neutropenia

Question 1

Neutropenia is characterised by a low neutrophil count

Answer 1

(absolute neutrophil count less than 1.5 x 109/litre).

Question 2

Neutropenia is a risk factor for the development of …..

Answer 2

infection and sepsis, especially in patients receiving high-intensity chemotherapy regimens

Question 3

What can be given to reduce the duration of chemo therapy induced neutropenia?

Answer 3

Recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) stimulates the production of neutrophils and may reduce the duration of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and thereby reduce the incidence of associated febrile neutropenia.

Question 4

Does recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor improve survival

Answer 4

there is as yet no evidence that it improves overall survival.

Question 5

what does recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor contain

Answer 5

filgrastim, lenograstim, pegfilgrastim and lipegfilgrastim.

Question 6

monitoring requirements with recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor

Answer 6

FBC including differential white cell count and platelets
spleen size - risk of splenomegaly and rupture

Question 7

cautions for human granulocyte colony stimulating factor - what can they cause

Answer 7

acute pulmonary distress syndrome
pt with recent history of pulmonary infiltrates or pneumonia may be at higher risk