Patients oral conditions before hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in Brazil

Abstract

Objectives: This prospective multicenter study aims to conduct an epidemiologic survey of oral health status of the patients waiting for the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in five Brazilian Centers to identify oral needs prior to HSCT. Methods: Patients enrolled in this study were submitted to a dental clinical evaluation whilst they were awaiting for HSCT, performed by a dentist from the participating Institution. Demographic and medical data were collated together with, gingival (GI) and plaque (PI) indexes and index of decay missed and filled teeth (DMFT) were evaluated. These indexes are indicators of oral health according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Results: During the period between April 2011 and April 2012, 101 (73 male and 48 female) patients were enrolled in this prospective study at five HSCT Brazilian Centers. Underlying diseases comprised 25 multiple myeloma, 24 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 19 acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 16 acute myelogenous leukemia, 13 severe aplastic anemia, 11 Hodgkin lymphoma, six chronic myelogenous leukemia, three myelodisplastic syndrome, one testicular tumor, one retinoblastoma, one myelofibrosis and one chronic lymphoblastic leukemia. Median age was 40 years (range: 4–67). At the time of the survey, patients presented mean GI = 0.8, mean PI = 1.2. DMFT index were evaluated in 104/121 patients and showed mean of 16.1. Conclusion: Patients undergoing HSCT need comprehensive oral care in Brazil due a poor oral health at the time of transplantation, to avoid possible infections secondary to myelosuppression and mucosal barrier injury. Relevance: The patients’ status prior-HSCT may to lead to protocols of dental treatment before HSCT suggesting an important role in the maintenance of oral integrity. Prior dental intervention can lead a better quality of life and improve the results of transplantation, reducing time of mucositis and infections.