Current practice of oral care for hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: A survey of the Eastern Mediterranean Blood and Marrow transplantation group: A Survey of the Eastern Mediterranean Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group

Hani Mawardi, Nathaniel Treister, Osama Felemban, Waleed Alamoudi, Ghada Algohary, Abdulrahman Alsultan, Nawal Alshehri, Illias Tazi, Marwan Shaheen, Mohamed Alsharani, Salem Alshemmari, Mutlu Arat, Mohamed Amine Bekadja, Murtadha Al-Khabori, Samar Okaily, Natasha Ali, Husam Abujazar, Wasil Jastaniah, Amir Ali Hamidieh, Sharukh HashmiMahmoud Aljurf

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The oral cavity is one of the most common sites impacted by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with acute complications including mucositis, bleeding, salivary gland dysfunction, infection, and taste alteration. These complications may result in significant morbidity and can negatively impact outcomes such as length of stay and overall costs. As such, oral care during HSCT for prevention and management of oral toxicities is a standard component of transplant protocols at all centers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the current oral care practices for patients during HSCT at different transplant centers within the Eastern Mediterranean region.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: An internet-based survey was directed to 30 transplant centers in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The survey included five sections asking questions related to (1) transplant center demographics; (2) current oral care protocol used at the center and type of collaboration (if any) with a dental service; (3) use of standardized oral assessment tools and grading systems for mucositis; (4) consultations for management of oral complications; and (5) oral health needs at each center. Data are presented as averages and percentages.

RESULTS: A total of 16 responses from 11 countries were collected and analyzed, indicating a response rate of 53%. Eight centers reported that a dentist was part of the HSCT team, with four reporting oral medicine specialists specifically being part of the team. Almost all centers (15/16; 93%) had an affiliated dental service to facilitate pre-HSCT dental clearance with an established dental clearance protocol at 14 centers (87%). Dental extraction was associated with the highest concern for bleeding and the need for platelet transfusion. With respect to infection risk, antibiotic prophylaxis was considered in the setting of low neutrophil counts with restorative dentistry and extraction. All centers provide daily reinforcement of oral hygiene regimen. The most frequently used mouth oral rinses included sodium bicarbonate (68%) and chlorhexidine gluconate (62%), in addition to ice chips for dry mouth (62%). The most frequently used mucositis assessment tools were the World Health Organization scale (7/16; 43%) and visual analogue scale for pain (6/16; 37%). Mucositis pain was managed with lidocaine solution (68.8%), magic mouth wash (68.8%) and/or systemic pain medications (75%).

CONCLUSIONS: Scope and implementation of oral care protocols prior to and during HSCT varied between transplant centers. The lack of a universal protocol may contribute to gaps in oral healthcare needs and management for this group of patients. Further dissemination of and education around available oral care guidelines is warranted.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Considering oral care during HSCT a standard component of transplant protocols, the current study highlights the common oral care practices for patients at centers within the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)42-51
Number of pages10
JournalHematology/oncology and stem cell therapy
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 12 2023

Keywords

  • Humans
  • Mucositis
  • Bone Marrow
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Hematopoietic stem cell
  • Oral care
  • Transplant

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology
  • Oncology

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