Changes of oral microcirculation in chemotherapy patients: A possible correlation with mucositis?

The aim of this investigation is to appraise labial oral microcirculation in chemotherapy patients to clarify the effects of cytotoxic agents on oral microvessels. Twenty-five patients with diagnosis of head and neck tumors were recruited in the study. All the patients were submitted to chemotherapy. Labial oral microcirculation was evaluated on labial mucosa using oral videocapillaroscopy. The statistical significance was checked with the Mann-Whitney U-test (P < 0.05). The analysis of videocapillaroscopic patterns showed statistically significant variations relative to the diameter of the incoming loop; the diameter of the outgoing loop; and loop tortuosity. This study shows that capillary alterations to patients who receive chemotherapy occur in labial oral microcirculation.