Afecciones orales en pacientes con cuidado paliativo, atendidos en FASEC. Enero - junio 2025. Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

Background: patients receiving palliative care present various conditions in the oral cavity due to a weakened immune and physical state. A large proportion of them lose the ability to express their symptoms, making timely identification of these conditions essential. Objective: to determine the prevalence of oral conditions in palliative care patients treated at FASEC, from January to June 2025, in Cuenca, Ecuador. Methodology: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of oral conditions in palliative care patients admitted to FASEC. Observers were trained and calibrated prior to data collection. Information was gathered through clinical oral examination and questionnaire. For statistical analysis, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used, and data were presented using frequency and central tendency measures. Results: the prevalence of the following oral conditions was identified: hyposalivation (80%), xerostomia (93,33%), dysphagia (33,33%), codes 2, 3, and 4 of the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (100%), and dental caries (100%). Less frequent oral manifestations included mucositis (46,67%), edentulism (40%), and candidiasis (26,67%). Conclusions: the high prevalence of oral cavity conditions highlights the importance of incorporating continuous dental care within the comprehensive management of patients in palliative care. This approach should prioritize both prevention and timely treatments tailored to individual needs, with the goal of preserving oral health and improving the quality of life for this population.