[A PhD completed. The effect of haematopoietic cell transplantation on hyposalivation, xerostomia and caries progression].

Abstract

Haematopoietic cell transplantation is a widely used treatment option for (malignant) blood diseases like leukaemia. This treatment, which is preceded by chemotherapy and sometimes by total body radiation therapy, can cause serious side effects, often including the oral cavity. This thesis describes the development of hyposalivation, xerostomia and caries progression after haematopoietic cell transplantation. The salivary flow rate decreased shortly after transplantation. This decline was temporary in nature and baseline levels were reached after 1 year. The severity of xerostomia increased shortly after treatment; although complaints decreased again during the first year, the majority of patients continued to experience xerostomia complaints. A higher intensity of chemotherapy increased the risk of hyposalivation and xerostomia. Hyposalivation of stimulated saliva increased caries risk, and might be a useful predictor of the need for dental treatment in 5 years.