The effect of an oral care protocol and honey mouthwash on mucositis in acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy: a single-blind clinical trial

ObjectivesThe purpose of the study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of honey mouthwash and an oral care protocol on mucositis and weight loss in patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving chemotherapy.Materials and methodsIn this single-blind clinical trial, 53 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients receiving chemotherapy were randomly assigned into three groups: honey mouthwash (n=17), oral care (n=17), and control (n=19). The severity of mucositis and weights was examined blindly at the baseline and 4-week follow-up.ResultsThe prevalence of grades of mucositis in the study groups was significant at the end of the third (p=0.002) and fourth (p<0.001) weeks. The mucositis severity decreased at the end of the third and fourth weeks in the honey mouthwash group (p<0.05), whereas it increased in the control group (p<0.001). The difference in the weight was significant between the honey mouthwash and the control groups (p<0.05, MD=1.95) at the end of the third week, and between the honey mouthwash group with the control (p<0.01, MD=2.92) and oral care groups (p<0.05, MD=1.95) at the end of the fourth week.ConclusionsHoney mouthwash is effective in preventing and reducing the severity of mucositis, and weight loss and can be recommended for patients undergoing chemotherapy.Clinical relevanceThe results of this study suggest that honey mouthwash can reduce the incidence and severity of mucositis in patients, reduce or eliminate the possibility of weight loss in them, as well as encourage some weight gain. Compared to routine oral care, honey mouthwash is also easier to use and handle.Trial registrationIRCT2015121419919N7