Febrile Neutropenia In Thoracic Malignancies

Abstract

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a critical medical condition characterized by fever resulting from infectious or non-infectious etiologies. This condition is accompanied by a masive decline in blood neutrophil counts, rendering patients highly susceptible to life-threatening infections. The incidence of FN varies depending on the type of malignancy and the use of chemotherapy regimens; patients with leukemia or lymphoma are at a significantly elevated risk. The pathophysiology of FN involves chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression, leading to reduced neutrophil production and decreased immune response to infection. The etiology of FN is often associated with infection from gram negative and gram positive and, less frequently, fungal and viral infections. Diagnostically, the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) score and the Clinical Index of Stable Febrile Neutropenia (CISNE) are utilized for risk stratification and to determine appropriate management strategies. Management of FN involves the early administration of antibiotics and hospitalization based on the patient's risk profile. Preventive measures include the use of prophylactic antibiotics and Myeloid Growth Factors (MGFs) in high-risk patients to reduce infection risks and improve clinical outcomes.