Review article
Febrile neutropenia
Duška Petranović
; Zavod za hematologiju, reumatologiju i kliničku imunologiju, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Gorazd Pilčič
; Zavod za hematologiju, reumatologiju i kliničku imunologiju, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Antica Duletić Načinović
; Zavod za hematologiju, reumatologiju i kliničku imunologiju, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Milena Radaković
; Klinika za onkologiju, KBC Zagreb, Zagreb
Abstract
Neutrophils or neutrophilic granulocytes have an important role in human immune
response and serve to fight foreign organisms and initial infection. Neutrophil count ranges around 2,5 – 7,5x109/L (varies between laboratories). They represent about 60-70 % of all white blood cells present in peripheral blood. State with decreased absolute neutrophil
count is called neutropenia. It is very important not to overlook neutropenia as it can lead to infection, especially bacterial. Neutropenia can be caused by a variety of factors, one of these being chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia. This type of neutropenia is caused by a direct toxic effect of cytotoxic agents on granulocytopoietic cells which in turn block neutrophil development. Febrile neutropenia represents an iatrogenic syndrome, generally
characterized by fever (>38,5°C) along with decreased absolute neutrophil count (<0,5x109/L). It occurs frequently in patients receiving cytotoxic therapy. Febrile neutropenia is a hematological emergency which requires rapid detection and vigorous treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics in order to stop infections, their complications and possible lethal
outcome.
Keywords
clinical features; febrile neutropenia; treatment
Hrčak ID:
71756
URI
Publication date:
5.9.2011.
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