Neutropenic Fever in the ICU Term Paper

Total Length: 964 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1+

Page 1 of 3

Neutropenic Patients with Fever in the MICU

Neutropenia can be defined as a reduction in the total blood neutrophil count. It is frequently the cause of greater susceptibility to infections with fungal or bacterial pathogens and is often a cause of iatrogenic disease, morbidity and mortality within the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). Neutropenia us generally classified based upon the relative granulocyte count. (Total white blood cell [WBC} count multiplied by the percent of granulocytes) as well as the individual patient's relative risk of infection, based upon intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Neutropenia may be classified as mild (1000 to 2000/microliter), moderate (500 to 1000/microliter) and severe (
It should also be noted that the effect of anti-neoplastic drugs usually effect the neutrophil count in a predictable way. Other drugs can cause an idiosyncratic drug reaction, which would be neither dose nor duration related. For this reason, when using a drug which may have the side effect of neutropenia, cell counts should be checked regularly, especially at the initiation of therapy.

It should be noted there may also be a diminished neutrophil count in patients who have rare hereditary or congenital disease, such as familial neutropenia, patients who suffer from pancreatic insufficiency and immune disorders. In these cases, the reduced production of neutrophils may be compounded by the addition of drugs which exert a negative effect on neutrophil production and should be considered before the initiation of such drugs. Other diseases such a malignancies, granulomatous diseases, b12 deficiencies and folate deficiencies (as are often seen in patients which chronic alcoholism) can also exert an effect on neutrophil count. Patients who undergo hemodyalis may experience neutropenia secondary to complement activation from the exposure of the blood to the foreign surface. All these issues should be considered when evaluating the cause of neutropenic fever in….....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Neutropenic Fever In The ICU" (2005, September 07) Retrieved May 20, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/neutropenic-fever-icu-67923

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Neutropenic Fever In The ICU" 07 September 2005. Web.20 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/neutropenic-fever-icu-67923>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Neutropenic Fever In The ICU", 07 September 2005, Accessed.20 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/neutropenic-fever-icu-67923