Proinflammatory cytokines during the initial phase of oral mucositis in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Objective. The aim of the study was to compare the production of proinflammatory cytokines during the initial phase of mucositis in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Methods. A randomized, controlled clinical trial was carried out. Cytokine levels were determined in blood and saliva using ELISA, three times after the administration of methotrexate and only once in the control group. Results. Comparison of the results showed significant differences for IL-6 and TNF-alpha in blood and IL-6 in saliva. Conclusion. It would seem that 96 h is an ideal time for determining the parameters evaluated both in blood and in saliva.