Document Type : letter to the editor

Authors

1 Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Community Nursing Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.

2 Ph.D Student of Nursing, Student Research Committee, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.

Abstract

Children with leukemia are at an increased risk of infections due to weakened immune systems caused by both the disease and intensive treatments like chemotherapy. Nursing interventions play a vital role in preventing infections for these vulnerable patients. This review outlines effective nursing strategies to reduce infection risks, including strict hand hygiene, careful management of central venous catheters, educating families on infection prevention, closely monitoring for signs of infection, and maintaining a sterile environment for the child. Additionally, emphasizing proper nutrition, regular temperature monitoring, and fostering collaboration among nurses, doctors, and families is essential. By consistently implementing these interventions, infection rates can be decreased, thereby improving the quality of life and increasing survival chances for children fighting leukemia.

Keywords

  1. Dutta A, Flores R. Infection prevention in pediatric oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. InHealthcare-Associated Infections in Children: A Guide to Prevention and Management 2018 Oct 31 (pp. 281-299). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
  2. Carlesse F, de Sousa AV. Infections in children and adolescents with acute leukemia. EJC Paediatric Oncology. 2024 Jun 1;3:100142.
  3. Xu Q, Li H, Huang P, Lin W, Qi P, Wang L, et al. Investigation of infections status in pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia during the induction period–a retrospective study in two medical centers. Annals of Hematology. 2024 Nov;103(11):4503-10.
  4. Brayley J, Stanton LK, Jenner L, Paul SP. Recognition and management of leukaemia in children. British journal of nursing. 2019 Aug 8;28(15):985-92.
  5. Sherwen O, Baron MK, Murray NS, Heaton PA, Gamble J, Paul SP. The recognition and nursing management of common oncological emergencies in children. British Journal of Nursing. 2022 Jan 13;31(1):20-7.
  6. Han X, Tian L. Clinical efficacy and safety of comprehensive nursing intervention in acute leukemia patients with myelosuppression after chemotherapy. American Journal of Translational Research. 2022 Jun 15;14(6):4114.
  7. Yu B, Du L, Chen W, Xu B. Nursing intervention in oral mucositis after methotrexate chemotherapy in children with hematological tumors. Journal of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. 2023 May 1;13(5):738-41.
  8. Offenbacher R, Citron C, Lin J, Hosgood HD, Parsons SK, Moerdler S, et al. Preventing infection in pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy: A survey of provider recommendations. JCO Oncology Practice. 2025 Feb;21(2):155-61.
  9. Mcharo SK, Bally J, Spurr S. Nursing presence in pediatric oncology: a scoping review. Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology nursing. 2022 Mar;39(2):99-113.
  10. Duncan E, O'Cathain A, Rousseau N, Croot L, Sworn K, Turner KM, et al. Guidance for reporting intervention development studies in health research (GUIDED): an evidence-based consensus study. BMJ open. 2020 Apr 1;10(4):e033516.
  11. Slatnick LR, Hoogstra D, Fisher BT, Wolf J, Orgel E, Nessle CN, et al. Prevention and management of infectious complications in pediatric patients with cancer: A survey assessment of current practices across Children's Oncology Group institutions. Pediatric blood & cancer. 2025 Mar;72(3):e31532.
  12. Licona S, Aguilar K, Arguello D, Camacho K, Ceballo-Batista G, Chang A, et al. IMPLEMENTATION OF A NURSE-INITIATED ANTIBIOTIC TIME-OUT (NATO) IN CHILDHOOD CANCER PATIENTS IN CENTRAL AMERICA. InPEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER 2023 Nov 1 (Vol. 70, pp. S44-S44). 111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA: WILEY.
  13. Turoldo F, Longo A, Sala M, Valentini D, De Vita N, Toniutti S, et al. Nurse-Driven Interventions Reduce Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Close to Zero in One Pediatric Oncologic Facility: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study. Nursing Reports. 2024 Sep 26;14(4):2668.
  14. Aryal S, Zeowa Q. Nursing intervention in the management of leukemia in children. 2018.
  15. Supriyadi E, Purwanto I, Widiastuti Z, Armytasari I, Sandi S, Ardianto B, et al. Infection-related mortality and infection control practices in childhood acute myeloid leukemia in a limited resource setting: Experience with the Indonesian national protocol. Belitung Nursing Journal. 2024 Apr 28;10(2):185.
  16. Geres H, Kotchetkov R. Nursing in patients with hematological malignancies. International Journal of Hematologic Oncology. 2020 Mar 1;9(1):IJH24.