Fever of Unknown Origin
Hona Brown; Nancy A. Finnigan.
https://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/books/NBK532265/#article-21718.s1
Brown I, Finnigan NA. Fever
[Updated 2022 Aug 22]. In:
8 Publishing; 2022
+//wme.nebi..nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532265/
Peal
Jan-. Available from: http:
ernet]. Treasui
Introduction
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) was first described by Dr. Petersdorf and Dr, Beesom in
1961.{1] FUO was defined as a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees
Centigrade) or higher with a minimum duration of three weeks without an established
diagnosis despite at least one week's investigation in the hospital. This definition was later
‘changed to accommodate technological advances allowing for sophisticated outpatient
evaluations, increasing numbers of immunocompromised individuals including those with
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and
more complex treatment options becoming available. The revi
Durack and Street in 1991 divided cases into four distinct subclass
nosocomial FUO, neutropenic FUO, and HIV-related FUO.{2]
‘A comprehensive history and physical examination can aid in diagnosis and direct diagnostic
testing. Recommended investigations for work-up include complete blood count (CBC) with
differential, three sets of blood cultures (from different sites, several hours apart, and before
initiation of antibiotic therapy. if indicated), chest radiograph, complete metabolic panel
(including hepatitis serologies if liver fumetion tests are abnormal), urinalysis with
microscopy and urine culture, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). C-reactive protein
(CRP), antinuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RA), cytomegalovirus IgM
antibodies or virus detection in blood, heterophile antibody test, tuberculin skin test,
HIV testing and computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen.(3)
Over 200 malignantneoplastic, infectious, rheumatic/inflammatory, and miscellaneous
disorders can cause FUO.|‘] Providers often order non-clue-based imaging and specific
testing early in the FUO workup, which may be misleading and is certainly not
economical. [4] Despite extensive workup and diagnostic advances, up to 51% of FUO cases
remain undiagnosed,{5][6] In modern medicine, FUO remains one of the most challenging
diagnoses.
Itis important to note that immunocompromised and HIV patients may require an
entirely different approach in diagnosing and treatment of recurrent fevers. This article
focuses on FUO in immunocompetent adult patients.|3]
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Etiology
The causes of fever of unknown origin (UO) are often common conditions presenting
atypically. The list of causes is extensive, and it is broken down into broader categories, such
as infection, noninfectious inflammatory conditions, malignancies, and miscellaneous.