Oral alterations and oral health‐related quality of life assessment in patients undergoing chemotherapy at a tertiary care center

Abstract

Aims This study was designed to assess the oral alterations and oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients undergoing chemotherapy for malignancies other than oral cancer. Methods and results Oral alterations were studied by careful clinical examination prior to and at the end of three cycles of chemotherapy in 100 patients. OHRQoL was assessed by oral health impact profile (OHIP)‐14 questionnaire. Fifty‐four patients developed oral complications among which oral mucositis and pigmentation were the most commonly observed. OHRQoL was hampered in all patients as indicated by higher postchemotherapy scores as compared to prechemotherapy scores (P < .0001). Postchemotherapy scores were higher for patients who developed visible oral changes as compared to those who did not (P = .001). There was a weak positive correlation between the number of oral alterations and postchemotherapy scores for OHRQoL. Conclusions Our study emphasizes the role of oral physicians in the healthcare team delivering chemotherapeutic treatment as regular oral examination, and timely symptomatic treatment is important for the overall well‐being of the patient.

Evaluation of oral alterations in patients of a private hospital in the southern region of Brazil

“…The higher prevalence of dysphagia observed in outpatients, can be explained by the absence of systematic, continuous follow-up by the interdisciplinary team, especially the speech therapist. 11 Our results, can be attributed to the high frequency of patients with stroke, degenerative diseases, and under antineoplastic treatment. Some of the complications of dysphagia include aspiration, which may cause pneumonia, malnutrition, increased length of hospital stay, and rehospitalization.…”

“…14 Candidiasis is the most commonly reported opportunistic infection in a hospital environment. 1,10,11 Although common and with well-established treatment, it may result in an increased risk of systemic complications. The lack of a well-conducted and effective intervention can potentiate cases of resistance and necessitate invasive procedures such as the insertion of a feeding probe.…”

Oral mucositis & oral health related quality of life in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer in Karachi, Pakistan: A multicenter hospital based cross-sectional study

“…Sample size was calculated using open epi version 3, For the frequency of OM Significance level of 5%, bound of error 8%, frequency of 40% & 10% non-response rate was taken. Sample size calculated was 160 patients [ 10 ].…”

“…OHRQoL is stated as a multidimensional construct that reflects people’s comfort with their oral health as well as their comfort when eating, sleeping, and interacting with others. [ 10 ]…”

Effect of educational guidelines on reducing chemotherapy induced oral mucositis based on patients’ needs assessment

“…Unless presence of infection, it is declining slowly and complete recovery may last approximately 2 to 3 weeks (O'Neill et al, 2020). This oral lesion leads to bio-psycho-social problems such as a reduction in dietary intake, dif iculty in communication, speech problem, impaired body image and decreased self-esteem, change in comfort due to pain, possibly leading to delayed and/or incomplete treatment and reducing the possibility of treating the cancer (Sahni et al, 2020). Oral mucositis occurs in 20-40% of patients receiving chemotherapy, 76% of patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy before hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT), and over 90% of patients treated for mouth and oropharynx cancer (Viveiros, 2020).…”