Therapeutic challenges of oral mucositis in pediatric oncology

Abstract

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a neoplasia of the sympathetic nervous system and the second most common extracranial malignant solid tumor in childhood. In antineoplastic therapy, oral complications can be observed in antineoplastic therapy, among them oral mucositis (OM). It is an acute mucosa inflammation resulting from the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs. This case report emphasizes the management of OM and its influence on the systemic condition and quality of life. A female patient, nine years old, presented a recurrence of metastatic NB after first-line treatment.
She was admitted to the hospital unit for oncological therapy in the pediatric oncology ward, complaining of severe pain in the oral cavity and oropharynx associated with severe febrile pancytopenia. On physical examination, she presented dysphagia and severe weight deficit, which weakened the swallowing of her saliva. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the intraoral exam revealed third-grade OM lesions on the lips, anterior gum, and oropharynx. Treatment consisted of removing local debris, cleaning the oral cavity with 0.12% chlorhexidine, and using a flexible, sterile cotton swab, aiming for daily local microbial control. In addition, photobiomodulation (660 nm, 50 mW, 2 J/cm2, 90 seconds) was applied to the erythematous and hemorrhagic bed, punctually in the areas of the lesion and sweeps in the oropharynx region (interspersed sessions). Racealphatocopherol acetate (vitamin E) was prescribed for antioxidant action and lip hydration. Concomitant with mucositis, the patient had severe febrile pancytopenia, requiring cefepime 150 mg/kg/day, with previous collection of blood cultures, granulocyte colonystimulating factor, fluconazole, hydration, and nutritional support. Blood cultures were negative. The consequences of mucositis contributed to malnutrition and worsened quality of life. It is concluded that the interdisciplinary dental intervention enabled physical and emotional restoration, enabling a better quality of life for the patient.