Risk factors associated with the development of oral mucositis in pediatric oncology patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives Oral mucositis (OM) is an acute toxicity related to cancer treatment. This systematic review aimed to identify potential risk factors associated with the development of OM in pediatric cancer patients. Methods A search was performed in four electronic databases to identify studies that analyzed risk factors for OM in pediatric cancer patients. Results Nineteen articles were included. The incidence of OM ranged from 20% to 80.4%. Chemotherapeutic agents were potential risk factors for OM in eight (42%) studies. Hematological, hepatic, and renal parameters were also considered in eight (42%) studies, while specific individual factors were reported in five (26.3%) studies. Baseline disease, oral microbiota, genetic profile, and biomarkers were reported in four (21.5%) studies each. Meta-analysis showed that groups submitted to high-risk chemotherapy for OM had a 2.79-fold increased risk of OM. Conclusions Identifying risk factors for OM is essential in order to allow individualized and early prevention treatment.