Oral complications of acute leukemia: prophylactic impact of a chlorhexidine mouth rinse regimen

Abstract

The prophylactic value of twice-daily mouth rinses with a solution of 0.1% chlorhexidine gluconate in minimizing oral complications during remission-induction chemotherapy was tested in sixteen patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia. The study design was double blind with a placebo control. Standardized measurement indices were employed to assess the dental plaque levels and the degree of gingivitis and mucositis during remission-induction. The treatment group demonstrated superior oral health on the basis of each of these measurement parameters. A moderate increase in tooth staining was observed in the treatment group. The results also suggested the potential value of chlorhexidine mouth rinses in the prophylaxis of oral candidiasis in the myelosuppressed patient.