Core Outcomes and Definitions for Pediatric Fever and Neutropenia Research: A Consensus Statement From an International Panel

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There are no specific recommendations for the design and reporting of studies of children with fever and neutropenia (FN). As a result, there is marked heterogeneity in the variables and outcomes that are reported and new definitions continue to emerge. These inconsistencies hinder the ability of researchers and clinicians to compare, contrast and combine results. The objective was to achieve expert consensus on a core set of variables and outcomes that should be measured and reported, as a minimum, in pediatric FN studies. PROCEDURE: The Delphi method was used to achieve consensus among an international group of clinicians, pharmacists, researchers, and patient representatives. ..