Title : Perianal injury prevention in patients with leukemia
Abstract:
Background: In adults with hematologic malignancies, perianal injuries are complications that if left untreated, can result in sepsis or even death. Due to an increase in perianal injuries on an acute care oncology floor, a chart review was done for patients that had a hematologic malignancy and developed a perianal injury. From 2018 to 2021, 24 patients developed perianal injuries and of these 24 patients, all had received cytarabine. A literature review was conducted and found that cytarabine can cause rectal inflammation, which in combination with constipation, high caffeine intake, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia can place patients at risk for a perianal injury.
Objectives: This study examined whether nurse education would decrease perianal injuries.
Methods: A survey was done with the nurses of an acute care oncology floor to assess their knowledge of rectal injuries. 20 nurses were surveyed before education was given and after education on predisposing factors, prevention, and identification of rectal injuries was disseminated. Post-education there was an increase in staff knowledge of 33.15%.
Findings: One-year post intervention, it was found that there was a decrease in rectal injuries by 50%. These numbers show that nursing education and in turn patient education is vital to decrease rectal injuries in leukemia patients.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Patients that have a hematological malignancy and receive Cytarabine are at a higher risk for developing perianal injuries.
- Perianal injuries are not commonly discussed in literature and can be classified as a fissure, abscess, or fistula. These are all complications that can lead to sepsis, inability to move on to the next phase of treatment, and even death for patients with leukemia.
- Education on perianal injury prevention and identification is important for patients, their family members and healthcare providers to decrease rates of rectal injuries in leukemia patients.
