Febrile Neutropenia

Fever is defined as:

• a single (rectal) temperature ≥ 38.5 °C or
• temperature ≥ 38 °C for more than 2 hours or
• temperature ≥ 38 °C measured three times during 24 hours

There is a known increase of infections when neutrophil < 1.0 x 10⁹/l.  The infection risk increases with degree and duration of neutropenia. The neutropenia is considered severe when granulocytes are ≤ 0.5 x 10⁹/l.