Fever of Unknown Origin in Childhood

Michael J Chusid

doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2016.08.014

Fever of Unknown Origin in Childhood

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2017 Feb;64(1):205-230. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2016.08.014.

Author

Michael J Chusid¹

Affiliation

¹ Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Suite C450, 999 North 92nd Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53226, USA. Electronic address: mchusid@mcw.edu.

PMID: 27894446
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2016.08.014

Abstract

Childhood fever of unknown origin (FUO) is most often related to an underlying infection but can also be associated with a variety of neoplastic, rheumatologic, and inflammatory conditions. Repeated, focused reviews of patient history and physical examination are often helpful in suggesting a likely diagnosis. Diagnostic workup should be staged, usually leaving invasive testing for last. Advances in molecular genetic techniques have increased the importance of these assays in the diagnosis of FUO in children.

Keywords: Cancer; Diagnostic evaluation; Fever of unknown origin; Infection; Inflammation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Child
Diagnosis, Differential
Fever of Unknown Origin / diagnosis*
Humans
Medical History Taking
Molecular Biology
Physical Examination