Objectives:

To describe the properties of several cytokines and their relationship with the presence of bacteraemia by measuring interleukins1ß, 6, 8,10,12p70, and tumour necrosis factor (TNFa) at four different times in patients with acute leukaemia and febrile neutropenia.

Methods:

Plasma samples were obtained on diagnosis of neutropenia, at the onset of fever, and at 24 hours and 48 hours thereafter. They were stored at -70° C and then thawed for processing by flow cytometry. Medians were used along with their corresponding dispersion measurements.

Results:

There were no reports of death at discharge. The rate of positive blood cultures was 25%, which was similar to that reviewed in the literature, with predominance of the isolation of Gram negative bacteria. Interleukins 10 and 6 showed a higher percentage of variation during the time of fever on comparing the bacteraemia group with the non- bacteraemia group. IL1, IL12p70, and TNF a 士showed serum levels below the detection limit of the test.

Conclusions:

Cytokines could play a promising role in the monitoring of febrile neutropenic patients, given the potential association with the presence of bacteraemia, an outcome well known as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in this population. However, more studies with a larger population are required to define a clear recommendation in the management guidelines for febrile neutropenia after chemotherapy.

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