Updated IDSA Guidelines for Neutropenic Patients with Cancer

The updated Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines emphasize risk stratification and immediate empirical antibiotics.

Fever is often the only manifestation of serious underlying infection in patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <500 mm³). The Infectious Diseases Society of America has updated its 2002 guidelines for use of antimicrobial agents in such patients.

Among the new recommendations are:

Patients should be categorized as being at low risk or high risk for complications of severe infection.
High-risk patients — those with prolonged (>7 days), profound neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count ≤100 cells/mm³) or serious medical comorbid conditions — should be admitted and given monotherapy with an antipseudomonal β-lactam agent. Modifications to this regimen might be necessary for patients at risk for antibiotic-resista…

Reviewing Author

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)