Neutropenic Patient Education

What Is Neutropenia?

• Neutropenia refers to the presence of abnormally low levels of neutrophils in the circulating blood.
• Neutrophils are a specific kind of white blood cell (WBC) that helps prevent and fight infection. The absolute neutrophil    count (ANC) tells the doctor how many of these cells are circulating in your blood system
• It is normal for your ANC to decrease as you undergo chemotherapy treatment. As your body recovers from the cancer treatment, your bone marrow begins to produce new blood cells and your blood counts return to normal.
• Therefore when your ANC is low (less than 1.0), you are more susceptible to infections
• of all kinds.
• Your doctor might order an injection to assist your body in producing new WBC’s.

It is important that if you think you have any signs of an infection, call the office early in

the day so there is time to provide you with appropriate care!!! Your physician may be

able to manage your symptoms on the phone, or may want you to come to the office for

additional care. Call as soon as you begin to experience any of the side effects listed

below!

Signs of Infection Include:

Fever of 100.5 or greater                             Painful urination

Shaking Chills                                              Mouth ulcers or sores

Cough or sore throat                                    Sinus or ear infection

During Times of Risk Protective Measures can be as follows:

• Wash hands frequently with an antimicrobial soap.
• Bathe daily.
• Protect skin from cuts and burns. Wear shoes to prevent injury.
• Wear gloves when working in the garden.
• Care of the mouth before and after meals or 3 to 4 times daily.
• Care of the perineal area after voiding and bowel movements.
• Use only an electric razor to shave unwanted body hair. 
• Use water-soluble lubricant during sexual intercourse, and practice effective post-coital hygiene. Report vaginal or rectal discomfort.
• Exercise daily (i.e. walking or running) as tolerated.
• Do coughing and deep breathing exercises to decrease pulmonary stasis, thereby decreasing the potential for respiratory infection. 
• Avoid exposure to people with colds or contagious illnesses (such as chicken pox, herpes zoster, influenza).
• Do not share food utensils.
• Avoid cleaning bird cages, dog and cat litter and fish tanks.
• Do not use tampons, enemas, or rectal suppositories.
• Do not receive live vaccinations (oral polio, varicella, small pox or nasal flu vaccine).
• Avoid contact with people who were vaccinated with a live vaccine within the past 30 days.
• Avoid hot tubs, Jacuzzis, and public swimming pools.
• Avoid stagnant water and houseplants.

Call ____________________________ if you have signs of infection with neutropenia!