Author/Authors :
Eghbali، A نويسنده Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, ran , , Taherkhanchi، B نويسنده Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran , , Bagheri، B نويسنده Cancer Research Center and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran , , Sadeghi Sedeh، B نويسنده Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran ,
Abstract :
Abstract
Background
Oral mucositis is an adverse effect of
chemotherapy. Type of chemotherapy
regimen is the most important factor causing
mucositis. Oral mucositis is usually
associated with transient decrease in saliva
production. The goal was to study effects of
gum consumption on oral mucositis in
children undergoing chemotherapy.
Materials and Method
This randomized controlled trial was done in
Amir Kabir Hospital, Arak, Iran. 130
children 5 to 15 years of age were studied.
Control group was composed of 65 children
who received mucotoxic drugs. Test group
was made up of 65 patients received similar
drugs in addition to sugar free gums.
Patients consumed 6 pieces of gums per day
for 15 days. A standardized follow up form
and World Health Organization (WHO)
grading system for oral mucositis were used
for evaluation of patients during 15 days of
treatment.
Results
Severe oral mucositis occurred in 30 (46%)
of 65 patients in the test group and in 26 of
65 (40%) patients in the control group.
Difference was not statistically significant
(P > 0.05). Rate of mild to moderate
mucoitis (grade 1 and 2) was significantly
lower in patients who used gums (15 % vs.
35%, P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Our study showed that stimulation of saliva
flow by chewing gum could decrease mild
to moderate inflammatory injuries of the
oral mucosa during chemotherapy.
However, it was not effective to subside
severe mucositis.
