Evaluation of oral mucositis, candidiasis, and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer treated with a hypofractionated or conventional radiotherapy protocol: a longitudinal, prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: Due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, recently, Radiotherapy (RT) protocols requiring fewer sessions (hypofractionated) have been used to shorten RT treatment and minimize patient exposure to medical centers, and decrease the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: This longitudinal, prospective, observational study aimed to compare the quality of life (QoL) and the incidence of oral mucositis and candidiasis in 66 patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who undergo a hypofractionated RT protocol (GHipo), total of 55 Gy for 4 weeks, or a conventional RT protocol (GConv), total of 66 - 70 Gy for 6 - 7 weeks. PURPOSE: To assess the incidence and severity of oral mucositis, the incidence of candidiasis, and QoL were evaluated using the World Health Organization scale, clinical evaluation, and the QLC-30 and H&N-35 questionnaires, respectively, at the beginning and the end of RT. RESULTS: The incidence of candidiasis did not show differences between the two groups. However, at the end of RT, mucositis had a higher incidence (p < 0.01) and severity (p < 0.05) in GHipo. QoL was not markedly different between the two groups. Although mucositis worsened in patients treated with hypofractionated RT, QoL did not worsen for patients on this regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Our results open perspectives for the potential use of RT protocols for HNC with fewer sessions in conditions that require faster, cheaper, and more practical treatments.

Pediatric Oral Health Self-reported by Caregivers of NormalHearing and Hearing-Impaired Children

Abstract Objective: To verify and compare the sociodemographic data and caregivers' self-perception of children's oral health condition, hygiene habits and seek for dental services among family units of deaf and normalhearing children. Material and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 64 parents/caregivers of 16 deaf and 48 normal-hearing children of 3-14 years old, belonging to reference centers in Belo Horizonte, southeastern Brazil. Deaf and hearing children were matched according to their sex and age. Sociodemographic characteristics of the family units and self-report of oral health conditions and care were assessed using a structured questionnaire, including information regarding seeking pediatric dental services. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were performed (p<0.05). Results: Most individuals in the sample were mothers (84.4%). Low family income (p=0.024) and higher education level of guardians (p=0.018) were associated with families of hearing children. The report of clinical treatment or toothache as the main reason for the children's last dental appointment was associated with families of deaf children (p=0.047). Conclusion: Based on caregivers' reports, hearing-impaired children demonstrated greater vulnerability to present dental pain or clinical treatment as the main reasons for their last access to dental appointments.

Pathway analysis of time of pacifier use by children whose mothers are hearing impaired or have normal hearing.

BACKGROUND: The lack of mothers' understanding and information can increase their anxiety and lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as pacifier-use, in their children. AIM: This study aimed to perform pathway analysis of pacifier use by children whose mothers were hearing impaired or had normal hearing. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 116 Brazilian mothers (29 hearing impaired and 87 with normal hearing). Mothers were interviewed about socioeconomic factors and their children's pacifier use habits. They also completed the deaf or hearing versions of the Brazilian Beck Anxiety Inventory. The pathway analysis was used to determine the effects of different variables in the two groups. RESULTS: The child pacifier use pathway among hearing mothers was associated with a long duration of pacifier use (P=0.005), bottle-feeding use (P=0.004), and mothers who had maternity leave (P=0.004). The child pacifier use pathway among mothers who were deaf was associated with premature birth (P=0.025) and a short duration of pacifier use (P=0.005). Mothers who were deaf were also more anxious than those who have normal hearing (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Children of normal hearing mothers used a pacifier for a longer duration than the children of mothers who were deaf. Time of pacifier use was also directly affected by bottle-feeding and maternity leave. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: These findings provide important information about the cultural path of pacifier use taken by families that had members with and without hearing impairment.