|
Low
Blood Counts
> Anemia | Neutropenia
| Thrombocytopenia
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:
 |
Avoid people and places that will expose you to
illness or bacteria.
|
 |
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.
|
 |
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
|
 |
See Diet for Immunosuppressed
Patients
Patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy may have
compromised immunity.
|
 |
Do not purchase products older than
the pull date. Read labels.
|
 |
Store and handle properly foods to
avoid food-related infections and illness.
|
 |
Avoid moldy, spoiled and outdated food products.
|
 |
Replace dish and face towels after
each use.
|
 |
Thoroughly wash produce; cooking
fruits and vegetables is best. Use vinegar to clean
vegetables, and/or mild soap.
|
 |
Beware of foods that have been
"double-dipped."
|
 | Ask your doctor about Neupogen®
for treatment of prevention of low white counts. See Restorative
biologics
|
 |
|

Resources
|
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
|
Research News
 |
Levofloxacin Prevents Infection in Neutropenic Cancer Patients
cancerpage.com
|
 |
Lymphocyte Changes in Lymphoma Patients Receiving Melatonin Plus Chop Chemotherapy.
Year: 2000 Printable Version ASCO Abstract No: 72
|
 |
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."
|
|
|