Pediatria pre prax 1/2009

Prolonged fever and fever of unknown origin in children

Fever is not a separate disease, it is a non-specific manifestation of many diseases states. In addition to prescribing effective antipyretic treatment, an important task for the pediatrician is instantly reveal the nature of the basic pathological process and suggest its proper therapy, if available. In certain cases however, the basic cause of the condition may remain for longer time unrevealed even despite a widespread initial evaluation, and the physician has to solve a differential-diagnostic problem, known as fever of unknown origin (FUO). During the diagnostic workup of recurring fevers, the periodic fever syndromes should be also considered.

Keywords: fever, fever and unknown origin, children.