Abstract
Paraquat is an extremely corrosive and lethal herbicide. After
intentional or unintentional ingestion, paraquat causes extensive
mucosal damages extending through the upper gastrointestinal tract which
are characterized by pain, inflammation, ulceration, bleeding, and
sloughing of the associated mucosa. The aim of this systematic review is
to compile and evaluate evidence based studies in relation to the
effectiveness of different methods of management of oral mucositis
induced by paraquat in terms of reduction of associated pain and
duration of symptoms.We undertook computerized electronic searches
through both English and Chinese databases so as to identify all
published articles in the subject. We also searched reference lists from
relevant articles for any related articles. This review is not
registered.A total of 10 relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTS)
were selected after the electronic searches after satisfying our
inclusion criteria. They were published between the 2000s and 2020. The
primary outcome measurement assessed an improvement in the healing
time/recovery time or adequate pain management. Interventions from all
the studies highlighted the use of multi-agent management that included
either oral care by the use of bland and multi-agent mouth rinses,
corticosteroids, Chinese herbal remedies, growth factors, smectites or
anti-oxidant therapy. The main findings were that the main method of
management was the implementation of a multi-drug regimen, through the
use of compounded preparations or a polydrug system. In addition, herbal
and natural remedies, if used appropriately, can play a beneficial role
in the management of paraquat induced oral mucositis.