Trends
Dental medicine
Background:
Oral mucositis is a common and debilitating side effect of cancer therapy in
pediatric patients. However, data on its prevalence, severity and management in
Saudi Arabia is lacking. This study aimed to assess current practices across
Saudi pediatric oncology centers.
Methods: A
multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted among 107 pediatric
oncologists, 104 oncology nurses and 109 dentists from major Saudi cancer
centers. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing oral mucositis
prevalence, severity, prevention and treatment strategies, and their perceived
effectiveness.
Results: High
mucositis prevalence (41-60%) and severity (moderate/Grade 2) were reported.
Dentists noted higher severity grades than pediatricians and nurses. Basic oral
care, cryotherapy and coating agents were most commonly used for prevention
while coating agents, cryotherapy and analgesics were preferred for treatment.
Perceived prevention and treatment effectiveness was suboptimal. Significant
variations existed between professions.
Conclusions:
Oral mucositis remains a pressing concern in Saudi pediatric oncology units.
Development of standardized management guidelines through multidisciplinary
engagement is recommended to improve practices. Prospective research directly
examining patients is warranted to obtain more rigorous epidemiological data.
Reducing the burden of mucositis can significantly improve the cancer treatment
experience for Saudi children.
