Nursing care in autologous hematopoietic progenitor transplantation

Abstract

Background: Autologous hematopoietic progenitor transplantation (auto-HPT) is a treatment for hematologic diseases that involves infusion of the patient's hematopoietic stem cells. It requires prior myeloablative conditioning and specialized care. The procedure, potential complications, and nursing care at different stages were described. Methods: Systematic review using the PRISMA approach, with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search was performed in multiple databases in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, between 2019 and 2023. Twenty full articles that met the criteria were analyzed. Results: The most commonly used source of hematopoietic progenitors at present is peripheral blood. Before infusion, the patient receives conditioning with high-dose chemotherapy. The main complication is infections; overall survival at 5 years is 68-80%. Nursing care in auto-HPCT is indispensable in all its stages because it performs preventive care, patient education, nutritional and emotional support, management of complications, and subsequent reintegration. Conclusion: Specialized and timely nursing care, based on the available evidence, allows improving the results and reducing the complications associated with auto-HPT, impacting the survival and quality of life of these patients.