Review and Updates on Pediatric Fever

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review is to discuss the management of febrile children and evaluate current and potential markers to screen for serious bacterial infection (SBI).Recent FindingsProcalcitionin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) seem to be the most useful; however, newer markers such as presepsin, neutrophil CD64, and secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) have shown to be promising. A confirmed viral infection lowers the risk of a concomitant SBI and may reduce the need for further invasive studies.SummaryThe approach and workup of a febrile infant still remain challenging. Biomarkers and viral testing serve as useful adjuncts in guiding clinical decision making but should not be used as definitive tools to rule out a SBI in children.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research