What is the recommended empiric treatment for febrile neutropenia?

Febrile neutropenia is a serious condition that often occurs in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, characterized by the presence of fever and a significant reduction in neutrophils, which are crucial for fighting off infections. The empirical treatment for febrile neutropenia must cover a broad range of potential pathogens, including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Cefepime, a fourth-generation cephalosporin, is an appropriate choice for empiric therapy in this context due to its broad-spectrum coverage. It is effective against many gram-negative organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and has some activity against gram-positive bacteria as well. This broad antimicrobial coverage is essential given the high risk for severe infections in patients with neutropenia.

In contrast, other options like cefazolin and ceftriaxone, while they can address some infections, do not provide the same level of broad-spectrum coverage necessary for the empiric management of febrile neutropenia. Ceftaroline, although it is effective for certain bacterial infections, does not have the broad coverage against resistant gram-negatives that cefepime offers. Thus, cefepime stands out as the most suitable empirical treatment option for managing febrile neutropenia