Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
febrile neutropenia
Medical emergency in immunocompromised children presenting with fever and low neutrophil count.
Full Definition
Febrile neutropenia is defined as fever in a patient with an absolute neutrophil count below 500 cells/μL or expected to fall below this level within 48 hours. This condition represents a medical emergency in pediatric oncology and immunocompromised patients due to the high risk of life-threatening bacterial infections. Immediate empirical antibiotic therapy is required, and patients typically require hospitalization for close monitoring and treatment.
Usage
Usage note: Critical condition requiring immediate medical attention; emphasize urgency in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient with acute leukemia developed febrile neutropenia requiring immediate hospitalization." — Emergency department note
- "Febrile neutropenia protocols mandate empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics within one hour." — Clinical guideline
Also known as
neutropenic fever
Don't confuse with
simple febrile illness
viral syndrome