Febrile Infant Flashcards
What is the most accurate way to obtain a temperature?
Rectal
Is fever itself dangerous? What good does it do?
Not dangerous itself
Recruits WBC’s and slows replication of virus and bacteria
Most fevers in kids are caused by?
Viruses
What are the SBI’s we need to rule out in febrile infants?
Sepsis, meningitis, PNA, bacteremia, bacterial enteritis, UTI, soft tissue or skin infection
What is the most common SBI in kids?
UTI
What are the three main categories for febrile infants?
First month or ill-appearing or high risk
Second month and well appearing
Third month and older
What are the features of a high risk patient?
toxic appearance immune compromise premature Hx of NICU stay (exposure to bugs) comorbidities Significant infectious exposure
What percent of febrile neonates have an SBI?
5–15%
What percent of febrile neonates that appear totally normal have an SBI?
about 5%
This is why we admit all kids <29 days old with a fever
What is the management of kids in first month of life, or are toxic appearing or high risk?
Labs: CBC, CRP, procalcitonin, blood and urine Cx, UA, LP
IV antibiotics
Admission
Consider CXR, RPP, Stool studies
What are the most common causes of SBI in neonates?
E. coli GBS Gram (-) enterococci Listeria MRSA Herpes
Why is Herpes so scary in neonates?
Very bad complications
<50% have any skin findings
Can be without fever or hypothermic
If a neonate is positive for a URI, can you stop there in your evaluation and treatment?
still 5% risk of SBI and treatment should be the same
What is the abx regimen for neonates/high risk/toxic appearing?
Cefotaxime + Ampicillin
Give Vanco if toxic appearing or NICU stay
Acyclovir if concern for herpes (many providers just give it)
Should abx be held until LP is done?
Abx are given BEFORE LP if the patient is really sick