title: Neutropenic enterocolitis.
abstract: Neutropenic colitis is a severe condition usually affecting immunocompromised patients. Its exact pathogenesis is not completely understood. The main elements in disease onset appear to be intestinal mucosal injury together with neutropenia and the weakened immune system of the afflicted patients. These initial conditions lead to intestinal edema, engorged vessels, and a disrupted mucosal surface, which becomes more vulnerable to bacterial intramural invasion. Chemotherapeutic agents can cause direct mucosal injury (mucositis) or can predispose to distension and necrosis, thereby altering intestinal motility. This article aims to review current concepts regarding neutropenic colitis' pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.
authors.affiliation: Fabio G Rodrigues, Giovanna Dasilva, Steven D Wexner, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States.
authors.forename: Fabio G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.affiliation: Fabio G Rodrigues, Giovanna Dasilva, Steven D Wexner, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States.
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dasilva
authors.affiliation: Fabio G Rodrigues, Giovanna Dasilva, Steven D Wexner, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States.
authors.forename: Steven D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Wexner
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003082:Colectomy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D044504:Enterocolitis, Neutropenic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D017708:Leukocyte Transfusion; D008150:Lower Body Negative Pressure; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications*; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D053706:Typhlitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
keywords: Immunocompromise; Intestinal edema; Intestinal mucosal injury; Intramural invasion; Neutropenia; Neutropenic colitis; Neutropenic enterocolitis; Pathogenesis