Efficacy of chlorhexidine and nystatin rinses in prevention of oral complications in leukemia and bone marrow transplantation.

The goal of reducing oral complications during chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation has received attention at several centers. The current randomized study of 86 adults with leukemia treated with chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation assessed the potential role of chlorhexidine, nystatin, and saline solution rinses to reduce the findings of oral mucositis, gingivitis, and oral infection. The results of this study did not show a reduction in mucositis with the use of these rinses. However, potential bacterial and fungal pathogens were identified less frequently in the patients using chlorhexidine rinse.