Immunocompromised patients with fever

 An immunocompromised patient with fever should be managed as follows:

• If neutropenic or the source of the infection is unknown, treat as per Initial Management of Neutropenic Sepsis in Adults Guidelines.
• If not neutropenic and the source of infection has been identified (excluding stem cell transplant patients) then manage as per empirical infection management guidelines based on identified source of infection (see the NHSGGC Infection Management Poster or the main infection section). Consider additional serious fungal or viral infection. Discuss with appropriate specialist and contact microbiology / infectious diseases unit for advice (see Appendix 6 for contact details).
• If patient is HIV positive then manage infection as per empirical infection management guidelines based on identified source of infection (see the NHSGGC Infection Management Poster or the main infection section). Contact infectious diseases consultant on call via switchboard.

Guideline reviewed: August 2023

Page last updated: November 2023