Differences between the oral changes presented by patients with solid and hematologic tumors during the chemotherapeutic treatment

Abstract Objective: This study sought to identify the differences between the oral changes presented by patients with solid and hematologic tumors during chemotherapeutic treatment. Methodology: This is an observational, prospective and quantitative study using direct documentation by follow-up of 105 patients from 0 to 18 years using the modified Oral Assessment Guide (OAG). Of the 105 patients analyzed, 57 (54.3%) were boys with 7.3 years (±5.2) mean age. Hematologic neoplasms accounted for 51.4% of all cases. Results: Voice, lips, tongue, and saliva changes were not significantly different (p>0.05) between patients with solid or hematologic tumors and during the follow-up. From the 6th until the 10th week of chemotherapeutic treatment alterations in swallowing function, in the mucous membrane (buccal mucosa and palate), in the labial mucosa, and in the gingiva occurred and were distributed differently between the two tumors groups (p<0.05). The main alterations were observed in patients with hematologic tumors. Conclusion: It was concluded that the oral changes during the chemotherapeutic treatment occurred especially in swallowing function, in the mucous membrane, in the labial mucosa and in the gingiva, and these alterations were found mainly in patients with hematologic tumors.

Oral health assessment for users of marijuana and cocaine/crack substances

Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the oral health status of users of illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine/crack and compare it with individuals not using these chemical substances. Questionnaires were applied to 35 illicit drugs users to gather information on demographic status, general health, and use of drugs. Then, a clinical assessment of the oral health condition was performed to collect data on decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, salivary flow rate (SFR), and mucosal lesions. The control group was composed of 35 non-illicit drug users. In the experimental group, 91.43% were males, 80% were smokers, and 42.85% were alcoholics. Cocaine was the most common drug used (77.15%), followed by marijuana (68.6%), and crack (51.4%). The average DMFT index was 9.8 and the SFR was reduced in 60% of subjects. Mucosal alterations were detected, but no potentially malignant disorders or oral cancer were diagnosed. Compared to control group, significantly higher values for gender (40%, p = 0.0001), smoking (22.86%) and heavy drinking (5.7%) habits (p = 0.0001), SFR (31.4%; p = 0.0308), and oral lesions (p = 0.0488) were found for the experimental group, although significantly higher values were found in the control group for DMFT index (p = 0.0148). It can be concluded that the use of illicit drugs contributed to an increased prevalence of oral mucosa lesions. In addition, a decline on SFR and a reduced DMFT index was observed for illicit drug users.

Reações adversas na cavidade oral em decorrência do uso de medicamentos / Side effects in oral cavity in consequent of medication use

Introdução: as reações adversas a medicamentos constituem um problema importante na prática do profissional da área da saúde, já que essas reações são causas de hospitalização, aumento no tempo de permanência hospitalar e da morbimortalidade. Muitas das reações adversas aos fármacos apresentam-se na cavidade oral. Objetivo: descrever os principais medicamentos com potencial de efeitos colaterais na cavidade oral, agrupando os que causam efeitos adversos semelhantes. Método: trata-se de estudo bibliográfico e descritivo por meio de utilização de estudos originais e atualizados a partir dos bancos de dados oficiais SciELO, PUBMED e LILACS. Priorizaram-se artigos em língua portuguesa, inglesa e espanhola, que incluíam revisões bibliográficas, meta-análises e relatos de casos publicados entre 2000 e 2015. Foram utilizados como descritores os termos: manifestações orais e medicamentos, lesões orais e medicamentos, mucosa oral e medicamentos e reação medicamentosa na cavidade oral. Resultados e Discussão: dezenove artigos foram analisados detalhadamente e mostram predominância de relatos de caso. Vários medicamentos foram associados com alterações patológicas nos tecidos orais, sobretudo os medicamentos utilizados em oncologia e medicamentos com ação no sistema nervoso central. As reações adversas às drogas dependem do fármaco e são bastante variáveis, e dentre as encontradas destacam-se ulceração de mucosa, hiperplasia gengival, xerostomia e diminuição do fluxo salivar. Conclusão: algumas lesões são comuns a diferentes medicamentos e, dessa forma, é fundamental a observação correta da possibilidade de sequela associada à terapia medicamentosa. Uma anamnese adequada com um levantamento do histórico médico completo do paciente é essencial para o profissional de saúde estar apto a fazer o diagnóstico das alterações e concluir o tratamento adequado para a solução do problema. (AU)

Introduction: adverse drug reactions are an important problem in the practice of health professionals, since these reactions may cause hospitalization, increase in length of hospital stay and morbidity and mortality. Many adverse drug reactions occur in the oral cavity. Objective: to describe the main drugs with potential side effects in the oral cavity, grouping those that cause similar adverse effects. Methods: bibliographic and descriptive study through use of original studies from three databases: SciELO, PubMed and LILACS. Selected papers were in Portuguese, English and Spanish, which included literature reviews, meta-analysis and case reports published between 2000 and 2015. The terms used were: oral medications and manifestations, oral lesions and medicines, oral mucosa and drugs and adverse drug reaction in the oral cavity. Results and Discussion: nineteen articles were analyzed in detail and case reports were predominant. Several drugs have been associated with pathological changes in oral tissue, in particular drugs used in oncology and those acting on the central nervous system. Adverse drug reactions depend on the medication and are quite variable. Among the found reaction are: ulcerative mucosa, gingival hyperplasia, xerostomia and decreased salivary flow. Conclusion: some lesions are common to different drugs, making critical the proper observation of possible sequelae associated with drug therapy. Detailed anamnesis with a complete medical history of the patient is essential for the proper diagnosis and a better therapeutic decision. (AU)

Mucosal-dominant pemphigus vulgaris in a captopril-taking woman with angioedema

AbstractWe describe a 39-year-old woman with an apparent captopril-induced, contact mucosal-dominant pemphigus vulgaris and angioedema, who took captopril during a bout of arterial hypertension. This exposure suggests that captopril and pathophysiology of angioedema stimulated the development of pemphigus vulgaris, which was diagnosed using the novel, indirect immunofluorescence BIOCHIP mosaic, with the modification to detect serum IgG4 autoantibodies. We discuss the patient, who experienced a chain of events leading to the active stage of pemphigus vulgaris, and review concepts of pemphigus vulgaris inducible by drugs and pathological immunity.

Manifestacoes orais decorrentes da quimioterapia em criancas portadoras de leucemia linfocitica aguda / Oral manifestations resulting from chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Introdução: A leucemia linfocítica aguda é um dos tipos de câncer mais comuns em crianças e é caracterizada pela produção excessiva e desordenada de leucócitos imaturos na medula óssea. Objetivo: Identificar as manifestações orais mais frequentes em crianças portadoras de leucemia linfocítica aguda sob o tratamento quimioterápico. Metodologia: A pesquisa foi realizada nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Scielo e Scopus. Procurou-se por artigos apresentados na íntegra, escritos em português, inglês e espanhol, publicados entre janeiro de 1992 e abril de 2013. Resultados: Dos estudos selecionados primariamente, apenas oito atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. A população avaliada foi um grupo de crianças portadoras de leucemia linfócitica aguda. Todos os estudos realizaram exames intraorais para o diagnóstico das lesões bucais. De acordo com os resultados, as lesões mais frequentes foram mucosite, candidíase, periodontite e gengivite. A condição de saúde bucal dos portadores de leucemia linfócitica aguda variou de acordo com a higiene bucal do paciente. Conclusão: Pacientes com LLA podem apresentar alguma lesão na cavidade oral durante ou após o início da quimioterapia. O cirurgião dentista necessita reconhecer as manifestações orais e intervir na saúde bucal do paciente com LLA, contribuindo e auxiliando no seu tratamento. .

Introduction: Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a type of cancer most common in children and it is characterized by excessive and disordered immature leukocytes in the bone marrow. Aim: Identify most frequent oral manifestations in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia under chemotherapy treatment. Methodology: The research was conducted on the eletronic database PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Scielo and Scopus. It has been sought papers with full presentation, wrote in Portuguese, English and Spanish, published between January 1992 and April 2013. Results: From studies primarily selected, only eight met the criteria of inclusion. All studies performed intraoral examinations to diagnose oral lesions. According to results, the most frequent lesions were mucositis, candidiasis, periodontitis and gingivitis. The oral health condition from acute lymphocytic leukemia carriers varied according oral hygiene of the patient. Conclusion: The results of studies identified such a great part of patients with ALL presented some lesion in oral cavity during or after chemotherapy treatment. The dentist surgeon needs to recognize oral manifestations and intervene in the oral health of patients with ALL, contributing and helping with treatment. .

Prevention and management of oral complications ofhead and neck cancer treatment / Prevenção e administração das complicações bucais do tratamentooncológico de cabeça e pescoço

Introduction: Radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) are therapeutic methods widely used in patients with malignancies in the head and neck regions. However, these therapies are able to induce significant acute and late toxicities to oral structures and surrounding tissues. Objective: To describe the acute and chronic oral complications of RT and CT in head and neck, showing the way the dentist can handle them. Materials and methods: Virtual Health Library (VHL) – Bireme: LILACS, IBECS, MEDLINE and BBO, PubMed, SciELO, Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDTD), Capes database journals and renowned oral medicine books. The search strategies used included the following words: radiotherapy, chemotherapy, adverse effects and treatment. Thirty-two references were selected between 1990 and 2012 for the development of this study. Results: Both therapies are associated with adverse effects that significantly affect the patients’ quality of life. Their adverse effects are dose-dependent and may occur from the first week of treatment. Among the most important complications are included the oral mucositis, radiodermatitis, hypossialia, hypogeusia, radiation caries, opportunistic infections, developmental abnormalities, osteoradionecrosis and trismus. A preliminary evaluation of the oral health status and the accompanying by the dentist during treatment may act to prevent and reduce the damage to oral tissues. Conclusion: The multidisciplinary treatment, including medical team, dental surgeon, speech therapist, psychologist and nutritionist is the best alternative to minimize or even prevent many complications resulting from physical and psychological anticancer treatment.

Introdução: A radioterapia (RT) e a quimioterapia (QT) são terapias amplamente empregadas em pacientes portadores de neoplasias malignas em região de cabeça e pescoço. No entanto, são métodos capazes de provocar toxicidades significativas às estruturas orais e tecidos adjacentes. Objetivo: Descrever as complicações bucais agudas e crônicas da RT e QT em cabeça e pescoço, evidenciando a maneira com que o cirurgião-dentista (CD) pode abordá-los. Materiais e métodos: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) – Bireme: LILACS, IBECS, MEDLINE e BBO - PubMed, SciELO, Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD), Base Periódicos Capes e livros renomados da área estomatológica. A estratégia de busca utilizada incluiu as seguintes palavras: radioterapia, quimioterapia, efeitos adversos e tratamento. Foram selecionadas 32 referências entre 1990 e 2012 para o desenvolvimento deste estudo. Resultados: Ambas as terapias estão associadas a reações adversas que afetam de forma significativa a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Seus efeitos adversos são dose-dependentes e podem manifestar-se a partir da primeira semana de tratamento. Entre as complicações orais mais importantes estão a mucosite, radiodermite, hipossialia, hipogeusia, cárie de radiação, infecções oportunistas, anormalidades do desenvolvimento, osteorradionecrose e trismo. A avaliação prévia da condição bucal e o acompanhamento pelo CD durante o tratamento podem atuar na prevenção e redução dos danos causados aos tecidos bucais. Conclusão: O tratamento multidisciplinar, incluindo equipe médica, cirurgiãodentista, fonoaudiólogo, nutricionista e psicólogo é a melhor alternativa para minimizar ou mesmo prevenir diversas complicações físicas e psicológicas advindas do tratamento antineoplásico.

Oral lesions associated with hydroxyurea treatment.

Hydroxyurea (HU) is an antimetabolic agent commonly used in myeloproliferative disorders and hematological diseases as well as in severe psoriasis. Despite of usually be well tolerated, sometimes it can induce immunosuppression and mucocutaneous adverse effects associated with discomfort or pain. Nevertheless, oral mucosal adverse reactions are extremely uncommon and present as ulcers, tongue depapilation and dyschromia. Complete remission of adverse effects is usually observed after withdrawal of the medication. The aim of this paper is to report two patients with oral lesions related to HU treatment. T0 he patients were adequately managed by changing hydroxyurea with imatinib mesilate. Oral lesions are rare complications of long-term hydroxyurea treatment and may be an indication of stopping therapy and substitution with imatinib mesilate.

Oral events related to low-dose methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Low-dose methotrexate (MTX) is frequently used for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). High doses of MTX frequently produce side effects. The aim of this study was to explore oral complications of low-dose MTX therapy in a population of RA patients. This is a cross-sectional study in which oral examination was performed on a population of RA patients. Patients undergoing MTX therapy (5-20 mg weekly) for at least six months were included in the study group, and RA patients being treated under another regimen were used as controls. The frequency of oral lesions was compared between groups. The chi-square test was used to compare frequencies. Relative risk (RR) and its confidence interval (CI) were established. Significance level was set at 0.05. Twenty-eight RA patients on a low-dose MTX regimen and 21 controls were enrolled in the study. Oral lesions were found in 22 patients (78.6 percent) undergoing MTX therapy, and in 5 patients (23.8 percent) undergoing other therapies (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences regarding age, gender or dosage. The most common oral events observed in patients in the MTX group were ulcerative/erosive lesions (60.7 percent) and candidiasis (10.7 percent). Patients in the control group presented lower prevalence of the same lesions (p < 0.001). The RR for developing oral lesions was 11.73 (CI 2.57 - 58.98), with low-dose MTX therapy. In conclusion, the prevalence of oral mucosa lesions in RA patients receiving low doses of MTX therapy is higher than in RA patients not receiving the drug.

Estudio comparativo: prevalencia patologías bucales en pacientes pediátricos oncológicos 1997-2007 / Comparative study: oral pathologies prevalence in pediatric oncology patients 1997- 2007

Los pacientes pediátricos oncológicos con frecuencia presentan lesiones orales debido a su neoplasia o como efecto colateral del tratamiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la prevalencia de patologías de la mucosa oral en niños con cáncer que fueron hospitalizados y tratados con quimioterapia en el Hospital Regional de Concepción, en los años 1997 y 2007. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo longitudinal en datas de 148 pacientes (74 cada año) con patologías neoplásicas en tratamiento con quimioterapia (Leucemias, linfomas, tumores del Sistema Nervioso Central y otros), registrando sus datos generales y la patología bucal (mucositis (M), candidiasis (C), lesiones por Virus Herpes tipo 1 (VHS) y síndromes hemorragíparos (H) . Los datos se resumieron en tablas anuales y fueron sometidos a análisis estadísticos. Se encontró una disminución significativa del número de pacientes con patologías bucales en el año 2007 en relación al año 1997 (P<0.05, Tet de Fisher). Además se encontró una tendencia a la baja en los pacientes con candidiasis y con mucositis en el año 2007 en comparación con 1997. Es necesario seguir estudiando medidas para prevenir, diagnosticar y/o tratar tempranamente las patologías orales de los pacientes en tratamiento antineoplásico.

Pediatric oncology patients frequently have oral lesions due to malignancy or as a side effect of treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of oral pathologies in oncology patients hospitalized and treated at the Regional Hospital of Concepción, Chile, in the years 1997 and 2007. A retrospective study was carried out in 74 patients each year. Patients suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, central nervous system tumors, lymphomas and other neoplasms. General data (age, gender, oncologic disease) and presence of oral pathologies (candidiasis, mucositis post-chemotherapy, herpetic lesions and hemorrhage) were obtained from their clinical records. Data was analyzed for statistical differences. A significant reduction in the number of patients with oral pathologies was found in 2007 in comparison to 1997 (P<0.05, Fisher´s test). In addition, candidiasis and oral mucositis showed less prevalence in 2007 as compared to 1997, although no significant differences were found. For the relevance of oral pathologies in the chemotherapy it´s important to continue studies about prevention, early detection and treatment of oral pathologies.

Manifestações bucais em pacientes submetidos à quimioterapia / Buccal manifestations in patients submitted to chemotherapy

Em decorrência da quimioterapia, alterações na cavidade oral podem ser observadas e levar a complicações sistêmicas importantes, podendo aumentar o tempo de internação hospitalar, os custos do tratamento e afetar diretamente a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar uma pesquisa em um hospital de oncologia da cidade de Juiz de Fora (MG), sendo realizado através de coleta de dados nos prontuários de pacientes que estiveram em tratamento oncológico, onde foram avaliadas as prevalências das manifestações orais em relação ao sexo, idade e tipo de tumor. Verificou-se que a mucosite foi a manifestação mais incidente em ambos os sexos em todas as faixas etárias (15,5 por cento). A xerostomia e as demais lesões, como candidíase e lesões aftosas, também estiveram presentes. É possível melhorar a qualidade de vida antes, durante e após as terapias antineoplásicas através de um protocolo de atendimento odontológico que inclua medidas de condicionamento do meio bucal prévia à quimioterapia, como profilaxia, remoção de cáries, tratamento periodontal e de focos periapicais, orientação para higiene oral e dieta, e ainda laserterapia. É importante a inserção do dentista na equipe oncológica para o diagnóstico precoce das manifestações bucais e acompanhamento no período de tratamento.

Several changes in the oral cavity due to chemotherapy can be observed and can lead to important systemic complications, increasing the time of the patient in hospital and the costs of the treatment as well as affect the quality of life of the patients. The aim of this study was to assess the oral manifestation in patients treated with chemoterapy according to sex, age and tumor type. Data was collected in an oncology hospital in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State, from patients' records that were submitted to oncologic treatment. It was possible to verify that mucositis, associated or not to other type of lesions, was the most common lesion in both sex of all ages (15.5 percent). Xerostomia and other lesions, such as Candida infection and aphthous lesions, were also present. It is possible to improve the quality of life of the patient during and after anti-neoplastic therapies through a protocol of odontological assistance that includes changes of the oral environment previous to chemotherapy such as profilaxis, caries removal, treatment of periodontal and periapical lesions, oral hygiene instructions, diet orientation and laser therapy. It is very important the insertion of the dentist in the oncologic medical team for the early diagnosis of the oral manifestation and follow-up during treatment time.

Hierbas medicinales y graves efectos adversos: angioedema de úvula causado por uso de Ecballium elaterium / Herbal medicines and severe adverse effects: uvular angioedema caused by Echballium elaterium

Herbal medicine is a growing alternative for established medicine. Many plants and herbs are currently in use for a myriad of diseases and symptoms. However, there are many reports in the literature of life-threatening adverse effects of these drugs. We report a 39 years old male, that consulted for pain in the nostrils and severe nasal obstruction, that appeared two hours after instilling Ecballium elaterirum in the nostrils. On physical examination, uvular edema was observed. The patient was successfully managed with intravenous betametasone and chlorphenamine.

Estudo de freqüência de lesões da mucosa bucal e possíveis implicações da falta de exame e atenção estomatológica em pacientes submentidos a tratamento quimioterápico no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) em 1995 E 2000 / Study of frequency of injuries of the oral mucosa and possible implications of deficit in examination and stomatologic atention in submited patients to the chemotherapic treatment in the Hospital of Clinics of Porto Alegre (HCPA) in 1995 and 2000

No presente estudo foram avaliados 200 pacientes com diagnóstico comprovado de câncer e que foram tratados quimioterapicamente no Serviço de Oncologia Clínica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre...

Lesiones de la mucosa bucal secundarias al uso de metotrexato en pacientes con artritis reumatoidea (AR) que recibieron ácido fólico / Oral mucosal lesions secondary to the use of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receiving folic acid therapy

El MTX es uno de los medicamentos más empleados en el tratamiento de la AR, al que por ser un antimetabolito de ácido fólico se asocia a reacciones secundarias que implican principalmente a los tejidos donde las células se producen rápidamente. Así, la mucosa bucal y el aparato gastrointestinal son susceptibles a estos efectos indeseables. Hay evidencias que sugieren que el ácido fólico disminuye el potencial efecto de este medicamento. Se revisaron 40 pacientes con diagnóstico de AR, de 46 años de edad en promedio y evolución de artritis reumatoide de 9 años, que recibieron dosis promedio de 12.5 de MTX y dosis total de 2.373 gr.; el fólico se administró a dosis de 5-10 mg./semana vía oral. El 42.5 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron úlceras múltiples en encía móvil y el 10.5 por ciento hemorragia gingival; esas manifestaciones se dieron en la mayoría de los pacientes aun ante la persistencia del medicamento. Así, las manifestaciones fueron transitorias y en general de poca magnitud. Se concluyó que los efectos indeseables del MTX en cavidad bucal son relativamente frecuentes, reversibles y leves, lo que seguramente en esta población se debe en parte a la administración conjunta con ácido fólico

Oral mucosal lesions in patients with acute leukemias and related disorders due to cytotoxic therapy.

Forty-seven children afflicted with acute leukemia were studied at the Tata Memorial Hospital Bombay to record the occurrence of oral manifestations prior to and during chemotherapy. Lymphadenopathy was the most frequent single finding suggestive of leukemia during head and neck examination. Gingival abnormalities, bleeding gums and oral mucosal pallor were the other findings on initial oral examination. Due to immunosuppression caused by the chemotherapy drugs oral mucosal ulcerations, uncontrolled herpes, candidiasis and pseudomoniasis were observed.

Depresión mayor y salud oral: rol de los fármacos antidepresivos / Major depression and oral health: role of antidepressant agents

La mayoría de los fármacos antidepresivos, así como otras drogas usadas en el manejo de los cuadros depresivos son hiposalivantes. La disminución del flujo salival produce alteraciones en los tejidos blandos y duros de la cavidad oral. Las principales patologías que se han descritos asociadas a hiposialia son las caries dentarias, la candidiasis oral y en algún grado la gingivitis y periodontitis. Adicionalmente, estas patologías pueden verse exacerbadas por el abandono de los hábitos de higiene oral, debido a las alteraciones del ánimo de los pacientes. Algunas de estas infecciones bucales pueden en ocaciones comprometer gravemente la salud general. Dado el mayor riesgo de los pacientes con hiposialia de desarrollar patologías orales, y sus eventuales consecuencias en la salud general, como a nivel del estado sicológico de los pacientes, es que resulta importante reducir en lo posible la incidencia de estas patologías orales en pacientes depresivos, principalmente aquéllos en tratamiento con psicofármacos hiposalivantes

Oral lichenoid reactions during antimalarial prophylaxis with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine combination.

The prevalence of clinically observed oral lichenoid reaction in 186 Malay army personnel using Fansidar for 9 weeks was found to be 4.8%. The prevalence was found to be 0.5% in 186 army personnel who had stopped using Fansidar for 2 months and 0% in 143 army personnel (control group) who had not used Fansidar for at least 4 months. The lesion showed a higher prevalence for the gingiva. There was no correlation between cigarette smoking and the occurrence of these lesions in each group.