[Examination of the oral cavities of patients with cancer: clinical evaluation and indirect measurement of the nitric oxide level]

Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2013 Feb;47(1):101-6. doi: 10.1590/s0080-62342013000100013.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

This observational study aimed to verify the association between the clinical state of the oral cavity (based on the Index of Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index) and the indirectly determined nitric oxide level in patients with oncologic and hematologic diseases. This study included 20 hospitalized patients who were in the evaluation phase prior to starting chemotherapy and who had been diagnosed with leukemia (35%), lymphoma (50%) or myeloma (15%). Fifty percent of these patients had normal oral health (no injury or trauma), and most had satisfactory (35%) or typical (35%) hygiene, but 30% had poor or very poor hygiene. The indirectly measured levels of nitric oxide ranged from 13.34 to 257. The nitric oxide level was not associated with other parameters, and there was great variability in its level. Further studies are necessary given the potential of using this indicator in the early detection of oral diseases.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Nitric Oxide / analysis*
  • Oral Health*
  • Oral Hygiene*
  • Saliva / chemistry*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Nitric Oxide