What is bone marrow suppression?
Nearly all chemotherapy agents cause a reduction of blood cell counts. When this reduction occurs it varies, according to which agents are used for your child’s treatment. Red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that fight infection, and platelets that control bleeding are usually lowered with chemotherapy use. Risk for anemia, fatigue, infection, and bleeding are increased with bone marrow suppression. Common terms that you may hear that refer to blood cell reduction include the following: • anemia – decrease in red blood cells. • neutropenia – decrease in neutrophils (a specific type of white blood cell; a main defender of bacteria). • thrombocytopenia – decrease in platelet counts. • pancytopenia – decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. While your child is undergoing chemotherapy treatment, these blood cell levels will be monitored frequently. Many parents like to keep track of their child’s blood counts to record their progress. Ask your child’s
