Oral Health Characteristics 2 Years following Allogeneic Cell Transplant.

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a life-saving treatment for hematologic disorders and cancers.
• The growing population of allo-HCT survivors faces significant oral health challenges impacting post-transplant quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize clinical and patient-reported oral health outcomes in allo-HCT recipients up to two years post-transplantation.
• To identify persistent oral health issues and their impact on quality of life in a contemporary allo-HCT cohort.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 60 allo-HCT participants transplanted between 2019-2022.
• Collection of clinical and patient-reported outcomes at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post-HCT.
• Descriptive and bivariable statistical analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in oral pain, xerostomia, swallowing difficulties, and taste disturbances were observed throughout the 2-year follow-up.
• At 2 years post-HCT, 47.5% reported oral pain and 44.1% reported xerostomia.
• Reductions in quality of life related to taste, pain, and chewing were evident 2 years after transplantation.

Conclusions:

• Oral health problems and diminished oral health-related quality of life persist for at least two years following allo-HCT.
• Findings underscore the need for tailored, comprehensive, and sustained oral healthcare strategies for allo-HCT survivors.