Correlation between oral and peripheral blood neutrophil counts one day before and 7,14 and 21 days after chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract

Severe neutropenia subsequent to myelosuppression after chemotherapy due to neoplams, including AML, increases the risk of bacterial and fungal infections. Routine and repeated determination of blood neutrophil counts is necessary in patients after chemotherapy for early diagnosis of neutropenia to initiate treatment. The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between oral rinse and peripheral blood neutrophil counts in patients with acute myeloid leukemia, referring to Tabriz Shahid Ghazi Hospital. Materials and methods: The present descriptive/analytical study was carried out on 39 AML patients. One day before chemotherapy and 7, 14 and 21 days after chemotherapy, oral rinse and peripheral blood samples were taken from the patients. The peripheral blood sample neutrophil counts were determined using H1 test equipment and oral rinse neutrophil counts were determined by acridine orange staining technique under a light microscope and also by the H1 equipment. Data were analyzed with SPSS 17. Results: The results showed significant differences in peripheral blood neutrophil counts one day before chemotherapy and 7, 14 and 21 days after chemotherapy (P<0.001). In addition, there were significant differences in oral rinse neutrophil counts between the same intervals with both techniques (P<0.001). Furthermore, there was a correlation between the peripheral blood and oral rinse mean neutrophil counts with the use of H1 equipment and under the light microscope. Conclusion: The results of this study showed a significant correlation between oral rinse and peripheral blood neutrophil counts in the subjects evaluated. Therefore, oral rinse technique can be used as a non-invasive technique to monitor neutorphil counts in patients with AML after chemotherapy.