Neutropenic sepsis Flashcards
Definition of neutropenic sepsis
Oncological emergency
Temperature of greater than 38°C or any symptoms and/or signs of sepsis, in a person with an absolute neutrophil count of 0.5 x 109/L or lower.
Aetiology/risk factors of neutropenic sepsis
Chemotherapy
Bone marrow disorders
Age over 65 years
Multiple organ damage
Complications of neutropenic sepsis
Organ failure, invasive and atypical infection, coagulopathy, encephalopathy and delirium, psychological sequelae and death
Symptoms and signs of neutropenic sepsis?
Infection
Fever
Investigations of neutropenic sepsis?
Sepsis six
Temperature
Admit to hospital
Liaise with oncology
Do antibiotics help neutropenic sepsis?
Not really in all cases, prevention is best