An Integrated Review: Outpatient Care and Management of Fever and Neutropenia Among the Pediatric Oncology Population

AbstractIn the pediatric population, comprehensive cancer treatment and its associated side effects significantly impact their physical and emotional well-being. Though chemotherapy drugs are valuable agents against cancer cells, they also damage healthy dividing cells, such as bone marrow, thus weakening the immune system. Febrile neutropenia (FN) and associated infections remain the most critical complications of the extensive chemotherapy regimen and can threaten life if not appropriately addressed. Appropriate primary evaluation and treatment of FN in children with cancer includes administering proper broad-spectrum antibiotics. Ongoing research has focused on improving quality of life (QoL); yet, FN has persisted as the main reason for unplanned hospitalization. By contrast, studies have shown that the immediate initiation of neutropenic precautions, home management, and proper oral antibiotics have effectively and safely treated low-grade FN. This integrated review sought to address the effectiveness and significance of this treatment and management of FN. Carefully administering low-grade FN treatment at home will reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and increase patient QoL.