Oral Hygiene Management of Hematologic Patients Undergoing Auto-Transplantation: An Observational Study.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a prevention protocol involving oral hygiene, instructions, and motivation in patients eligible for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods: Consecutive patients scheduled for HSCT were enrolled. All patients received a complete dental examination aimed at assessing periodontal health status through periodontal charting and registration of the levels of plaque and inflammation. Subsequently, patients received professional oral hygiene care and were instructed on and motivated toward oral prophylaxis prior to HSCT. Upon engraftment, patients received dedicated instructions to improve oral hygiene maneuvers. After HSCT, patients were re-evaluated for periodontal clinical parameters. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire was also administered to evaluate perceived oral health status. Results: Thirty-five patients (18 males and 17 females, with a mean age of 43.28 ± 11.73 years) were enrolled. An overall improvement was noted in periodontal parameters. However, despite plaque reduction, inflammation was still present because of the treatment. The OHIP-14 score slightly worsened after HSCT. Conclusions: Professional oral hygiene and prophylaxis proved effective in improving the oral health status of patients undergoing HSCT, potentially impacting post-treatment outcomes. Further assessment is needed to validate these results.