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Neutropenia

  

Low Blood Counts > Anemia | Neutropenia | Thrombocytopenia

Side Effects > Low Blood Counts > Neutropenia (low white count)

Last update: 02/16/2008

Low White Count (Neutropenia) | Resources | Research News | Infections and

Neutropenia is the lowering of the white blood cells that fight infections. This condition is an expected complication of chemotherapy, which often impairs bone marrow cells that produce specialized blood cells. This condition is most severe in patients who receive aggressive treatments. 

"Neutropenia is usually characterized by a reduced number of blood neutrophils, although a reduced number of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, or basophils may also contribute to the decreased total cell count. Neutropenia accompanied by monocytopenia and lymphocytopenia is often a more serious disorder than neutropenia alone."  Merck Manual


 
White Blood Cells ~ click to enlarge

Important: "Neutropenia you might not even feel.  You might not even know that you have a low white count unless, of course, we draw your blood and call you on the telephone. ... But from a life-threatening point of view, we want to prevent you from having an infection. That's why we really want to educate you about what to do during times of low white blood counts." - Paula Anastasia, RN, MN, AOCN - Oncology Nurse Educator. See Managing Side Effects of Treatment transcript  

Some tips for preventing problems associated with low white count:
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Avoid people and places that will expose you to illness or bacteria.
 

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Wash your hands often. Keep your unwashed hands away from ALL mucous membranes, especially the nose, eyes, and mouth. You are more likely to catch a cold through your nose than your mouth because saliva contains a lot of bacteria-killing enzymes.
 

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Clean often.  One thing that I do that surprises a lot of people is "lysoling" the phone and the steering wheel of your car. Lots of germs there. Plenty of rest, juice, washing hands at appropriate times, etc. I also carry antibiotic hand wash but I don't use it too often - it's not supposed to be that good for you but in emergencies when I have been out (subway, etc) and can't wash hand, I'll use it. -Ronnie in CT
 

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See Diet for Immunosuppressed Patients
Patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy may have compromised immunity.
 

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Do not purchase products older than the pull date. Read labels.
 

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Store and handle properly foods to avoid food-related infections and illness. 
 

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Avoid moldy, spoiled and outdated food products.
 

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Replace dish and face towels after each use.
 

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Thoroughly wash produce; cooking fruits and vegetables is best. Use vinegar to clean vegetables, and/or mild soap.
 

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Beware of foods that have been "double-dipped."
 

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Ask your doctor about Neupogen® for treatment of prevention of low white counts. See Restorative biologics 

Also see: Chemotherapy treatment support
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Avoiding Trouble - general | Avoiding Infections  
Diet for Immune Suppressed
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Fight nausea  
Fight Constipation | Oral HealthWhen to call your doctor

Resources

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About Neutropenia  tirgan.com
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Leukocytosis (high blood counts) and possible causes  fpnotebook.com
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Chemotherapy treatment support
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Avoiding Trouble - general | Avoiding Infections 
Diet for Immune Suppressed
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Oral HealthWhen to call your doctor
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Resources for Severe Chronic Neutropenia (SCN)  neutropenia.ca
Handbook  mh-hannover.de - PDF  
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Drug info: 
Neupogen (Filgrastim)  neupogen.com 
Neupogen is granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)
mechanisms of action and more  bcccancer.bc | Restorative biologics 


Leukine (Sargramostim)  ebiocare.com
Leukine is granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, or GM-CSF.

How to give Subcutaneous Injections  ebiocare.com
Also check Neulasta or pegfilgrastim which is the 3-4 week version of Neupogen.

Also see: Biologicals for treatment of Neutropenia 

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Fungal Infection, below
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Management of Fever with Neutropenia  theberries.ns.ca
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Neutropenia
Quick Reference

(Low White Count)
Makes you susceptible to infection: fungal, viral, bacterial
Total white cells:
4-11(x109/l)
Neutrophils:
2-8 (x106/l)
Normal range may vary for different labs
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Research News
 
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Levofloxacin Prevents Infection in Neutropenic Cancer Patients  cancerpage.com
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Lymphocyte Changes in Lymphoma Patients Receiving Melatonin Plus Chop Chemotherapy.  Year: 2000 Printable Version ASCO Abstract No: 72  
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Leukopenia  Merck Manual
"is usually characterized by a reduced number of blood neutrophils, although a reduced number of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, or basophils may also contribute to the decreased total cell count. Neutropenia accompanied by monocytopenia and lymphocytopenia is often a more serious disorder than neutropenia alone."
 
Disclaimer:  The information presented on Lymphomation.org is not intended to be a substitute for 
professional medical advice or to replace your relationship with a physician.
For all medical concerns,  you should always consult your doctor. 
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