6.7c Oncologic emergencies

Question 1

Name 2 Oncologic emergencies

Answer 1

Neutropaenic sepsis
Spinal Chord Compression

Question 2

What are the symptoms of neutropaenic sepsis and why do they occur?

Answer 2

• Fever: This is often the primary symptom and is defined as a temperature above 38°C (100.4°F).
  * Chills and sweating: These may accompany the fever.
  * Weakness and fatigue: These symptoms can be due to the body’s response to infection and the demands it places on the immune system.
• Sore throat: It can be a sign of an upper respiratory tract infection.
• **Cough: **If the infection affects the respiratory system, a cough may develop.
• **Shortness of breath: **This can occur if the infection affects the lungs.
• Pain or burning sensation while urinating: This may indicate a urinary tract infection
• ** Skin infections or rashes:** These may develop if bacteria enter through breaks in the skin.

Question 3

How do NICE recommend you treat Neutropaenic sepsis?

Answer 3

• Identify the signs & symptoms
• Urgent referral to a specialist
• Immediate empirical broad spectrum antibiotic treatment before the results of blood cultures are available.
• Consider patient history and local antibiotic resistance trends
• Closely monitor to assess response
• Modify antibiotic if required after blood culture results.
• Supportive care: In addition to antibiotic treatment, patients with neutropenic sepsis may require supportive care, including intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, and management of any underlying medical conditions.

Question 4

What are the complications of neutropaenic shock?

Answer 4

• Septic Shock:
• Organ Dysfunction:
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS):
• Multi-organ Failure:
• Mortality