Managing immunocompromised patients with oral candidiasis

Immunosuppressed patients, especially elderly persons having cancer treatment, can develop opportunistic infections of the oral cavity. Nystatin and chlorhexidine are highly effective antimicrobial mouth rinses, with nystatin notably effective for Candida spp and chlorhexidine effective against a wide spectrum of bacteria as well. These compounds are often used to prevent and control infections in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Because some reports have indicated that chlorhexidine plus other substances (such as fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate) found in dentifrices and nystatin are associated with adverse effects, a review of the literature addressing the pharmacological properties of these two agents when given to elderly immunocompromised patients was undertaken.
Source: Dental Abstracts - Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research