A circadian distribution to febrile episodes in neutropenic patients.
Four-hourly temperature charts relating to 63 febrile neutropenic episodes in 32 patients were assessed for a circadian distribution to the onset of fever (> 37.5 degrees C) using the Edward's test. A highly significant distribution was found with the maximum incidence of febrile events between the hours of 5 p.m. and midnight (acrophase 9.30 p.m.). Patients were 5.53 times more likely to develop fever at 9.30 p.m. that 9.30 a.m.
Maher
J
J
Department of Clinical Haematology/Oncology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Browne
P
P
Daly
L
L
McCann
S R
SR
Daly
P A
PA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents