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

Weheida,, Soheir M; Abd Elhafeez, Naglaa Abd Allah; Sultan, Almetwaly Mohamed ,; Ahmed, Asmaa Moustafa Said

doi:10.21608/asalexu.2025.415005

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

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

¹ Professor Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

² , Assistant professor Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

³ Professor Consultant of Hematology& Bone Marrow Transplantation Nasser Institute Hospital, Cairo, Ministry of Health

⁴ Assistant Lecturer Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

10.21608/asalexu.2025.415005

Abstract

Because of the conditioning regimen's toxicity, oropharyngeal mucositis (OPM)
arises in the context of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). It culminates in
inflammation, ulceration, as well as diminished oropharyngeal epithelium renewal rate. Patients' life
quality 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 to
be more prosperous than employing a solitary intervention. Aim: Evaluate the effect of implementing
an 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 Institute
Hospital for Treatment and Research, Cairo. Subjects: A convenience sample of 30 adult patients who
were admitted for performing allogenic HSCT, followed the inclusion criteria and were assigned
randomly 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: Oral
health management knowledge structured interview questionnaire. Tool three: Modified oral
assessment guide (MOAG). Tool four: Swallowing exercises observational rating scale. Tool five:
National Cancer Institute grading for oral mucositis severity and duration. Results: The study
illustrated that there was a significant improvement in oral health management knowledge in the study
group compared with the control group patients post transplantation (MCp <0.001*). Moreover, there
was 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 was
significant improvement in the practice of the swallowing exercises post transplantation for the study
group compared with control group (MCp<0.001*). Also, there was significant decline in severity and
duration of OPM in study group compared with control group started from +6 day post
transplantation (MCp <0.001). Conclusion: The integrated algorithm for patients receiving allogenic
HSCT showed a positive effect on severity and duration of OPM as evidenced by improvement in oral
health 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 this
study using large probability sample.

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