Comparison of chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation pre and postterm DMFT scores: a preliminary study.

AIMS: Chemotherapy is frequently used as a conditioning regimen to destroy malignant marrow cells before transplantation. Xerostomia, dysphagia, altered taste perception, mucositis, soft-tissue ulceration, and infection are common adverse oral effects of chemotherapy. The study was aimed to compare decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) scores before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Thirty-six patients undergoing HSCT were included in the study. A pre-HSCT dental treatment protocol was implemented that consisted of restoration of all active carious lesions, treatment of periodontal infections, and extraction of all teeth with advanced periodontal disease. Upon completion of dental treatment, the importance of rigorous and effective oral hygiene was reemphasized, and patients were recalled 6 months later. DMFT scores were calculated prior to the initiation of HSCT treatment and 6 months after transplantation.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of HSCT and chemotherapy on DMFT scores.

RESULTS

Wilcoxon T test showed a statistically significant difference in DMFT scores before and after HSCT ( P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

DMFT scores were found to increase after chemotherapy and HSCT, suggesting that the risk of infection is higher among HSCT patients when compared to other individuals. The results emphasize the need for dental examinations as an integral part of examination and treatment planning for patients undergoing HSCT and chemotherapy.