Clinical Profile of Febrile Neutropenia in Children with Malignancies in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract Introduction: Febrile neutropenia is a dreadful complication associated with malignancies. Knowledge of locally prevalent pathogens and their resistance pattern is of paramount importance in guiding antimicrobial therapy. Aims/Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify the common infectious agent, antibiotic susceptibility of culture positive patients, and outcome Methods: We conducted a single-center prospective observational study. Forty-three children with febrile neutropenia episodes admitted in KKCTH, Chennai, were included in the study. The duration of the study was 1 year. Relevant patient and disease specific details were obtained, results were analyzed, and conclusions were drawn. Results: There were 90 episodes of febrile neutropenia. Overall culture positivity was identified in 37 cases (41.11%). Bacteremia (23.3%) was the most common cause of microbiologically documented infection. Gram-positive organisms (60%) were more commonly documented. Among the gram-positive organisms, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant isolate followed by Streptococcus. Central line–associated bloodstream infections were documented in 13.33%. Chemo-port removal was done in four children. Three had invasive fungal disease. The majority of the gram-negative isolates were resistant strains. Morbidity was significantly more in gram-negative infections. Overall outcome was good though three children succumbed to sepsis. Conclusion: A vigilant management of illness is essential. Chemo-port carries risk of severe infection. Protocol-based management of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) can limit the number of chemo-port removal. Though gram-positive organisms are in the rise, gram-negative organisms are still responsible for significant morbidity. Early initiation of broad-spectrum empirical antibiotics with optimal gram-positive coverage is crucial. Children with suspected fungal infections should be aggressively evaluated and treated. An organized approach is the key in successful management.