Oral Health Among Children with Haematological Malignancies in Syria

Background:Since 2011, Syria has been facing a conflict that impacted all aspects of life. Haematological malignancies are mainly treated with chemotherapy which can further harm oral health. This study evaluates oral health of children with haematological malignancies and on chemotherapy in Syria.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of (40) patients from the major paediatric hospital in Damascus. Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Oral Assessment Guide (OAG) indices were used to evaluate oral health. Data about cancer was collected from medical records. Results: Patients aged between 3-14 years. Three types of paediatric cancer were included; acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) 52.2%, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) 27.5%, and Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) 20%. Average DMFT was (6.7 ± 3.2) and average OAG index was (10.8 ± 1.7). DMFT was significantly correlated with OAG (r=0.021). In patients undergoing chemotherapy, better DMFT and OAG indices were reported in males who had cancer for shorter periods, had higher frequency of toothbrushing, or/and were helped while toothbrushing. However, age and cancer type did not significantly affect DMFT and OAG.Conclusion: Children undergoing chemotherapy in Syria had worse oral health and pain compared to other children from the same age in similar studies. More attention should be given to these patients in order to improve their overall health and their quality of life especially during the ongoing conflict.