within the limitations of this study, it seems that prophylactic application of Mucosamin spray can shorten the course of oral mucositis, in case of its occurrence.

Epigenetic mechanisms and oral mucositis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between epigenetic mechanisms and oral mucositis (OM) in paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Oral cells were collected from 76 participants, including 15 healthy individuals, 10 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia but without a history of OM and 51 acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patients with a history of OM (35 with active OM and 16 who had recovered from OM). Global DNA methylation in the miR-9-1 and miR-9-3 genes was performed. Seven polymorphisms rs1801131, rs1801133 (MTHFR), rs2228611 (DNMT1), rs7590760, rs1550117 (DNMT3A), rs6087990, rs2424913 (DNMT3B) were genotyped and an analysis of association with global DNA methylation was performed. The global methylation levels were lower in cancer patients recovered from OM than in the other groups. A higher frequency of unmethylated profile for miR-9-1 and partially methylated profile for miR-9-3 was observed in cancer patients regardless of OM history compared to healthy patients. The GG genotype of the rs2228611 (DNMT1) polymorphism was associated with higher levels of global methylation in cancer patients irrespective of OM. It was concluded that global methylation is associated with mucosal recovery. The effect of DNMT1 genotype on the global DNA methylation profile, as well as the methylation profile of miR-9-1 and miR-9-3 in cancer patients is independent of OM.

The Effect of Gastrointestinal Mucositis Care Training Given to Pediatric Leukemic Patients and Caregivers on Mucosal Barrier Injury

Background Management of chemotherapy-induced mucosal barrier damage and oral/anal mucositis in leukemia is challenging. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mucositis care training given to children receiving leukemia treatment and their caregivers on caregiver knowledge and skills, the development of gastrointestinal mucositis in children, the mean oral mucositis area in children, and the mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection in the clinic. Methods A stepped-wedge, quasi-experimental, unpaired control group design was used. The participants in the control group were given routine training, and the intervention group members were given mucositis care training in accordance with the guideline recommendations. Results No significant difference was found between groups in developing anal mucositis, but a significant difference in developing oral mucositis was documented, with the mean mucositis area of children being 8.36 ± 3.97 cm2 in the control group and 4.66 ± 2.90 cm2 in the intervention group. The mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection ratio was 4 per 1000 catheter days in the control group and 3 per 1000 catheter days in the intervention group. Conclusion Mucositis care training had a significant positive effect on caregivers’ knowledge and skills, the development of oral mucositis, and the mean oral mucositis area in children. However, the training had no effect on the development of anal mucositis or the infection rate in the clinic. Implications for Practice Nurses might increase the knowledge and skill levels of caregivers with training on mucositis care, prevent the development of mucositis, and reduce the mean mucositis area. Training might also contribute to the reduction in the infection rate of the clinic.

The Effect of Oral Care Intervention in Mucositis Management Among Pediatric Cancer Patients: An Updated Systematic Review.

Chemotherapy-induced mucositis is inflammation that develops in the oral mucosal due to anticancer treatment. Mucositis has negative consequences that may lead to distress in pediatric patients, resulting in escalated expenses, diminished quality of life, hindrance in cancer therapy, and decreased survival rates. However, despite the numerous methods, oral care protocols are suggested for implementation in the pediatric population despite a lack of high-level evidence studies, particularly regarding which appropriate oral care agents should be administered. This systematic review aimed to identify the effect of oral care intervention in mucositis management among pediatric cancer patients. Studies were published between 2014 and 2023 from five databases: PubMed, Embase, Medline, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. They were identified using a search strategy to identify relevant studies that identify oral care interventions for managing mucositis in children with cancer. This study used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools to assess the quality of the studies and followed the recommended reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, including seven RCTs and one quasi-experimental study. Oral care interventions involving tooth brushing, mouthwash, and lip care are performed entirely or partially. The frequency of oral care ranges from two to six times daily, and the duration of intervention is from 5 days to six weeks. Oral care interventions using honey, olive oil, Aloe Vera, Andiroba, and salivary enzyme toothpaste are beneficial to lower the severity of mucositis, reduce pain, minimize mucositis duration, and reduce the use of analgesics, but not significantly improve the child's quality of life. However, Caphosol mouthwash did not significantly reduce mucositis. Our study highlights that oral care intervention using effective agents integratively, including honey, olive oil, Aloe vera, Andiroba, and salivary enzyme toothpaste, is essential to manage chemotherapy-induced mucositis among children. PROSPERO registration number was CRD42023456278.

Oral Mucositis Management in Children under Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review.

Children undergoing antineoplastic treatment often present severe side effects due to the dosage and duration of treatments, with oral mucositis emerging as one of the most prevalent and painful inflammatory conditions. There is a growing body of evidence on therapeutic interventions such as cryotherapy, low-level laser therapy, and natural compounds for this condition. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and compare therapies for the management of cancer treatment-induced oral mucositis in pediatric patients. From 2655 articles obtained in initial searches, 39 articles were considered in this systematic review, after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. Low-level laser therapy, palifermin, honey, and zinc demonstrated reductions in oral mucositis incidence, duration, severity, and pain reported by the patient. Although there are several therapies in place for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in children, evidence of their efficacy is still inconclusive to establish accurate clinical protocols.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Normal Saline and Nystatin Cocktail in Preventing Oral Mucositis in Children With Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Normal Saline and Nystatin Cocktail in Preventing Oral Mucositis in Children With Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Depressive symptoms and oral mucositis in children with oncological diseases: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between depressive symptoms and the occurrence of oral mucositis in children with oncological diseases treated at a reference hospital. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with individuals aged 4 to 18 years, diagnosed with primary neoplasms. Data was collected by using a questionnaire that assessed the degree of oral mucositis according to the World Health Organization index, the risk of oral mucositis according to the Child's International Mucositis Evaluation Scale, and depressive symptoms using the Children's Depression Inventory. The data were analyzed and subjected to Spearman's correlation, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test, considering p<0.05. A statistically significant correlation was observed between depressive symptoms and the degree of oral mucositis (p = 0.044), and also between the "pain" variable within the risk of oral mucositis and depressive symptoms (p = 0.021). Based on the findings, it can be inferred that oral mucositis may be associated with the development of depressive symptoms and may be influenced by the individual's hospitalization, thereby affecting the quality of life of pediatric patients.

Examination of nursing theses on oral mucositis in children with cancer in Turkey

Examination of nursing theses on oral mucositis in children with cancer in Turkey

Methotrexate-associated oral mucositis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Methotrexate-associated oral mucositis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Effectiveness of Application of Oral Regimen, Practicing Oral Health, Health Education, Observation (APHO) Nursing Intervention in Preventing and Managing Oral Mucositis in Children Undergoing Chemotherapy: An Interventional Study in Central India.

Background The incidence of childhood cancer is rising worldwide, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia being the most commonly diagnosed form. These young patients are immunocompromised and susceptible to infections. In addition, chemotherapy and radiation therapy often cause oral mucositis as a side effect. Given these challenges, nurses playa crucial role in delivering special care to these vulnerable children. Material and methods A study design utilizing a one-group pretest-posttest approach was implemented on 45 children, aged one to 12 years, who were undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing oral mucositis. Demographic information, including age, gender, diagnosis, chemotherapy cycle, and length of therapy, was collected. A customized intervention, which involved the application of an oral regimen, oral health practices, health education for caregivers, and observation, was administered by nursing staff using the APHO (Application of an Oral Regimen, Practicing Oral Health, Health Education to Caregivers, and Observation) protocol for a period of seven days. Both pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the APHO nursing intervention. The assessment tool used toassess the effectiveness of APHO intervention was using a standardized scale given by the World Health Organization grading scale for oral mucositis. Result An analysis was conducted utilizing both descriptive and inferential statistics. Before the intervention, those children in grade 2 were in grade 1 after the intervention, and the childrenin grade 1 before the intervention were in grade 0 after the intervention. The health education provided to the caregivers was significantly effective. Notably, there was a significant decrease in the oral mucositis grade of the children by one level in all instances, indicating that the APHO nursing intervention was remarkably effective. Thus, promoting the use of APHO nursing intervention can lead to positive outcomes in children afflicted with oral mucositis. Conclusion APHO nursing intervention has shown remarkable effectiveness among children with mucositis. As a result, promoting continuous APHO intervention in children with mucositis can help enhance in prevention and management.

DNA Methyltransferase Genes Are Associated with Oral Mucositis and Creatinine Levels in Oncopediatric Patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the DNA methylation profiles of the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) gene family with oral mucositis in children and adolescents with hematologic malignancies treated with methotrexate (MTX®). The population was comprised of healthy and oncopediatric patients aged between 4 and 19 years. An evaluation of oral conditions was performed using the Oral Assessment Guide. Demographic, clinical, hematological, and biochemical data were obtained from medical records. Genomic DNA extracted from oral mucosal cells was used for the analysis of polymorphisms in DNMT1 (rs2228611), DNMT3A (rs7590760), and DNMT3B (rs6087990) using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique (n = 102) and for DNA methylation using the methylation-specific PCR (MSP) technique (n = 85). The allele and genotypic frequencies of SNPs did not reveal any differences between patients with or without oral mucositis. An increase in the methylation frequency for DNMT1 in patients recovered from mucositis was detected. The DNMT3A methylated profile associated with the CC genotype (SNP rs7590760) appeared to be connected to higher values of creatinine. In addition, the DNMT3B unmethylated profile associated with the CC genotype (SNP rs6087990) appeared to be connected with higher values of creatinine. We conclude that the DNMT1 methylation profile is associated with the post-mucositis period and that the genetic and epigenetic profiles of DNMT3A and DNMT3B are associated with creatinine levels.

Oral Mucositis in Children with Leukemia Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Case Series

Oral Mucositis in Children with Leukemia Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Case Series

Опыт лечения мукозита при хроническом гнойном среднем отите у детей

Background: the most common clinical subtype of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in childhood is low-grade catarrhal inflammation affecting the middle ear mucosa (mucositis). The etiology and pathogenesis of mucositis remain unclear. Virtually no data on the course and treatment of this disease in children are available. Aim: to share our experience with mucositis treatment in children with CSOM. Patients and Methods: we performed a retrospective analysis of treatment results in 118 children aged 5–14 years with subtotal and total tympanic membrane perforations and mucositis of the tympanic cavity of various severity without cholesteatoma. Results: no pathognomonic signs were identified in children with mucositis. All children had mild hearing loss. Temporal bone CT revealed signs of temporal bone and ossicular system destruction in 15 children (12.7%). Microbiological diagnostics demonstrated that the key bacterial pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=26, 22%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n=21, 17.8%). In children with mesotympanitis, the secretory stage of mucositis was diagnosed most often (n=79, 67%), as demonstrated by otomicroscopy. Hyperplastic and atrophic stages of mucositis were diagnosed in 31 (26%) and 8 patients, respectively. During CSOM remission, all patients underwent scheduled myringoplasty and tympanoplasty with revision of the tympanic cavity and mastoid. These procedures were performed under microscopic control via an endaural or transcanal approach. 12 weeks after surgery, 108 patients (92%) reported an improvement in hearing. Diastasis in the lower part of the created eardrum was detected in 11 patients (9.3%) only. Conclusion: given the understudied etiology and pathogenesis, conservative treatment is reasonable only during uncomplicated exacerbation of CSOM. The most effective treatment for mucositis of the tympanic mucosa is timely myringoplasty and tympanoplasty. KEYWORDS: chronic suppurative otitis media, mucositis, children, myringoplasty, tympanoplasty, hearing loss. FOR CITATION: Naumov O.G., Karpova E.P., Tulupov D.A. Treatment for mucositis in children with chronic suppurative otitis media. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2023;7(8):543–548 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2023-7-8-12.

ORAL MUCOSITIS MANAGEMENT IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT WITH ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA: CASE REPORT

Introduction: Acute leukemia is a primary malignancy in the bone marrow, in children constituting 35% of childhood cancers. Eighty percent are Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and 20% are Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). In Indonesia, there are currently around 80,000 children under the age of 15 years. Mucositis, oral infections, taste dysfunction, xerostomia, and bleeding are recognized as common acute sequels with risks for severe pain, malnutrition, and potential source of systemic infections. The purpose of this article is to report the management of mucositis in a patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Case and Management: A 5 years old boy consulted from Pediatrician in Abdoel Wahab Sjahranie General Hospital to a Pediatric Dentist in the same hospital with the chief complaint of severe gingivitis, bleeding on gingival mucosa, ulcer, and mucositis on lips. Because the general conditions of the patient decreased, the supportive therapies were instructed to maintain oral hygiene by rinsing and cleaning intra-oral with sterile gauze with sterile or cold water and chlorhexidine gluconate 0,20% periodically, brushing teeth with soft bristles, applying oxygel, and soft diets with high in carbohydrate and protein. Conclusion: The risks of mucositis in children are higher compared with adults due to the uncooperative behavior of the patient and smaller oral cavities which limit the examination. Good oral hygiene protocols should be applied during and after chemo-radio therapy motivating the children and parents or caregivers to maintain an appropriate level of oral hygiene to minimize the risk of developing decay, local infections, hemorrhage, and oral mucositis.

An exploration of the use of photobiomodulation for management of oral mucositis in children and young people undergoing cancer treatment in the UK

PurposeOral mucositis affects up to 80% of children and young people (CYP) receiving chemotherapy. This can result in pain, reduced oral intake and, in severe cases, hospitalisation for parental nutrition and pain relief. Photobiomodulation is recommended by multiple bodies for mucositis management for those undergoing cancer treatments. The current use of photobiomodulation within the UK, and the barriers and facilitators to implementation is unknown.MethodAn online mixed-methods survey was administered to representatives from the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) between October 2021 and March 2022. This explored: use of photobiomodulation, planned future use, barriers and facilitators to implementation and dental assessment. Quantitative data underwent descriptive statistics. Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of photobiomodulation were analysed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).ResultsAll UK CCLG centres responded (n = 20, a response rate of 100%). Two units in Scotland were delivering photobiomodulation. A further four units were planning to implement a service. Most units, 65% (n = 13) utilised specialist Paediatric Dentistry services for dental assessment. In the TDF analysis, five domains were most frequently populated: knowledge, skills, environmental context and resources, social influences, and social/professional role and identity.ConclusionPhotobiomodulation was only available in Scotland in two children’s cancer units. Lack of knowledge and skills, and insufficient environmental resources were identified as barriers. Collaboration with paediatric dental services was identified as a facilitator. The establishment of a national network of Paediatric Dentists and Oncologists would promote collaboration to standardise protocols and to address the identified barriers to wider implementation of photobiomodulation.

Polymorphism but not methylation status in the vitamin D receptor gene contributes to oral mucositis in children.

To investigate the relationship between the polymorphisms rs1544410 (BsmI), rs2228570 (FokI) and rs731236 (TaqI) and DNA methylation status in the VDR gene (vitamin D receptor) with oral mucositis (OM) in oncopaediatric patients treated with methotrexate (MTX®). The population comprised healthy patients with haematological malignancies aged between 5 and 19 years. An evaluation of oral conditions was performed using the Oral Assessment Guide. Demographic, clinical, biochemical and haematological data were obtained from medical records. Genomic DNA from oral mucosal cells was used for the analysis of polymorphisms (n=102) (PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism) and DNA methylation (n=81) (methylation-specific PCR). Males predominated (57.8%), and the mean age was 10.3 years (±4.7). OM affected 84.3% of patients, of which 53.1% developed severe oral mucositis (SOM). Patients with OM had lower platelet and leukocyte counts (p < 0.05). The G allele of rs1544410 (p=0.040) and the CT genotype of rs2228570 polymorphisms were associated with SOM (p=0.038). A partially methylated status in the VDR promoter was found in all patients. OM is associated with lower leukocyte and platelet counts. SOM is associated with the rs1544410 and rs2228570 polymorphisms. The methylation status of the VDR is not associated with inflammation or exposure to MTX®.

Oral mucositis in children with cancer and their relationship with limitation of activities

Oral mucositis in children with cancer and their relationship with limitation of activities

CN77 Effect of chewing gum on the management of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in children: Systematic review of experimental studies

Chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis can be prevented or treated in a number of different ways among pediatric oncology patients. One of the methods is chewing gum. However, the evidence in the literature that chewing gum is effective in preventing or reducing chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in pediatric oncology patients is weak. Objective: To systematically summarize research regarding chewing gum interventions and outcomes and to evaluate the effect of the chewing gum on reducing chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in children.