Pediatrics fever

Question 2

What is the definition of fever in infants?

Answer 2

Core temp ≥38°C (100.4°F), measured rectally

Fever can indicate self-limited or life-threatening illness and evaluation varies by age.

Question 3

What is Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO)?

Answer 3

Fever >38.3°C for ≥3 weeks with no diagnosis after 1 week of evaluation

Common causes include infectious (EBV, TB, CMV) and non-infectious (JIA, lupus) conditions.

Question 4

List some common viral illnesses associated with fever.

Answer 4

• Influenza: fever, myalgia, cough
• RSV: wheezing, bronchiolitis
• Adenovirus: conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, rash
• Herpangina (coxsackievirus): painful ulcers, high fever

Treatment for influenza includes oseltamivir in high-risk patients.

Question 5

What is the most common bacterial infection in febrile infants?

Answer 5

Urinary Tract Infection

It is crucial to evaluate and manage febrile infants to identify potential infections.

Question 6

What clinical signs indicate pneumonia in children?

Answer 6

Cough, crackles, hypoxia

Diagnosis often requires a chest X-ray.

Question 7

What are the clinical features of Kawasaki Disease?

Answer 7

Fever >5 days + 4/5 clinical features: * rash * conjunctivitis * oral changes * extremity changes * lymphadenopathy

Requires lab work like ESR, CRP, and echo.

Question 8

What are some signs of leukemia in children?

Answer 8

Persistent fever, pallor, bruising, hepatosplenomegaly

These symptoms are critical in the evaluation of febrile children.

Question 9

What age group is considered high risk for fever and requires full sepsis workup?

Answer 9

Neonates (<28 days)

Hospital admission is typically necessary for this age group.

Question 10

What are the indications for hospitalization of a child with fever?

Answer 10

• Age <28 days with fever
• Toxic-appearing child
• Failure of outpatient management or undiagnosed FUO
• Need for IV antibiotics or monitoring

These criteria help ensure the safety and proper management of febrile children.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The most common non-infectious cause of FUO is _______.

Answer 11

[JIA]

Other non-infectious causes include lupus and certain malignancies.

Question 12

True or False: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a multisystem disease with a positive ANA.

Answer 12

True

It is important to consider autoimmune conditions in the differential diagnosis of fever.

Question 13

What is the approach to evaluating fever in children aged 3-36 months?

Answer 13

Focus on source, vaccines, appearance

This age group requires careful assessment to identify the cause of fever.