Sepsis.
OBJECTIVE
To review infection and sepsis in patients with cancer and to provide an overview of controversies and research-based practices of infectious complications and management strategies.


METHODS
Research studies, review articles, web sites, and consensus documents.


CONCLUSIONS
Traditional assumptions about infection and its optimal management are redefined by research regarding transfusion and catheter-related infections, prophylactic antibiotic administration, use of growth factors, and antimicrobial therapy regimens.


CONCLUSIONS
Infection is still the most common source of morbidity and mortality among cancer patients. The importance of recognizing high-risk patients, implementing infection prevention practices, and prompt intervention for infection symptoms has been established.
Shelton
B K
BK
Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004760:Enterocolitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications*; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*