Early postoperative fever in pediatric oncology patients undergoing solid tumor resection
Topic overview
This retrospective study of 222 pediatric oncology patients found that 42% developed early postoperative fever after solid tumor resection, but only 2.8% had true infections requiring treatment. Risk factors included transfusion, neutropenia, and sarcoma histology, suggesting routine fever workups may be unnecessary in hemodynamically stable patients within the first 2 postoperative days.
Key takeaways
- 42% of pediatric oncology patients develop fever in first 2 postoperative days after solid tumor resection, but only 2.8% have true infection
- Transfusion, foley catheter, neutropenia, and sarcoma histology are significant predictors of early postoperative fever
- Routine fever workup costs average $455 per patient with minimal diagnostic yield when hemodynamic stability is maintained
- Empiric antibiotics were given to 36% of febrile patients despite infectious etiology being rare in early postoperative period
- Reserve testing and treatment for patients with hemodynamic instability or significant symptoms beyond isolated fever alone
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