Aspectos clínicos y microbiológicos asociados a neutropenia febril en pacientes oncológicos; un estudio transversal

Abstract

Introduction: Neutropenic fever (NF), characterized by an absolute neutrophil count ANC <500/mcl and fever, can lead to sepsis, a condition with high mortality. This study focuses on identifying factors associated with NF in oncology patients who developed sepsis. Methodology: A retrospective and cross-sectional study was conducted at the SOLCA Hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador, between 2023 and 2024. The sample included patients over 18 years old with confirmed bacterial sepsis during or after chemotherapy. Those with sepsis from other causes and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome were excluded. Variables such as cancer type, number of chemotherapy cycles, and microbiological profile were analyzed, using statistical tests to evaluate correlations and mortality risks. Results: Of the 139 patients, 63.3% were women, with a mean age of 52.31 years in women and 51 years in men. NF was more common in women (81.3%), and mortality reached 94.6%. No significant association was found between the type of cancer and NF (P=0.44), although the abdominal focus was the predominant cause. The bacteria associated with NF did not show statistical significance. Patients with NF received more chemotherapy cycles and had an 8.9 times higher risk of death compared to those without NF. Conclusion: This study highlights the high incidence and severe impact of NF on mortality in oncology patients.