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Neutropenic Fever

(Febrile Neutropenia)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Home | Health Information Center | Disease, Condition, & Injury Fact Sheets | Article

Definition

Neutropenic fever is a temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) in a person with neutropenia. Neutropenia is a low number of neutrophils in the blood. This is a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections.

White Blood Cells

Causes

The fever is caused by an infection.

Neutropenia can have many causes, such as cancer treatments. Other medicines, infections, or cancer itself may also be the cause.

Risk Factors

Having neutropenia raises the risk of infection and fever. It is also more common in older adults.

Other things that raise the risk of this health problem are:

Uncontrolled cancer
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Liver or kidney problems

Symptoms

The main sign is a fever. There may also be chills and sweating.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. An exam will be done.

Your blood may be tested.

You may have more tests to look for the site of the infection.

Treatment

An infection with neutropenia can be serious. Antibiotics will be given right away to treat infection.

Tests to find the cause of the infection can take a few days.

Prevention

Some people with this health problem are at high risk for infection. Antibiotics may be given to help stop one before it happens.

Other steps to lower the risk of infections are:

Good hand washing habits
Staying away from people who are sick
Getting flu and pneumonia vaccines on time

RESOURCES:

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

References:

Febrile neutropenia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/febrile-neutropenia. Updated October 4, 2019. Accessed December 11, 2019.

Infections in people with cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed December 11, 2019.

Taplitz RA, Kennedy EB, et al. Outpatient Management of Fever and Neutropenia in Adults Treated for Malignancy: American Society of Clinical Oncology and Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice Guideline Update. J Clin Oncol. 2018 May 10;36(14):1443-1453.

Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James Cornell, MD
Last Updated: 12/11/2019

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