Risk factors associated with the development of oral mucositis in pediatric oncology patients : systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives: Oral mucositis (OM) is an acute toxicity related to cancer treatment. This systematic review aimed to identify potential risk factors associated with the devel-opment of OM in pediatric cancer patients.Methods: A search was performed in four electronic databases to identify studies that analyzed risk factors for OM in pediatric cancer patients.Results: Nineteen articles were included. The incidence of OM ranged from 20% to 80.4%. Chemotherapeutic agents were potential risk factors for OM in eight (42%) studies. Hematological, hepatic, and renal parameters were also considered in eight (42%) studies, while specific individual factors were reported in five (26.3%) studies. Baseline disease, oral microbiota, genetic profile, and biomarkers were reported in four (21.5%) studies each. Meta- analysis showed that groups submitted to high- risk chemotherapy for OM had a 2.79- fold increased risk of OM.Conclusions: Identifying risk factors for OM is essential in order to allow individual-ized and early prevention treatment