Nonspecific Symptoms Lack Diagnostic Accuracy for Infection in Older Patients in the Emergency Department

CONCLUSIONSThe presence of either altered mental status or malaise/lethargy does not substantially increase the probability of bacterial infection in older adults in the ED and should not be used alone to indicate infection in this population. Fever of 38 °C or higher is associated with increased probability of infection.
Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Tags: Clinical Investigation Source Type: research