Effect of Evidence-based Practice Treatment with Cryotherapy on Oral Mucositis in Children with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Background and Mucositis is one of the most debilitating side effects of chemotherapy, affecting around 52 to 81 percent of children undergoing chemotherapy. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Evidence-based care guidelines, with and without cryotherapy, on oral Mucositis in children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods and Materials: In this experimental study, 66 children of 3 to 15 years old undergoing chemotherapy were allocated randomly into three groups; evidence based practice with cryotherapy (EBP+Cryo), evidence based practice without cryotherapy (EBP), and the control group. For two experimental groups, the necessary care-giving, based on evidence based clinical guideline, were conducted. Cryotherapy was performed in one of the (EBP+Cryo) group. Mucositis was scored by Eilers and WHO scales. Data analysis was done in SPSS 11.5 using Kruskall Wallis, Spearman Correlation coefficient and Mann Whitney U test. The frequency of Mucositis was 8.3% in the (EBP+Cryo) group, 40% in the (EBP) group and 90% in the control group (p<0.0001). Mean intensity of Mucositis was normal in the first two groups, and 14 in the control group (p<0.0001). Evidence-based guidelines application has a significant positive effect on Mucositis, reducing the frequency and intensity of oral Mucositis.