Contributor: Taylor Lynch, MD

Educational Pearls:

What is neutropenic fever?

Specific type of fever that is seen in cancer patients and other patients with impaired immune systems
These patients are highly susceptible to infection
Typically occurs 7-10 days after the last chemotherapy dose, this is when the immune system is the weakest
It is useful to know the specific type of malignancy. For example, heme malignancies (ALL, AML, etc.) have more intense chemo and are at higher risk of neutropenic fever
To qualify as a neutropenic fever, a patient must have one recorded temperature greater than 38.3 degrees C or be over 38 degrees C for one hour.
The severity of the neutropenic fever is established by the absolute neutrophil count. Abs neutrophil count under 1500 is mild, less than 1000 is moderate, less than 500 is severe.
Also look at monocytes (cell that becomes a macrophage). Less than 200 is very concerning

What is the workup and treatment?

Obtain a panculture (culture blood from both arms and all indwelling lines), obtain urine culture, and get a chest x-ray.
Do not preform a rectal exam or obtain a rectal core temperature. This could cause bacteremia.
Treat with Cefepime (broad range and includes pseudomonas but not MRSA). If there is concern for MRSA add vancomycin.
Admit with Neutropenic precautions (gowns, gloves, mask, positive pressure room)

References

Peseski, A. M., McClean, M., Green, S. D., Beeler, C., & Konig, H. (2021). Management of fever and neutropenia in the adult patient with acute myeloid leukemia. Expert review of anti-infective therapy, 19(3), 359–378. https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2020.1820863
Zimmer, A. J., & Freifeld, A. G. (2019). Optimal Management of Neutropenic Fever in Patients With Cancer. Journal of oncology practice, 15(1), 19–24. https://doi.org/10.1200/JOP.18.00269

Summarized by Jeffrey Olson, MS3 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMS3

Episode 928: Neutropenic Fever

Emergency Medical Minute