Approach to febrile neutropenia in the general paediatric setting

Abstract

Febrile neutropenia is common in children with cancer and can also occur outside of the oncology setting. The present article provides an overview of febrile neutropenia from the general paediatric perspective. In cancer patients, the principles of febrile neutropenia management have remained relatively constant. For neutropenic children with cancer, empirical antibiotics should be initiated at the onset of fever. There is insufficient evidence at this point to recommend exclusively outpatient management of the child with cancer-related febrile neutropenia. Far less is known about febrile neutropenia in the noncancer setting. The approach to this condition should be influenced by the underlying condition and its associated risk of invasive infection and serious outcome in the absence of hospitalization and empirical antibiotic therapy. ©2007 Pulsus Group Inc. All rights reserved.