What is Neutropenic Sepsis?

Neutropenic sepsis is the unnatural reduction in neutrophils (an infection-fighting cell) due to an infection, in most cases, a bacterial infection. This condition normally occurs as a complication associated with anticancer treatment and with disorders of the bone marrow. During chemotherapy, the neutrophil count begins to drop within 5 to 7 days. It is at this stage that nearly 70%-100% of individuals are susceptible to bacterial infection that leads to death. The frequency of mortality ranges between 2% and 21%.

What are the Causes of Neutropenic Sepsis?

Neutropenic sepsis occurs due to:

Chemotherapy - Often observed in patients with solid tumors or in those with hematologic tumors
Disorders of the bone marrow - Other factors that predispose individuals undergoing chemotherapy to neutropenic sepsis are:
Prolonged hospital stay - Bacterial infection results from extended hospitalization, use of a catheter, chemotherapy, acute myeloid leukemia
The type of cancer (eg leukemia and lymphoma affecting the bone marrow)
Unique features of the affected individual
Failure of different organs after the initial sepsis is resolved – Circulatory, renal, hepatic

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