Neutropenic Sepsis

Question 1

Definition of sepsis

and Neutropenia

Answer 1

Life threatening organ dysfunction due to hosts dysregulated immune response.
Neutrophil count Less than 0.5 10^9 /L

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

DMARDs - sulfasalazine, methotrexate, cytotoxic chemotherapy (myeloid leukaemia), azothioprine.

Bone marrow failure - myeloma, leukaemia

Haemopoetic stem cell transplant.

Question 3

Symptoms

Answer 3

Dysuria, diarrhoea, productive cough, chills, rigors.

Temp above 38

Question 4

Management

Answer 4

Sepsis 6 bundle with antimicrobial therapy given at maximum possible dosage.
Antipseudomonal - Tazobactam (piperacillin).

GCSF

Question 5

Follow Up

Answer 5

Explain importance of infection control when immunocompromised.

Basic advice to make sure patient will not get open wounds (gloves when gardening, washing hands regularly).