Description

Sachak et al reported criteria for the diagnosis of neutropenic entercolitis. This can help to reduce misdiagnosis. The authors are from the Ohio State University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, University of California Los Angeles, Mayo Clinic, Children's Medical Center of Dallas and the University of Arkansas.


Major criteria:

(1) compatible histology (necrosis, ulceration, edema, hemorrhage, infiltrating organisms, scant inflammation)

(2) at least borderline neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <= 2,000 per µL)

(3) gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain)

(4) immunosuppression

(5) history of recent chemotherapy

(6) exclusion of other etiologies (GVHD, appendicitis, colitis, ischemia, drug toxicity, etc)

 

Minor criteria:

(1) body temperature > 38°C (fever)

(2) bowel wall thickening > 4 mm over a length > 30 mm

(3) positive microbiologic studies


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