Late post-operative occurrence of dentin hypersensitivity in adult patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation—a preliminary report

Abstract

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is one of the most com-monly performed transplantation procedures nowadays. Despite the significant progress made in the treatment, alloHSCT is still associated with numerous complications also affecting the oral cav-ity. One of them is dentin hypersensitivity (DH)—a sharp, short-term pain that occurs when stimuli act on exposed dentin. Various authors point out that DH may result in a significantly lower quality of life, among other things by impeding the consumption of food as well as causing difficulties in daily oral hygiene. The aim of the study was a preliminary analysis of the incidence rate and severity of DH pain in adult patients during late period after alloHSCT. The impact of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) and time after alloHCT were also considered. A total of 80 patients were examined. cGvHD was identified in 52 participants. The incidence rate and severity of DH pain was assessed on the basis of a questionnaire and a clinical examination. DH pain appeared a serious problem in late period after alloHSCT regardless of post-transplant time. DH primarily affected cGvHD patients. The prevention-treatment protocol for DH should be developed for this group.