The role of temperature in the detection and diagnosis of neutropenic sepsis in adult solid tumour cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to examine the value of temperature as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator of infection and sepsis in neutropenic patients. A secondary aim was to gain insight into the presenting symptoms reported by these patients at home or on their initial admission assessment.

Methods: A cohort study was carried out using a case note review of 220 emergency admissions to a regional cancer centre.