Personalized Fever Cutoffs for Neutropenic Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Ivayla I Geneva, Corsi Anthony J, Searles Madison, Lupone Christina D
Primary Institution: State University of New York Upstate Medical University
Hypothesis
Patients' individual baseline body temperature provides diagnostic and prognostic value in managing neutropenic fever.
Conclusion
Using personalized cutoffs based on individual baseline body temperature may improve the diagnosis of neutropenic fever and predict hospital length of stay.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients' average baseline body temperature was 36.7°C.
- Fever was identified in 48% of cases, all due to infections.
- Using personalized cutoffs, 54% of patients had persistent fever compared to 24% using the standard cutoff.
Takeaway
Doctors should check each patient's normal body temperature to decide if they have a fever, instead of using the same temperature for everyone.
Methodology
Retrospective analysis of 92 adults admitted for neutropenic fever, examining temperature deviations and hospital outcomes.
Potential Biases
Data collection was retrospective and may have introduced selection bias.
Limitations
Retrospective design limits causal inference; potential confounding factors include medication effects and variability in baseline temperature measurements.
Participant Demographics
Ages ranged from 20 to over 90 years, with an average age of 55; both sexes were equally represented.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website