(P07-057-23) Rate of Oral Mucositis, Hospital Length of Stay, and Nutrition Interventions Used in Pediatric Patients Receiving Cancer Therapies at a Public Pediatric Hospital

Objectives: The objectives of this chart review study were to determine the rate of oral mucositis among a sample of pediatric patients, if there were differences in hospital length of stay between patients who did develop mucositis and patients who did not, and if nutrition support methods were used.

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review conducted at a public pediatric hospital in a southern state, which included data from 64 patients who received chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in addition to chemotherapy from June 1, 2017, to June 1, 2022. Data collected included rates of mucositis up to the first seven intervals of a patient’s chemotherapy regimen, length of stay if the patient received in-patient chemotherapy, and which methods of nutrition support were utilized. Percentages and means were used to define the rate of mucositis and hospital length of stay.

Results: Data from 64 patients were included in this study. The rate of mucositis was higher in patients who received in-patient chemotherapy than out-patient chemotherapy, and it was highest in patients who received HSCT in addition to chemotherapy. Of all patients requiring admission, those that developed mucositis remained in the hospital an average of 2.78 days longer when compared to patients without mucositis development.

Conclusions: This chart review documented the rate of oral mucositis and extended length of hospital stay among this sample of pediatric patients. Given the findings of this study, development of a mucositis prevention and treatment protocol would be beneficial for the institution and patients it serves.

Funding Sources: Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.