Early Diagnosis of Neutropenic Enterocolitis by Bedside Ultrasound in Hematological Malignancies: A Prospective Study.

ABSTRACT: (1) Background: Neutropenic enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening complication following chemotherapy with high mortality rates. Early diagnosis is crucial to improve outcomes. We designed a large prospective study employing bedside ultrasonography (US) as a novel approach to allow early diagnosis and prompt treatment to reduce mortality. (2) Methods: NEC was defined as US or computed tomography (CT)-proven bowel wall thickness ≥ 4 mm at the onset of at least one of the following symptoms: fever and/or abdominal pain and/or diarrhea during neutropenia. From 2007 to 2018, 1754 consecutive patients underwent baseline bedside US that was invariably repeated within 12 h from the onset of symptom(s) suggestive of NEC. (3) Results: Overall, 117 episodes of NEC were observed, and overall mort

SUBMITTER: Benedetti E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8468879 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature