Neutropenia and fever in patients receiving chemotherapy in a community teaching hospital: results of a retrospective chart review

A retrospective chart review study of factors that may influence the outcome of cancer patients hospitalized with febrile neutropenia indicates that positive microbial cultures, older age, and hematologic malignancies may be associated with poor outcome (death during the hospitalization). The absolute neutrophil count was statistically significant only in patients with positive cultures. Good outcome was associated with negative microbial cultures and shorter length of hospital stay.