Pyrexia of unknown origin Flashcards
What is a normal temperature?
37’C
What is fever?
Elevation of body temp above normal (37)
How much can temperature vary normally?
0.8’C
What is SIRS?
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)
What are pyrogens?
Substances which cause fever
What are the two types of pyrogens?
Endogenous
Exogenous
What is an example of endogenous pyrogens?
Cytokines
What is an example of exogenous pyrogens?
Endotoxins from G-ve bacteria
What is the old definition of pyrexia?
Temp >38.8
Multiple occasions
At least 3 wks
One wk hospital evaluation
What is the modern definition of pyrexia?
3 outpatient visits OR
3 days in hospital OR
1 week outpatient investigation
What is nosocomial PUO?
Develops in hospital, undiagnosed after 3 days
What is neutropenic PUO?
Undiagnosed fever in patient with neutrophils <500/mm^3
What is HIV-associated PUO?
Fever in patient with HIV infection, present and undiagnosed >3days inpatient, >4wks outpatient
What are causes of classical PUO?
Infection Malignancy Inflammatory Other No diagnosis
What bacteria is the most common cause of PUO?
Mycobacterium