Ten-year study of demographic aspects, clinical and laboratory symptoms and out-comes of febrile-neutropenia patients admitted to the infectious ward of Imam Reza and Sina hospitals in Tabriz

Abstract

Febrile-Neutropenia is a serious medical emergency. Rapid identification and intervention can have a direct impact on patients' survival and quality of life. Various biomarkers and the results of studies, especially local ones, are used to determine the common pathogens and drug resistance in the region, to complete the diagnosis process and to improve the treatment regimen. Materials & Methods: In this study, out of 210 patient files, 158 cases were included in the study after reviewing the exclusion criterias. Necessary information was collected and statistically analyzed. The results were interpreted by an experienced infectious disease specialist. Results: The mean age of patients was 55.75 ± 1.259 in the range of 14 to 88 years with normal distribution. 127 people recovered after treatment and 31 died. The age of patients was directly related to the incidence and severity of neutropenia. The most common chief complaints of patients at the time of referral were fever and chills, diarrhea, weakness and lethargy. The most common underlying diseases were gastrointestinal cancers, blood cancers, breast cancers, connective tissue cancers, and uterine and ovarian cancers, and a history of chemotherapy had increased the risk of severe neutropenia. In 79 patients (50%) no foci of infection were identified for symptoms. Gastroenteritis, pneumonia and urinary tract infections were the most common foci of infection. No association was found between the results of blood tests with the severity of neutropenia and the final result. The most commonly used antibiotics were Vancomycin, Cefepime, Tazocin, Meropenem, Metronidazole, and Ciprofloxacin.