Febrile Neutropenia
- diagnostic temperature
PLUS what?
Fever ≥ 38.3 oC oral in a single measurement ≥ 38 oC in two measurements within 1 hour PLUS Low absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≤ 500 cells/μL
Could be axillary or oral NEVER RECTAL for people who have cancer/ have low neutrophils
Who gets Febrile Neutropenia
Usually after a week after their last chemotherapy (nadir of ANC)
Less than half have a documented infection
PHYSICAL EXAM and CLINICAL SUSPICION are key
Protocols exist in order to not miss things
What should you think of for Neutropenia
Secondary to Cancer Chemotherapy
What should you think of with Fever in Cancer Patients In the absence of obvious symptoms
If persistent fever: especially while on very extensive and broad spectrum antibiotics, THEN think of fungal illness
Candida spp, Aspergillus spp
What should you think of with Fever in Cancer Patients With specific symptoms
Think of central line sepsis especially if IV site is red and/or painful
MOST COMMON CAUSE OF BACTEREMIA IN CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY PATIENTS = CoNS
If diarrhea: think of C. difficile
What to think of with Fever in Cancer Patients With symptoms of mucositis and/or shock
Think of all of the above AND:
Streptococcus viridans
This relatively benign respiratory tract organism has been increasingly associated with shock and ARDS in cancer patients on chemotherapy
Risk factors include:
“strong” chemotherapy which may lead to mucositis
High dose Ara-C
recall these are IMMUNE SUPPRESSED PATIENTS so commensal organisms are dangerous in this group
What are the Empiric Antibiotic Choices for Fever in Cancer Patients
Overall at minimum must cover all of the following:
IF there is the presence of mucositis or shock, must cover Streptococcus viridans also
IF you know or suspect resistance, what organisms should you think of?
MRSA, ESBL, VRE
Empiric Therapy for NEWLY diagnosed patient coming in with fever
Any antibiotic that covers community organisms causing pneumonia, and sepsis
e.g. Ceftriaxone IV
+/- “atypical” organism coverage
If signs of viral illness
Oseltamivir?
Acyclovir?
Empiric Therapy
KNOWN cancer patient coming in with febrile neutropenia
Broad spectrum beta-lactams \+/- aminoglycosides IV \+/- vancomycin IV depending on clinical condition Line sepsis Septic shock Known MRSA colonization Sometimes oral therapy is used eg. Ciprofloxacin + Clindamycin
What should you think of in: Fever that persists with neutropenia, on broad spectrum AB
THINK FUNGAL INFECTION
Fever in cancer patients Empiric antifungal treatment?
Usually not given empirically IN THE BEGINNING unless there is clinical evidence for a fungal infection:
A minority of patients (~4%) will have invasive fungal disease
KEY: Antifungals are started if fever persists past 4 days in cancer patients with febrile neutropenia
Or sooner as needed (clinical and/or lab evidence)
Once you think of fungal infection, what else should you recommend (investigations)
Need to see where the supposed Candida spp has caused disease:
Need liver and spleen imaging
Need retinal exam
Chest CT
Usually Candida spp will infect the above tissues first before any blood tissue
i.e. blood is the last tissue to get infected
Imaging studies are most sensitive when neutropenia has resolved as abscesses will then form (especially for hepatosplenic candidiasis).
* so you WAIT till neutrophils is back UP before chest CT**
Fever in cancer patients : A quick note about invasive aspergillosis
Patients with severe (ANC <100 cells/mL) AND prolonged neutropenia (> 10 days)
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Treatment is usually with Voriconazole IV (best results of all antifungals for this) until radiographic resolution (may take 1 – 2 months, AT LEAST).
Fever in Cancer patients; Thoughts on Empiric Antiviral treatment?
There is NO ROLE for empiric antiviral treatment unless there is an obvious clinical need:
What is the Duration of Therapy for Cancer Fever Neutropenic patients on Antimicrobials/virals
Antimicrobials/virals are continued: For the duration of a specific illness treatment - At least 10 – 14 days AND - Until no fever AND - At least until ANC >500 cells/mL
If NO bacteremia and/or source identified
What is the Duration of Therapy for Cancer Fever Neutropenic patients on Antifungals
If antifungals are started:
Documented fungal invasive disease
No documented disease
- Treat until you can rule out hepatosplenic candidiasis and candidal retinitis
How to treat fever in BONE MARROW transplant patients?
read the three slides
Take home points for Febrile neutropenia in cancer patients
High morbidity and mortality
Swift and empiric therapy is required
Must cover: Gut organisms (including anaerobes) Pseudomonas aeruginosa Staphylococcus aureus Respiratory organisms
Empiric use of vancomycin is not needed unless:
Shock
Mucositis
Line sepsis
Known MRSA
Known bacteremia with gram positive cocci
Febrile neutropenia in cancer patients Take Home Points on Empiric Use of
a. Antifungals
b. Antivirals
Empiric use of antifungals is not needed unless:
Empiric use of antivirals is not needed unless:
Clinical presentation of a treatable viral illness
*Especially symptoms of INFLUENZA
Signs of Odontogenic Infections
Face DISTORTED
Hand on the swelling because it is painful
REDNESS
ESPECIALLY IF: The mouth is OPEN, if tongue is protruded = airway issue
think of painting
How does facial swelling and facial space involvement occur secondary to an odontogenic infection?
These lectures will consider infections arising from the pulp ( the nerve) , although the same manifestations can arise from infections of:
Odontogenic Infections can spread via:
4 & #5 occur if infection is draining into the mouth
The outcome of the odontogenic infection is dependant on:
Immunodepressed or compromised patients Include:
Malnourished, especially secondary to alcoholism
Cancer / radiation / chemotherapy
Poorly controlled diabetic
Steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs