Chemotherapy and Oral Health in Leukemic Patients

Abstract

Leukemias constitute a group of neoplastic diseases originating from the hematopoietic system, where all morphotic elements of blood are formed. Leukemias occur more frequently in men than in women (3:2), and particular types reveal the highest prevalence in different age ranges [1-3]. The etiopathogenesis of leukemias has not been fully understood. On the basis of experimental and clinical studies, it has been stated that changes in the genes caused by different types of viruses may play a crucial role in the neoplastic transformation. These are mainly retroviruses, and less frequently DNA viruses can lead to mutation as early as in the foetal life or soon after birth. Genetic information within viruses is embedded into the host's genome. It can remain in the latent phase and be passed on to daughter cells. This factor determines whether the disease remains in its latent phase or neoplastic transformation occurs [4]. Apart from the virus activity in leukemias pathogenesis, an individual predisposition is also

Changes of Dentition State in Leukemic Patients during Chemotherapy

“…Apart from this, poor oral health is associated with a higher incidence of systemic infections and complications in patients suffering from leukemia. Accordingly, appropriate dental therapy before chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation can decrease the rate of septicemia cases and its fatal consequences [7,[15][16][17][18][19].…”

“…However, according to the institute itself, there is no evidence in the literature regarding the best approach. The centers providing strategy argue that the benefits of proper brushing and proper flossing outweigh the risks because the interruption of routine oral hygiene increases the risk of infection, and this could promote bleeding as well as increase the risk of local and systemic infection [7,30]. There is an increased risk of severe infections due to immunosuppression accompanying underlying disease and its treatment in patients with leukemia.…”

“…The most common clinical signs of leukemia are weight loss, fever, anemia, hemorrhage, hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. In addition to the lymphatic system, neoplastic cells are located in the bones, bone marrow and central nervous system, giving clinical signs from these tissues and organs [5][6][7][8].…”