It is a risk of cancer treatment.Neutrophilsare a pop in of white blood cell.
Neutropenic sepsis is especially dangerous because it happens when the bodys immune system is weak.
The symptoms of sepsis can include fluctuating blood pressure, respiratory distress, and unstable heart function.
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The infection requires treatment, and the systemic (whole-body) effects require intensive care.
Treatment of neutropenia can lower the risk of recurrent sepsis.
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What Is Sepsis?
Sepsisis a systemic reaction that can occur withsepticemia, which is an infection in the blood.
Sepsis can occur when an infection is so severe that it overwhelms organs throughout the body.
Sepsis is a medical emergency that can worsen rapidly.
This condition requires urgent and intensive medical care.
What Is Neutropenia?
White blood cells are immune cells, and there are several different types.
Neutrophils are the most common throw in of white blood cell.
They help fight bacterial and other types of infections and aid in healing and recovery from illnesses.
Neutropeniais a low white blood cell count.
How Is Neutropenic Sepsis Different From Non-Neutropenic Sepsis?
Chemotherapy and/or cancer itself predisposes a person to neutropenia.
Usually, sepsis happens when a localized bacteria or fungal infection spreads throughout the body.
The original infection can start anywhere in the body.
The initial symptoms that occur before sepsis develops usually correspond to the initial site of the infection.
For instance, there may be no fever and vague symptoms, like confusion or gastrointestinal upset.
In those undergoing chemotherapy or who have cancer, there is a predisposition to infection.
Therefore, the treatment for neutropenic sepsis may be different than treatments for non-neutropenic sepsis.
How Is Neutropenic Sepsis Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosis also includes identifying the site of infection.
Neutropenic sepsis requires intensive treatment.
Treatment of the infection is crucial.
Sometimes antifungal treatment is needed for the treatment of a systemic fungal infection.
Candida and Aspergillus are the most common fungal infections in neutropenic sepsis.
Precautions can include:
Staying updated on your recommended vaccinations is important, although the timing is tricky.
Sometimes a low white blood cell count can make vaccines less effective.
Summary
Neutropenic sepsis is a serious medical condition, with chemotherapy and/or cancer being a risk factor.
Neutropenia is a major risk factor for sepsis, and it is important to take neutropenic precautions.
The treatment of neutropenic sepsis involves treatment of the infection and close and careful management of the systemic effects.
A Word From Verywell
Neutropenic sepsis is a serious condition.
When your immune system recovers, your risk of neutropenic sepsis will go down as well.
In addition, confusion or gastrointestinal distress may be present in the neutropenic patient with sepsis.
Neutropenic sepsis can be very dangerous.
And resistant organisms that can’t be treated with standard antibiotics can cause neutropenic sepsis as well.
Anyone who is neutropenic is at risk of neutropenic sepsis.
Yale Medicine.Sepsis: symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
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