Enterocolitis neutropénica en el paciente oncológico pediátrico / Neutropenic enterocolitis in the pediatric cancer patient

Resumen La enterocolitis neutropénica (ECN) es una enfermedad heterogénea de foco digestivo, pero afectación sistémica, que corresponde a una condición clínica grave que amenaza la vida de pacientes inmunocomprometidos, particularmente oncológicos pediátricos. De patogenia aún poco definida y aunque de causa multifactorial, la ECN se asocia a los efectos citotóxicos de la quimioterapia empleada y se caracteriza por la triada clásica que incluye fiebre, neutropenia y dolor abdominal, donde la principal injuria se localiza en la mucosa intestinal, provocando su alteración como barrera y facilitando la invasión bacteriana intramural. La ECN constituye un reto diagnóstico para el equipo tratante, que requiere ser oportuno y contar con apoyo de un óptimo laboratorio general e imagenológico, para iniciar un completo manejo multidisciplinario en unidades y centros de alta complejidad. Se presenta una revisión actualizada del tema incorporando aspectos epidemiológicos, factores de riesgo, elementos de apoyo diagnóstico, consideraciones terapéuticas y medidas de prevención a fin de aportar en el conocimiento de esta patología, y reducir morbimortalidad en estos pacientes.

Abstract Neutropenic enterocolitis (NEC) is a heterogeneous disease of the gastrointestinal tract with systemic response, that corresponds to a severe and life-threatening clinical condition in immunocompromised patients, especially in childhood cancer. The pathologic features are poorly understood, although its multifactorial cause of NEC is well established and it is associated with the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapy agents used and recognized by the classic triad of fever, neutropenia, and abdominal pain, secondary to gastrointestinal injuries that alters mucosal permeability and helps intramural bacterial invasion. NEC is truly a clinical challenge that requires an early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach including basic laboratory and imagological tests in high complexity centers. We present a current review, adding epidemiological aspects, risks factors, diagnostic support elements, therapeutic considerations, and preventive measures in order to provide knowledge of this disease and help to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with it.

[Fanconi anemia complicated by neutropenic enterocolitis]

Neutropenic enterocolitis [NEC] also known as typhlitis is an acute, life-threatening inflammation of the small and large bowel often seen in patients with leukaemia undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy; occasionally this syndrome could present in other immunocompromised patients. To report an unusual case of fanconi anemia complicated by neutropenic enterocolitis. We report a case of a 13-year-old boy affected by Fanconi anemia with severe neutropenia and who presented Neutropenic enterocolitis. Abdominal ultrasonography showed thickening of cecum and ascending colon of 1.18cm. The outcome was favourable with medical management. Neutropenic enterocolitis in Fanconi anemia is a rare and a severe illness; however the outcome is improved with early management

Neutropenic enteropathy.

Neutropenic enteropathy (NE) is used to describe the inflammation of the bowel in neutropenic patients under aggressive chemotherapy, mainly for lymphoproliferative and hematologic malignancies. Surgical intervention may be required in patients with the advent of the disease. We report our experience in 7 children with NE who had to be treated surgically. Absolute neutrophil counts were less than 1000/mm3 in all, with positive blood cultures in five patients. Four patients recovered with rapid resolution of neutropenia, while three patients died with persistent neutropenia.