Neutropenia

Neutropenia is defined as a decrease in the number of circulating neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood.  Neutrophils are also called polymorphonuclear segmented cells, or segs, or polys, and make up about 60% of the body’s circulating white blood cells.  Neutrophils are the white blood cells that respond first to infections or viruses in the body, and are key to maintaining good health (Nirenberg, et al., 2006).

Causes of Neutropenia
This audio with slides provides a brief overview of the causes of neutropenia related to chemotherapy and other causes.
Neutropenia: State of the Knowledge, Part I
This article reviews neutrophil physiology, consequences of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, risk assessment models, national practice guidelines, the impact of febrile neutropenia and infection.
Calculating the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
This audio with slides provides directions for and examples of calculating the absolute neutrophil count (ANC).
Risk Factors for Developing Neutropenia
Read a summary of risk factors for developing chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.

Oncology Nurses’ Use of National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chemotherapy-induced and Febrile Neutropenia
This journal article summarizes findings of oncology nurses’ use of clinical practice guidelines for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and febrile neutropenia and the implications for nursing practice.

Listen to the podcast | Read the article
ONS Putting Evidence into Practice (ONS PEP) Quick View: Prevention of Infection
The prevention of infection in patients with cancer focuses on interventions to prevent infections related to neutropenia or other immune deficiencies related to malignancy or the treatment of malignancy.
Putting Evidence Into Practice: Prevention of Infection
A full summary of the evidence reviewed, critiqued and summarized for nursing interventions to prevent infection in patients with cancer.
Managing Neutropenia
This audio with slides discusses evidence-based interventions for managing neutropenia.
Quality of Life Issues Related to Neutropenia
A summary of quality of life issues from three key peer-reviewed journal articles.

Care of Patients with Neutropenia
A 2006 article summarizing the care of individuals with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.

Listen to the podcast | Read the article

Assessment of Neutropenia-Related Quality of Life in a Clinical Setting
A 2007 article exploring assessment strategies and recommendations for a questionnaire that assesses patients’ neutropenia-related quality of life.

Listen to the podcast | Read the article
Links & Resources for More Information
A quick resource for references and links for more detailed information.
Advertisement