Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access

A pilot trial of Saudi honey on oral mucositis among pediatric cancer patients

International Conference and Exhibition on Pediatric Oncology and Clinical Pediatrics

August 11-13, 2016 Toronto, Canada

Soad K Al Jaouni, Mohammad S Al Muhayawi, Abear Hussein, Iman Elfiki and SteveHarekeh

King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, KSA
King Fahd Medical Research Center, KSA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Pediat Therapeut

Abstract :

Objective: This study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Saudi honey as integrative approach in prophylaxis and treatment of chemo-radiotherapy induced mucositis among pediatric cancer patients at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital at King Abdul-Aziz University during October 2004 to October 2005. Patients & Methods: Forty patients were randomized into two groups: receiving chemo/radiotherapy with the additional Saudi honey and control group receiving treatment without the use of honey. All patients were evaluated clinically, mouth ulcers were evaluated. Cultures were done. Results: A total of 390 episodes of fever & neutropenia associated with mucositis. The honey group experienced significant reduction in grade IV mucositis 15 out of 200 febrile neutropenia episodes and grade III mucositis was reported in 20 out of 190 febrile neutropenia episodes. In the control group, grade III& IV mucositis were reported in 60 and 40 out of 200 febrile neutropenia. Candida colonization was found in 15 per cent of the honey group and 60 per cent of the control group. Positive cultures for aerobic pathogenic bacteria were observed in 20 per cent of the honey group and 65 per cent of the control group. The honey group had a positive weight gain, and decreased duration of hospitalization and severity of mucositis with a significant decrease in bacterial and fungal infection. (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that the honey treatment is effective and safe in reducing and minimizing the damage of the mucosa, improving the quality of life. Honey inhibits and minimizes bacterial and fungal growth. We recommend using honey as a standard supportive care in the pediatric cancer patients.

Biography :

Email: dr.jaouni@gmail.com