Moran, M., Browning, M., & Buckby, E. (2007). Nursing guidelines for managing infections in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 11, 914–924.
Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were assessed.
No process development or search strategy were stated.
Information was provided by the authors in regards to current trends in CLL treatment and the risk of infection that is present with the most common current treatments, such as fludarabine, rituximab, alemtuzumab, and steroids. Specific bacterial and fungal infections that are most commonly associated with treatment were discussed as well as the prevention and management of these infections. A table was provided that had the most commonly occurring infections; chemotherapy treatment most commonly associated with each infection, prophylaxis, treatment options for the infection with duration and side effects; and nursing interventions. Discussion also was included on monoclonal antibodies and risk of opportunistic infection due to immune incompetency from these agents.
No conflicts of interest were identified.
Combinations of antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal prophylactic medications may be appropriate in patients with CLL being treated with various chemotherapy regimens to prevent a life threatening infection from occurring and the type and duration is dependent on the agents they are receiving.