Patient and family management of mucositis in children and adolescents with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia undergoing chemotherapy in Qatar: A narrative review

Abstract

Objective: Currently oral mucositis in children and adolescents is a growing concern and requires emphasis on dental care, initial and ongoing assessment of the oral cavity, oral care, tooth brushing and oral rinses, as well as pain management. The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight the need and to outline the importance of assessment, treatment and care of children and adolescents while they go through chemotherapy treatments. It is during this treatment that oral mucositis is most prevalent due to the breakdown of rapidly dividing cells. Methods: Narrative review. Results: Providing planned mouth care education to patients and parents is useful in preventing and managing oral mucositis. Conclusions: Oral mucositis affects more than 75% of children and adolescents undergoing chemotherapy and places a significant burden on patients and caregivers. Severity of oral mucositis can range from mild, painless tissue changes to bleeding ulcerations that may prevent oral intake of nutrients and require narcotic analgesics to control associated pain. Oral mucositis also leads to an increased risk of infection and often delays further chemotherapy regimens. The peer reviewed literature supports structured patient and family education.