title: Chemotherapy-related side effects in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia in Taiwan: a nursing perspective.
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.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, R.O.C.
authors.forename: Y C
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents