TASTE DISORDERS AND ORAL CLINIC EVALUATION IN PATIENTS SUBMITTED TO ALLOGENEIC HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION.

Abstract

Most Patients submitted to allogeneic Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) complain of loss or a change in their taste perception, dry mouth, and some other oral distresses after the HSCT.The aim of this study is to evaluate taste perception, salivary flow rate and oral conditions in three different groups of adults patients submitted to HSCT at Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit of HC-UNICAMP. Patients are classified in three groups considering post-transplant timing. Group I , up to 150 days after HSCT, Group II , between 151-1095 days, and Group III , over 1095 days. Taste acuity will be measured by the taste thresholds for the four basic tastes using 5ml of 4 solutions, in 3 concentrations (mol/L): NaCl (0.01;0.50;1.00), sucrose (0.01;0.50;1.00), citric acid (0.32;0.0158;0.032), caffeine (1.988x10-5;0.644x10-2;1.277x10-2). Patients will be instructed to sample the entire solution and then expectorate it after any taste sensation. The mouth will be rinsed with tap water between applications.The patients will considered flavors as sweet, source, salty, bitter, and without flavor. The intensity will be considered high, medium and low.Unstimulated saliva is goingo to be collected into separate pre-weight plastic test glass. Volumetric measure will be taken and salivary flow rates will be determinate in ml per minute (ml/min).