Febrile Neutropenia
Febrile neutropenia is an oncologic emergency demanding rapid recognition and treatment due to the high risk of severe systemic infection and mortality. It is defined by a fever in a patient who has a significant reduction in the number of circulating neutrophils, the immune system's primary defense against bacterial pathogens. This condition requires immediate intervention to mitigate potential disaster.
The prompt initiation of empirical broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is the cornerstone of managing this critical condition before specific culture results are available. The lack of adequate immune cells means that infections can progress extremely quickly and overwhelming sepsis is a major concern. Risk stratification tools are routinely used to categorize patients based on expected complications and guide the appropriate setting for subsequent care management and monitoring.
The primary etiology is the myelosuppressive effect of chemotherapy, which inhibits the bone marrow’s ability to produce white blood cells, including neutrophils. When the absolute…