Management and Preventive Measures for Febrile Neutropenia

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is an oncological emergency and serious complication often resulting from chemotherapy. In patients with a weak or completely suppressed immune system, a fever may be the only sign of an underlying infection and immediate treatment is needed. Using risk evaluation scores, it is possible to stratify individual patient degree of risk. However, all patients warrant immediate antibiotic coverage. Antibiotic treatment of FN is broadened or narrowed based on individualized clinical scenarios. Prophylactic antimicrobials may be used in specific high-risk situations. This article briefly reviews FN, describes risk assessment tools, and discusses treatment and prophylactic options.