UCSF

Purpose: To determine whether Livionex Dental Gel affects oral hygiene, bacterial counts, and incidence of mucositis and bloodstream infections (BSI) in pediatric Human Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) recipients.

Methods: This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized-controlled trial pilot study. Subjects were randomized to Livionex or control (PreviDent 5000 Plus for children ≥6 years or Tom's and Maine Children's Toothpaste for children <6 years) groups in a 2:1 ratio. Gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), relative amounts of mutans streptococci (MS), total streptococci (TS), Lactobacilli (LB), and total viable count (TVC), mucositis and BSI were recorded and compared using linear mixed effect models across timepoints. Brushing compliance was assessed with questionnaire responses and were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results: Twenty-six subjects (19 in Livionex and 7 in control) participated. MS counts decreased significantly in both groups. BSI incidence was not significantly different. There were no significant differences in GI, PI, incidence of mucositis, and questionnaire responses.

Conclusions: There is possible benefit from using Livionex in this population. Studies with larger sample-sizes are needed to further confirm the effect of Livionex on bacterial counts and BSI occurrences in HSCT patients.