Salivary immunoglobulins in cancer patients with chemotherapy-related oral mucosa damage
Changes of the oral mucosa were registered in 22 patients (55%)
Values of the periodontal indices were compatible with the diagnosis of a manifest periodontal disease, which tended to be more severe than in control groups
A positive correlation between the gingival iinflamation and concentration of IgG in saliva
Local and systemic immune responses to periodontal tissue alterations and dental plaque components
IgA related local humoral immune response operating at a lower concentration level than in healthy individuals
The infected and inflamed periodontium can act as a focus for systemic infection in neutropenic cancer patients. The incidence of these oral infections is unknown, but probably underestimated. Periodontal infections can easily be overlooked, primarily because symptoms of gingival inflammation may be minimal and the infection may be located in deeper parts of the periodontium. Assessment of a patient's periodontal condition before the onset of profound neutropenia is critical to the diagnosis and the management of these potentially life-threatening infections.
Management of Oral Complications During and After Chemotherapy and/or Radiation Therapy by The Oral Cancer Institute. Please click here to take you there.
RomanoPerio & Associates P.A 7701 SW 62 Ave. Suite A-1 South Miami, FL 33143 T1. 305-403-3682 T2 305-403-6222 F 305-403-4222 Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology