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Neutropenia
Neutropenia is a low number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. Neutrophils play an important role in preventing infection throughout the body, so having an abnormally low number of neutrophils increases the risk of infection. Neutropenia also makes it more difficult for an infection to resolve if bacteria do enter the body. The lower the neutrophil count, the greater the risk for infection. During cancer treatment, your white blood cell count will be checked often so that precautions or treatment can be started if appropriate. It is important to note that most people treated for cancer have neutropenia but do not get an infection.
Neutropenia is most likely to occur in people who are receiving a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. It is also common among people who are treated with either of these two treatments alone. People who receive a bone marrow transplant are also likely to be affected by neutropenia.
White blood cells divide and grow rapidly and may therefore be damaged by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Many factors contribute to the development of neutropenia, including the dose and type of chemotherapy or radiation therapy and the overall health of an individual.
The neutrophil count usually starts to drop about 7 days after a treatment cycle and reaches the lowest point (called the nadir) between 7 and 14 days after treatment. The count will begin to rise again and may take 3 to 4 weeks to return to normal. The neutrophil count must be normal in order for you to receive the next treatment.
Neutropenia is an expected side effect and cannot be prevented. Because of this, it is important to take steps to reduce your risk of getting infection. Studies have shown that the most effective way to prevent infection is frequent handwashing. There are several other preventive steps you should take.
If the neutrophil count is extremely low, your doctor may delay your next treatment until the count has increased. For the time that the count is low, your doctor will have you follow “neutropenic precautions,” or extra measures to prevent infection. These precautions include:
- Taking your temperature four times each day
- Not eating uncooked foods
- Staying away from fresh flowers, plants, and gardening
- Avoiding enemas, rectal suppositories, and rectal thermometers
- Not having dental work
Some people with an extremely low neutrophil count may benefit from treatment with a growth factor. These growth factors are special proteins that can stimulate the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. Growth factors are usually given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously). The growth factors used most often are pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) and filgrastim (Neupogen).
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Use excellent personal hygiene
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Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
Do not cut or pick at cuticles (use a cuticle cream)
Brush teeth after each meal and at bedtime
Use alcohol-free, antiseptic mouthwash daily
Use a deodorant rather than an antiperspirant
Use a water-soluble lubricant during sexual intercourse and perform good hygiene
immediately following intercourse
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Avoid situations that could increase the risk of infection
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Avoid people with colds or other infections (and people who live with others who
have a cold or infection)
Avoid contact with anyone who has recently been vaccinated, including infants and
children
Avoid crowds as much as possible (when necessary, go out at off-peak times)
Avoid public transportation (when necessary, use during off-peak times)
Do not handle animal waste (including cat litter and fish tank water)
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Use extra precaution to reduce the chance of injury
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Always wear shoes
Protect your hands (wear gloves when doing dishes or gardening)
Prevent constipation
Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15
Use an electric razor rather than a blade razor
Do not receive any vaccination, including the flu vaccine (ask your oncologist about
the flu vaccine)
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You should talk to your doctor or nurse about the possibility of neutropenia with your specific treatment.
Call your doctor’s office immediately if you have signs of infection, which include:
- Fever (oral temperature over 100.5ºF), chills, and sweating
- Flu-like symptoms (body aches, general fatigue) with or without fever
- Cough, shortness of breath, painful breathing
- Sore throat or sores in your mouth
- Redness, pain, or swelling on any area of your skin
- Pus or drainage from any open cut or sore
- Diarrhea (loose or liquid stools)
- Pain or burning with urination <
- Vaginal drainage or itching
- American Society of Clinical Oncology patient Web site: www.cancer.net
- Managing Side Effects: Neutropenia
- Managing Side Effects: Infection
- ASCO's Guideline on White Blood Cell Growth Factors
- Oncology Nursing Society: www.cancersymptoms.org, Neutropenia
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship: www.canceradvocacy.org, Infection
- Oncolink: www.oncolink.com, Coping with Cancer: Side Effects-Febrile Neutropenia
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