title: Effects of chlorhexidine during immunosuppressive chemotherapy. A preliminary report.
abstract: Immunosuppressive chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation are increasingly used to treat and, in some cases, cure numerous malignant conditions. The systemic sequelae as a result of these immunosuppressive techniques lead to a host of oral and dental complications. The direct and indirect stomatotoxic effects lead to development of ulcerative, hemorrhagic, or infectious complications that potentially can lead to increased mortality and morbidity. Chlorhexidine was studied to evaluate its broad spectrum antimicrobial properties and to evaluate its effect on immunosuppression-induced mucositis. Our double-blind randomized study revealed that chlorhexidine versus controls had considerable effect in the bone marrow transplant cohort. Patients who received chlorhexidine while undergoing bone marrow transplantation were found to exhibit fewer and less painful mucositis lesions. This study supports prophylactic use of chlorhexidine in patients who undergo bone marrow transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Federation of Special Care Organizations in Dentistry, Chicago, Ill.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Rutkauskas
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010512:Periodontal Index; D012074:Remission Induction; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009067:Mouthwashes; D002710:Chlorhexidine