Urine cultures at the onset of febrile neutropenia rarely impact antibiotic management in asymptomatic adult cancer patients

Abstract

Purpose: There is a paucity of data regarding the utility of routine urine cultures in adults with febrile neutropenia (FN) without urinary symptoms receiving protocolised antibiotics. This is reflected by inconsistent recommendations in international and regional FN guidelines. We addressed this issue by retrospectively reviewing the impact of routine urine cultures on antibiotic management in haematology cancer inpatients at a tertiary hospital. Methods: All haematology inpatients over a 5-year period (2011–2015) were retrospectively reviewed for episodes of FN (neutrophil count < 0.5 × 10 9 /L and fever > 37.5 °C). For each episode, demographic data, urinary tract symptoms and signs (abse..