Learning Objective #1: Explain mucositis assessment scales, profilaxis and treatment based on clinical evidence in bone marrow-grafted patients

Learning Objective #2: Appreciate the various approach to mucositis rising from chemo and radiotherapy

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Introduction: Patients undergoing bone marrow grafting (BMG) need specialized nursing assistance before and after grafting due to the potential adverse consequences rising from Chemo- and Radiotherapy. Mucositis, is one among the complications rising from these complementary therapies. Therefore, it is of fundamental importance having tools for the assessment of the severity of, as well as protocols for the treatment for mucositis. Aim: To identify validated standard mucositis assessment scales and evidence-based interventions in the treatment for mucositis. Methods and Materials: A literature review was carried out using the key words: mucositis, stomatitis, candidiasis, bone marrow transplantation and radiotherapy. The search was performed within the period of 1993 to 2004 in the following data bases: Lilacs, Medline, Brazilian Library of Dentistry, Nursing Databases (BDENF) and Cochrane Library. Some studies were also identified with the Worldwide Web, and expert committees. Results: The present study identified 2334 abstracts, 3 Master Dissertations and 2 metanalysis studies. These studies focused on different toxicity levels resulting from different treatment protocols and on a variety of oral flora. It was not possible to identify a consensus regarding the assessment of the severity of mucositis lesion, nor regarding its prophyilaxis and treatment. Conclusion: The analysis of the searched material showed the lack of controlled studies evidencing the effectiveness of assessment and treatment for mucositis. Therefore, nursing interventions could contribute to the lessening of complications involving mucositis, as well as to pain relief and improvement of life quality with better prognosis for the patient.