Supportive care in pediatric oncology: oncologic emergencies and management of fever and neutropenia

Abstract

Advancements in the care of children with cancer have, in part, been achieved through improvements in supportive care. Situations that require prompt care can occur at the time of presentation as well as during treatment. This article discusses the approach to children with fever and neutropenia, a complication encountered daily by care providers, as well as oncologic emergencies that can be seen at the time of a child's initial diagnosis: hyperleukocytosis, tumor lysis syndrome, superior vena cava syndrome, and spinal cord compression.

Keywords: Cancer; Early signs of childhood cancer; Fever; Infection; Neutropenia; Oncologic emergencies.