A randomized control trial to assess the effectiveness of 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth was versus 1% povidone-iodine mouthwash on radiation-induced oral mucositis patients with head and neck cancer in tertiary cancer hospital, Belagavi, Karnataka

Abstract

Background: Mucositis persists throughout radiation therapy. As radiation therapy continues mucositis worsens. It contributes to poor nutrition, low quality of life. Even though on one side radiation helps as a treatment, on the other side it has its complications that are making an issue in the developing countries. The aim of the study to assess the effectiveness of 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash as compared to 1% povidone-iodine mouthwash on radiation-induced oral mucositis among patients with head and neck cancer. Materials and Methods: Simple random sampling technique through lottery method was used to select the sample for study. The experimental group and control group consisting of 50 subjects were advised to rinse their mouth with 15 ml of 1% povidone-iodine mouthwash and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash respectively for 30 s, 15 min before radiation therapy, after 15 min and 4 h after radiation therapy. Postintervention assessments were made on day 1, 7, 11, and 15 after intervention with 1% povidone and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash iodine mouthwash in the experimental and control group, respectively. Results : The result showed that in the experimental group the mean oral mucositis grades obtained during I st , II nd , III rd , and IV th interventional assessment (1 st , 7 th , 11 th , and 15 th day) were 0, 0.64, 1.34, and 2.5 whereas in the control group were 0, 0.14, 0.80, and 1.6, respectively. This proved that there is a significant reduction in the oral mucositis in the control group (0.14-0.80) when compared to experimental group (0.64-2.5). Conclusion: Study findings revealed that both mouthwashes were effective in controlling radiation induced oral mucositis however 0.2% chlorhexidine fared better

Keywords

• 0.2% chlorhexidine
• 1% povidone iodine
• head and neck cancer
• radiation-induced oral mucositis
• radiation therapy