Effect of Implementing an Integrated Algorithm on Severity and Duration of Oropharyngeal Mucositis for Patients Receiving Allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Because of the conditioning regimen's toxicity, oropharyngeal mucositis (OPM)arises in the context of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). It culminates ininflammation, ulceration, as well as diminished oropharyngeal epithelium renewal rate. Patients' lifequality is reduced by OPM, which is joined by severe pain, infection, bleeding and undernourishment.Few therapies are accessible right now. Creating algorithms and a multiagent system is projected tobe more prosperous than employing a solitary intervention. Aim: Evaluate the effect of implementingan integrated algorithm on severity and duration of OPM for patients receiving allogenic HSCT.Settings: The present study was conducted at the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Nasser InstituteHospital for Treatment and Research, Cairo. Subjects: A convenience sample of 30 adult patients whowere admitted for performing allogenic HSCT, followed the inclusion criteria and were assignedrandomly into two equal groups (control group and study group), 15 patients in each group. Tools:five tools were used. Tool one: Bio sociodemographic data structured questionnaire. Tool two: Oralhealth management knowledge structured interview questionnaire. Tool three: Modified oralassessment guide (MOAG). Tool four: Swallowing exercises observational rating scale. Tool five:National Cancer Institute grading for oral mucositis severity and duration. Results: The studyillustrated that there was a significant improvement in oral health management knowledge in the studygroup compared with the control group patients post transplantation (MCp <0.001*). Moreover, therewas significant improvement in the total score of oral assessment in study group patients started from+6 day post transplantation compared with the control group (MCp<0.001*). Furthermore, there wassignificant improvement in the practice of the swallowing exercises post transplantation for the studygroup compared with control group (MCp<0.001*). Also, there was significant decline in severity andduration of OPM in study group compared with control group started from +6 day posttransplantation (MCp <0.001). Conclusion: The integrated algorithm for patients receiving allogenicHSCT showed a positive effect on severity and duration of OPM as evidenced by improvement in oralhealth management knowledge, the overall total score of MOAG and practice of swallowing exercises.As well as significant decline in grade and duration of OPM. Recommendations: Replication of thisstudy using large probability sample.