Febrile neutropenia can be defined as a decrease in the number of neutrophils, detected in the blood test, less than 500 / L, associated with a fever greater than or equal to 38 ° C for 1 hour; This situation is more common in cancer patients after chemotherapy and can have consequences and complications in treatment if not treated right away.
Neutrophils are the main blood cells responsible for protecting and fighting infections, considering the normal value between 1600 and 8000 /L, which can vary from lab to lab. When the number of neutrophils is equal to or greater than 500/L, it is considered severe It is considered neutropenia, making it more likely that the person will develop infections by microorganisms that naturally inhabit the body.
- Febrile neutropenia is a common complication in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Being one of the leading causes of death in these patients.
- As decreased neutrophils increase a person’s risk of serious infections.
In addition to chemotherapy, febrile neutropenia can occur as a result of chronic infections caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis. Learn about other causes of neutropenia.
Treatment of febrile neutropenia varies depending on severity. Patients who have been identified with severe febrile neutropenia, in which the number of neutrophils is less than or equal to 200/L, are usually treated with the use of antibiotics belonging to the beta-lactamic class, fourth generation cephalosporins or carbapenemics. In addition, in the case of a clinically unstable patient suspected of having a resistant infection, the use of another antibiotic to fight the infection may be recommended.
In cases of low-risk febrile neutropenia, the patient is usually monitored and a complete blood formula should be performed periodically to check neutrophil levels. In addition, if a fungal or bacterial infection is confirmed, the use of antimicrobials, whether antibiotics or antifungals, may be recommended by the doctor depending on the agent responsible for the infection.
When febrile neutropenia occurs after chemotherapy, it is recommended that antibiotic treatment begin as soon as possible within one hour of the fever search.