Febrile neutropenia history and symptoms

Pertinent history includes prior use of antimicrobial agents, potential infection exposures, previous documented infections or pathogen colonization, catheter or device placement, co-existence of noninfectious causes of fever, and co-morbidities. Symptoms secondary to inflammation are attenuated and fever is often the only clue indicative of an underlying infection.^[1]

Pertinent history should include new site-specific symptoms, prior use of antimicrobial agents, potential infection exposures, previous documented infections or pathogen colonization, catheter or device placement, and co-existence of noninfectious causes of fever, such as blood product administration. Underlying co-morbidities, such as diabetes, chronic obstructive lung disease, and/or recent procedures, should also be noted.

In neutropenic patients, manifestations secondary to inflammation are attenuated and fever is often the only clue indicative of an underlying infection.