Journal of Blood Disorders & Transfusion

Neutropenia and Quality of Life: Economic, Psychological Perspectives for Patients and Caregivers

Faing Xuin^* Department of Neuropathy, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
^*Correspondence: Faing Xuin, Department of Neuropathy, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, Email:

Received: 22-May-2023, Manuscript No. JBDT-23-21797; Editor assigned: 24-May-2023, Pre QC No. JBDT-23-21797 (PQ); Reviewed: 15-Jun-2023, QC No. JBDT-23-21797; Revised: 22-Jun-2023, Manuscript No. JBDT-23-21797 (R); Published: 29-Jun-2023, DOI: 10.4172/2155-9864.23.14.567

Description

Neutropenia occurs when we have few neutrophils, it is a type of white blood cell that fights infections. Neutropenia can be caused by genetic disorders, infections, autoimmune diseases, drugs, or cancer treatments. Neutropenia can increase the risk of infections; especially those caused by bacteria, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Neutropenia can also affect the quality of life, psychological well-being, and economic burden of patients and caregivers.

Quality of life

Quality of Life (QOL) is a subjective measure of how a person perceives their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. QOL can be influenced by many factors, such as health status, symptoms, functional abilities, social support, coping skills, and personal values. Neutropenia can have a negative impact on QOL by causing physical symptoms, such as fever, pain, fatigue, and mouth ulcers; limiting daily activities and social interactions; increasing the need for medical care and hospitalizations; and reducing the sense of control and autonomy. Adult patients with chronic severe neutropenia conditions had significantly lower QOL scores than healthy controls in domains such as fatigue, physical function, cognitive function, and pain. Another study by Kuderer found that cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia had lower QOL scores than those without neutropenia in domains such as role functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning, and global health.

Psychological well-being

Psychological well-being is a broad concept that encompasses aspects such as mood, self-esteem, coping skills, stress management, and resilience. Psychological well-being can be affected by various factors, such as personality traits, life events, social support, and health conditions. Neutropenia can impair psychological well-being by causing emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, fear, anger, and frustration; affecting selfimage and self-confidence; impairing coping skills and problemsolving abilities; and reducing the sense of meaning and purpose in life. According to a study by Michniacki, adult patients with chronic severe neutropenia conditions had significantly lower scores than healthy controls in domains such as depression and anxiety. Another study by Kuderer neutropenia had higher levels of distress than those without neutropenia.

Economic burden

Economic burden is a term that refers to the direct and indirect costs associated with a health condition or treatment. Direct costs include medical expenses, such as medications, tests, procedures, hospitalizations, and physician visits. Indirect costs include non-medical expenses, such as transportation, childcare, home care services, and lost productivity. Neutropenia can impose a significant economic burden on patients and caregivers by increasing the need for medical care and hospitalizations; requiring additional medications or treatments to prevent or treat infections; causing work absenteeism or disability; and affecting household income and financial security. According to a study by Lyman, the average direct cost per episode of febrile neutropenia (a serious complication of neutropenia) among cancer patients was in the United States. Estimated that the annual indirect cost per patient with severe chronic neutropenia was in the United States.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Neutropenia poses a significant challenge to the well-being of patients and caregivers, affecting their quality of life, psychological health, and financial stability. The condition manifests through various physical and emotional symptoms, functional limitations, social isolation, and increased medical costs. However, there is chance through multidisciplinary interventions that address the holistic needs of those affected, encompassing physical, mental, social, and financial aspects.

Oncology nurses hold a crucial role in assisting patients and caregivers in managing the adverse effects of Neutropenia, thus enabling them to maintain a better quality of life throughout their lifetime.