PMC4876780

Study Purpose

To assess the effect of aloe vera solution on stomatitis and its pain intensity in patients undergoing chemotherapeutic procedures

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

In a randomized, controlled clinical trial, 64 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing chemotherapy were randomly divided into a control and intervention group. The intervention group was asked to wash their mouths with 5 mls of aloe vera solution for two minutes twice a day for 14 days. The control group used the ordinary mouthwashes recommended in hematologic centers.

Sample Characteristics

N = 64
AGE = Control: 47.78 years (SD = 18.28 years), intervention: 46.25 years (SD = 18.17)
MALES: 100%
CURRENT TREATMENT: Chemotherapy
KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Chemotherapy-induced stomatitis

Setting

SITE: Single site
SETTING TYPE: Outpatient
LOCATION: Shahid Motahari Clinic

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

Randomized, controlled clinical trial patients were randomly divided into a control and an intervention group.

Measurement Instruments/Methods

World Health Organization stomatitis intensity survey checklist
Visual analog scale (VAS), a standard tool for measuring pain intensity

Results

Aloe vera solution mouthwash significantly reduced the intensity of stomatitis and its pain in the intervention group compared to the control group. On day one, no difference existed; on the other days, there was a significant difference (days 3–14: p = 0.001 for stomatitis intensity, p = 0.001 for pain).

Conclusions

Aloe vera solution might improve patients’ nutritional status, reduce stomatitis and its pain intensity, and lead to satisfaction.

Limitations

Risk of bias (no blinding)
Unintended interventions or applicable interventions not described that would influence results
Study participants were all male.
No mention of the type of chemotherapy or specific protocols uses
No information about use of pain medication or oral care procedures

Nursing Implications

Aloe vera mouthwash can be useful in preventing and treating stomatitis in patients with chemotherapy-induced stomatitis without any side effects.