Intervención de enfermería en pacientes pediátricos con leucemia

Abstract

Leukemia is a malignant disease of hematopoietic stem cells, which begins in the bone marrow and in the soft bone tissues where blood cells are formed. Objective: To analyze research focused on the prevalence, demographic profile, associated risk factors, treatment complications, and nursing interventions in the care of pediatric patients with leukemia. Methodology: This is descriptive research; different scientific databases, such as Scopus, Taylor & Francis, Web of Science, Ovid, ProQuest, ResearchGate, Redalyc, Scielo, and Medigraphic were utilized, Likewise, information from institutional pages, such as the World Health Organization, Ministry of Public Health and Society for the fight against Cancer published from 2016 to the present was obtained. A total of 50 articles of interest were included. Results: The prevalence of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia presented percentages in countries such as the United States, Africa, Cuba, Brazil, and Ecuador, where it had high rates in the male population. There are several associated risk factors, such as age, genre, leukocyte count, cytogenetics, urban or rural residence. Certain complications such as lymphopenia, cytopenia, febrile neutropenia, pain, and drug toxicity appear at the time of the treatment phase. Nonetheless, the nursing staff applies various interventions to improve comfort, nonpharmacological activities such as music therapy, distraction techniques, dynamic activities, and hygienic and dietary habits for quality care of pediatric patients.