Background Oral mucositis is one of the side effects developed
post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant. This retrospective study aimed to
assess the efficacy of a mouthwash mixture (lidocaine, sodium alginate,
sucralfate, pheniramine) versus hyaluronic acid and a solution of sodium
bicarbonate in terms of healing time and weight gain in the treatment of oral
mucositis in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
transplantation with hemato-oncological malignancies.
Methods A total of 171 patients that received chemotherapy for the
hematopoietic stem cell transplant were divided into three groups; group 1,
treated with a mixed mouthwash of lidocaine, sodium alginate, sucralfate, and
pheniramine; group 2, treated with hyaluronic acid; and group 3, treated with an
aqueous solution of 5% sodium bicarbonate. Weight and mucositis scale scores
derived from medical records of patients.
Results There was a statistically significant difference in the mucositis
scale scores between the groups on the transplant day and days 5, 10, 15 and 20
after the transplantation. At these measurement points, Group 2 (receiving
hyaluronic acid) had a lower score, and Group 3 (who received sodium
bicarbonate) had a higher score, especially on days 5 and 10 after the
transplantation.
Conclusion The results suggest that hyaluronic acid is a more effective
treatment option than the other oral care solutions that are frequently used for
prophylaxis and treatment of oral mucositis.