Neutropenia febril: el punto de vista del hematólogo

Notable advances have been made in the last 20 years as regards treatment of the haematology-oncology patient. Without a doubt, one of the most remarkable advances has been the reduction in infectious complications, as well as the decrease in the neutropenic period due to the use of haematopoietic growing factors. Nevertheless, febrile neutropenia (FN) is a severe consequence of using myelosuppressive chemotherapy, which usually leads to hospital admission, and the use of intravenous antibiotics, using important health system resources. FN is related to dose reductions and delay or suspension of chemotherapy, affecting the final outcome of treatment. It is essential to be able to identify patients with a high risk of developing FN so that they can receive optimal chemotherapy, FN risk management, as well as receiving a timely diagnosis and treatment.