| OM is a debilitating sequela in BMT patients. Connective tissue destruction (CTD) is a central feature in OM development. Collagenases, measured in mouthrinse samples (MS), may be involved in CTD associated with OM. A previous report found an increase in salivary albumin levels preceding the clinical onset of OM. This may be a useful tool for assessment of preventive treatment for OM. PP in BMT patients have been investigated in a concurrent study and will be correlated with results from this study. 23 BMT patients were seen 8 times over 4 weeks post-BMT. OM was scored and MS obtained. MS were analyzed and quantified for collagenases and albumin. Collagenases didn't correlate significantly with OM scores. When the group was stratified by survival, a 0.23 correlation coefficient reached borderline significance (p = 0.057) in the dead group. Albumin levels paralleled OM scores and were positively associated with them (p < 0.001). Significant correlation was noted between PP and albumin on day 7 (p = 0.021). |
