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Chemotherapy-related side effects in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia in Taiwan: a nursing perspective
1School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, R.O.C.
Insights
This study tracked side effects in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) undergoing chemotherapy. Nurses
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Clinical Nursing
Background:
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a common childhood cancer.
- Chemotherapy is a primary treatment modality for ALL, but can cause significant side effects.
- Understanding the pattern of these side effects is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pattern and characteristics of chemotherapy-related side effects in children undergoing induction and consolidation phases of treatment for ALL.
- To identify the most common side effects and their temporal occurrence during the treatment course.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 101 children diagnosed with ALL in Taiwan.
- Patients were divided into standard risk (SR) and high risk (HR) groups based on therapeutic regimens.
- Data collected through direct observation by nurses in a natural care setting.
Main Results:
- Common side effects included fever, oral and anal ulceration, poor appetite, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and impaired mobility.
- Side effects were most pronounced during the first three weeks of chemotherapy.
- Twenty percent of the children experienced infections during treatment.
Conclusions:
- Nurses play a vital role in monitoring and managing chemotherapy-related side effects in pediatric ALL patients.
- Awareness of the typical side effect patterns enables proactive and optimal nursing care.
- Early recognition and intervention can improve patient comfort and treatment outcomes.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to understand the pattern of side effects experienced by children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) who were receiving the induction and consolidation phases of a specific chemotherapy regimen. One hundred and one children with ALL in treatment centers throughout Taiwan in June 1990 through June 1991 served as the sample for this study. Children had been divided into two groups, a standard risk group (SR) and a high risk group (HR), which received different therapeutic regimens. Of 101 children, 52 in SR and 27 in HR completed the induction and consolidation phases of treatment. Among sources of data for the study were nurses' prospective close observations in the natural care setting of each child. Chemotherapy-related side effects are multifaceted and intrusive, including changes in hematopoietic function, body function and body appearance. The most common side effects with regard to body function were elevation of body temperature, ulceration of oral mucous membrane, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, ulceration of anus, diarrhea, impaired mobility. Side effects were greatest during the first through third weeks of the chemotherapy regimen. Twenty percent of the children developed infection. The findings stressed that nurses should be aware of such patterns of side effects so that they can provide optimal care to patients receiving chemotherapy.
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