CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED STOMATITIS: PREVENTION AND CARE
Authors/Creators
- 1. RN, MSc(c), MSc in "Clinical Pediatrics and Nursing-Research"
- 2. Assistant Professor, University of West Attica, Department of Nursing, President of GORNA
- 3. Associate Professor, University of West Attica, Department of Nursing, President of GORNA
Description
Introduction: Chemotherapy is an important treatment option for children with leukemia. However, its complications are multiple, including stomatitis, which adversely affects the treatment, care and health status of children.
The aim of the study was to summarize the nursing interventions for the prevention and care of chemotherapy-induced stomatitis in children with leukemia. Methodology: Review of the literature using keywords and evaluation of all recent, relevant published articles included in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, from 2003-2019. The results showed that prevention of stomatitis with proper oral hygiene is crucial. Nursing assessment of stomatitis and concomitant pain is a prerequisite for successful care. Its prevention and treatment can be done with the administration of drugs (chlorhexidine gluconate, palifermin), with other technologies (use of lasers) and without the administration of drugs (bee products), cryotherapy, mastic chewing, glutamine administration). Conclusions: The serious effects of chemotherapy-induced stomatitis in children with leukemia strongly create the need to find and implement effective nursing interventions to care it.