[Young child with fever of unknown origin in the 'post Haemophilus influenzae era'].
A 2.5-year-old boy and a 2-month-old girl presented with fever without an apparent source. Additional laboratory tests were requested due to alarming signs for the presence of a serious bacterial infection. Pneumonia and viral meningitis respectively were diagnosed, and adequate therapy led to a quick and complete recovery. Due to changing prospects following the near eradication of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections by vaccination, there are no suitable guidelines at present concerning fever without an apparent source in children. A selection of patients at risk can first of all be made based on patient history and a physical examination and secondly by carrying out additional laboratory tests. Furthermore, careful evaluation, clinical acumen, well-informed parents and observation are all important elements in the treatment of these patients.
Bleeker
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Academisch Ziekenhuis Rotterdam-Sophia Kinderziekenhuis, polikliniek Algemene Kindergeneeskunde, Dr. Molewaterplein 60, 3015 GJ Rotterdam. bleeker@alkg.azr.nl
Moll
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HA
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005335:Fever of Unknown Origin / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000821:virology*; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008587:Meningitis, Viral / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents