Pathophysiology of Febrile Neutropenia

Febrile Neutropenia A clinical presentation of fever ( one temperature reading > or = 38.5 C or 3 readings of > 38C but < or = to 38.5C per hour) in a neutropenic patient with an uncontrolled neoplasm involving the bone marrow or more usually in a patient undergoing treatment with cytotoxic agents. **(neutropenia- absolute neutrophil count of < 1000 cells/mm3 and can be associated with high risk of developing severe bacterial and fungal infections when absolute neutrophil count of < 500 cells/mm3)

Causes of Febrile Neutropenia Immunodeficiency ( Malignancy, malnutrition) Infections (75% of children with Febrile Neutropenia has documented site of infection) -Gram (+) cocci are the most common as well as P.aeruginosa, E. coli, and Klebsiella -Gram (-) pathogens-Enterobacter and Acinetobacter Malignancy (the cancer itself and/or the immunosuppressive drugs treatment for it)

Pathogenesis of Febrile Neutropenia in the Patient Etiology for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia(ALL) is still being studied but studies show that exposure to insecticides and fertilizers in adults contribute to its development. It is also the most common leukemia in children AZ has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (malignancy) involving the bone marrow and has underwent 3 cycles of chemotherapy (immunosuppressive) AZ becomes immunodeficient and acquired INFECTION (Pseudomonas) AZ developed Severe Febrile Neutropenia