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Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Updated 3/2011

Scott T. Henderson, MD
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BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Etiology

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Additional Treatment
  • Surgery
  • In-patient Considerations

Ongoing Care

  • Follow-Up Recommendations
  • Diet
  • Patient Education
  • Prognosis
  • Complications
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • Classic definition by Petersdorf and Beeson:
    • Fever over 38.3°C on several occasions
    • Fever duration at least 3 weeks
    • Uncertain diagnosis after 1 week of study in the hospital
  • Modifications to the definition have been proposed, including eliminating the in-hospital evaluation and shortening the exam time.
  • Some have suggested expansion of the definition to include nosocomial, neutropenic, and HIV-associated fevers that may not be prolonged.
Epidemiology
Incidence

No data on actual incidence

Risk Factors
  • Recent travel
  • Exposure to biologic or chemical agents
  • HIV-infected patients with advanced disease
  • Persons in AIDS risk group
  • Elderly
  • Drug abuse
  • Immigrants
  • Young female health care workers; consider factitious fever
Etiology
  • >200 causes; each with prevalence 5% or less
  • Infection ...

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