Duration of fever and serious bacterial infections in children: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Parents of febrile children frequently contact primary care. Longer duration of fever has been related to increased risk for serious bacterial infections (SBI). However, the evidence for this association remains controversial. We assessed the predictive value of duration of fever for SBI.

Methods

Studies from MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases (from January 1991 to December 2009) were retrieved. We included studies describing children aged 2 months to 6 years in countries with high Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination coverage. Duration of fever had to be studied as a predictor for serious bacterial infections.

Results

Seven studies assessed the association between duration of fever and serious bacterial infections; three of these found a relations

SUBMITTER: Elshout G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3111584 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature