Neutropenic sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a blood disorder that affects white blood cells. Chemotherapy is a common cause, and symptoms include fever, respiratory rate elevation, and organ dysfunction. Diagnosis involves blood tests and imaging, and treatment includes antibiotics and antivirals.
Neutropenic sepsis is also known as neutropenic sepsis. It is a condition caused by a blood disorder called neutropenia. The disorder progresses to life-threatening sepsis when an infection occurs and prompt treatment is not obtained.
This blood disorder affects a specific type of white blood cell known as a neutrophil. These white blood cells are important because they are the body’s main defense against bacteria entering the bloodstream. This condition causes a deficiency in the amount of neutrophils, which increases bacteria and leaves the patient vulnerable to developing infections.
Although there are different forms of neutropenia and sepsis can occur in any of them, it is more common that it is the result of chemotherapy treatment. In many cases, chemotherapy suppresses cell production in the bone marrow. Neutropenia sepsis can get worse if it’s not treated right away.
The symptoms of this type of sepsis vary according to the severity of the infection and the response of the body. General symptoms include fever and a mildly elevated respiratory rate. Patients with severe sepsis may also suffer from organ dysfunction or failure. Septic shock leads to dangerously low blood pressure that doesn’t respond to treatment.
The diagnosis of sepsis is achieved in several ways. Doctors should look for visible symptoms, including fever, inflammation, cough, and skin lesions. Visible signs of infection in the mouth or sinuses can also be used in diagnostics.
More tests are needed to confirm a visual diagnosis. A standard type of test is a complete blood count (FBC), used to measure the amount of neutrophils in the blood. Liver function tests and a series of blood cultures help ensure that organs are functioning properly. Coagulation tests are done to monitor red blood cells and clotting times.
Imaging tests can help determine sites of infection that aren’t visible or picked up by blood tests. Chest X-ray images may show neutropenic sepsis in the lungs. A microscopy or colonoscopy of your stool can determine if an infection has occurred in your colon.
Neutropenia sepsis treatment includes antibiotics, and the one prescribed will vary depending on the source of the infection. Although most infections start with bacterial invasion, some patients may also have viral infections. In addition to antibiotics, antivirals can also be used. Complications from sepsis, such as slow breathing, also require treatment. It is important to first treat the underlying conditions that are responsible for causing the sepsis before treatment of the symptoms of sepsis can begin.
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