Prevalence of oral mucositis in pediatric and adolescent patients with hematologic tumors

Abstract

Introduction: Oral mucositis is common in children and adolescents with hematologic tumors undergoing chemotherapy, causing pain, inflammation, and ulcers that affect eating and quality of life. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of oral mucositis, the intensity of pain, and the correlation between factors associated with the severity of this condition. Methodology: Cross-sectional epidemiological study using secondary data from research conducted with 23 patients aged 0 to 19 years, employing descriptive statistics and Kendall's bivariate correlation. Results: The prevalence of oral mucositis was 91.3%, with 43.5% presenting grade 2. There was a moderate positive correlation between EVA and chiMES in parents (tau = .423**) and in children (tau = .498**). A weak negative correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between the degree of mucositis and parents' educational level, as well as the degree of mucositis and the chemotherapeutic drug used. Conclusion: This study highlights the relationship between the prevalence and severity of oral mucositis, the correlation between perceived pain and mucositis severity, and the influence of socioeconomic and therapeutic factors. The need for early interventions, pain management, and support during chemotherapy was observed to mitigate the impacts of oral mucositis on these patients' quality of life.