Epidemiology and source of infection in cancer patients with febrile neutropenia: an experience from a developing country
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a life-threatening complication that predisposes cancer patients to serious infections. This study aims to describe the epidemiology and source of infection in cancer patients with FN in a tertiary care hospital.
METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted in a large tertiary care hospital from January 2020 to December 2021. Data on cancer patients with FN were collected from the hospital information system.
RESULTS: 150 cancer patients with FN were identified during the study period. Most patients were males (98; 65.3%), and the mean age of participants was 42.2 ± 16.0 years. Most patients (127; 84.7%) had hematologic malignancies, and acute myeloid leukemia was the most common diagnosis (42; 28%), followed by acute lymphocytic leukemia (28; 18.7%) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (20; 13.3%). Fifty-four (36%) patients had a median Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) scores greater than 21. Regarding the outcome, nine (6%) died, and 141(94%) were discharged. The focus of fever was unknown in most patients (108; 72%). Among the known origins of fever were colitis (12; 8%), pneumonia (8; 5.3%), cellulitis (6; 4%), bloodstream infections (7; 4.6%), perianal abscess (2; 1.3%) and others. The median duration of fever was two days, and the median duration of neutropenia was seven days. Sixty-three (42%) patients had infections: 56 (73.3%) were bacterial, four (2.6%) were viral, two (1%) were fungal and 1…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 150 participants or records.
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