The addition of Colony Stimulating Factors to Antibiotic Therapy in Febrile Neutropenia

Report By: Caroline Smith - Medical Student
Search checked by Elizabeth Smith - Medical Student
Institution: University College London
Date Submitted: 4th August 2009
Last Modified: 26th August 2009
Status: Blue (submitted but not checked)

Three Part Question

In patients with [chemotherapy induced febrile neutropenia] does the [addition of colony stimulating factors to antibiotic therapy] reduce [mortality and hospitalisation time]?

Clinical Scenario

You are the Oncology registrar on call. A 38 year-old man with relapsed Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) who is receiving induction chemotherapy presents to hospital with fever. On clinical assessment he has a temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) and a neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count(ANC) is 150 cells/mm³). He also has a mucositis, hypotension and pallor. He is classed as a high risk febrile neutropenic patient and admitted in isolation on the wards. He is commneced on Timantin and Amikin antibiotic therapy. Your inquisitive medical student asks you about the role of colony stimulating factors in febrile neutropenia and you send her off to search for the evidence...