What guidelines should I follow for the management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in primary care?

In primary care, management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia involves early recognition and prompt referral for suspected neutropenic sepsis, which should be treated as an emergency with immediate empiric antibiotic therapy, typically with piperacillin with tazobactam unless contraindicated ¹.

Patients should be educated about signs of neutropenic sepsis and instructed to seek urgent medical attention if symptoms develop ¹.

Prophylactic use of fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, may be offered during anticipated periods of neutropenia in adults receiving high-risk chemotherapy, with monitoring for antibiotic resistance ¹.

Healthcare professionals should provide training on neutropenic sepsis, and patients should be involved in decision-making and informed about when to contact healthcare services ¹.

In cases of confirmed neutropenic sepsis, assessment should include blood tests, clinical examination, and microbiological investigations, with treatment adjustments based on clinical response ¹.