Clinical Analysis of 317 Children with Fever of Unknown Origin
10.3969/j.issn.1008-8830.2001.02.009
- VernacularTitle:317例儿童不明原因发热的临床分析
- Author:
Li-Zhi CAO
1
;
Ying-Chao WANG
;
Xiao-Cheng YIN
Author Information
1. Xiangya Hospital Central South University
- From:
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics
2001;3(2):154-157
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To review the etiology of fever of unknown origin (FUO) and the methods used to establish a diagnosis. Methods A retrospective review of the medical records of 317 patients with FUO admitted between January, 1996 and December, 2000 was performed. Results Of the 317 children, 298 cases (94.0%) had a definitive etiology established. Of the 298 cases, 160 (53.7%) had infectious diseases and non-infectious diseases, such as collagen vascular disease, and neoplasm which accounted for a large fraction of the remainder. A diagnosis was established in 140 (47.0%) by comprehensive clinical analysis alone. Culture of bacteria in serum and biopsy specimens established a diagnosis in 64 cases (21.5%) and 37 cases (12.4%), respectively. Non-invasive imaging techniques (35 cases; 11.7%), autopsy (11 cases; 3.7%), bone marrow examination (6 cases; 1.9%) and retrospective diagnosis (5 cases; 1.7%) accounted for the remainder of the diagnosis. Conclusions Most cases of FUO can be diagnosed by clinical characteristics of the patients and by essential laboratory studies. Pathological examination is very important in diagnosing the etiology of FUO. Infectious diseases, collagen vascular disease and neoplasm are the major causes of FUO in children.
