Relationship between oral health status and hematological values in pediatric leukemic patients: an evaluative survey

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Leukemia is a malignancy of the bone marrow and constitutes 30% of all childhood cancers. The leukemic condition itself and its therapy cause oral signs and symptoms with significant morbidity. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review the oral health status in children with leukemia and relate the gingival and periodontal findings to the changes in their hematological values. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The oral health status in 47 pediatric leukemic patients in the age group of 6 to 14 years was assessed using the dmft/DMFT index, OHI(S) index and modified gingival index (MGI). Their hematological reports on the day of examination were obtained. The patients were divided into three groups based on the status of treatment. The relation between the platelet count and the WBC count with the MGI score was checked. RESULTS: The highest dmf and DMF scores were seen in patients who were currently under treatment. Though an inverse relation was seen between the platelet count and the MGI score, a statistically significant value was not obtained. CONCLUSION: A longitudinal follow-up of patients should be carried out in order to establish a relation between the hematological parameters and the gingival inflammation score