Oral mucositis is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment. The oral mucosa is comprised of membranes of a high mitotic index with rapid epithelial turnover and maturation rates. This causes the mucosa to be vulnerable to the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy alters the integrity of the mucosa, the microbial flora which normally inhabit the oral cavity, salivary quantity and composition, as well as the epithelial maturation. As a result, the child receiving chemotherapy may experience significant pain, dysphagia, alteration in nutritional status, and risk of infection. Severe mucositis can also delay therapy that may compromise the child's treatment and chance for cure. Not all chemotherapy-induced mucositis can be prevented. However, with proper management, the severity and duration of oral complications can be minimized.

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Helicobacter pylori infection is a new diagnostic consideration for children with recurrent abdominal pain and should be included in the differential diagnosis of children with sickle cell disease, especially when abdominal pain is recurrent and accompanied by vomiting. Larger case studies will be necessary to determine the true incidence of H. pylori in children with sickle cell disease and recurrent abdominal pain.