Serum procalcitonin was significantly better than C-reactive protein in predicting bacteremia or meningitis in young febrile infants.
The prevalence of bacterial infections in febrile infants younger than 90 days is 5%–15%. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common, but invasive bacterial infections (IBIs) such as bacteremia and meningitis are the most concerning and are difficult to diagnose because of the lack of reliable clinical signs and symptoms in young infants. Therefore, combining clinical observations with select laboratory screening tests is the best method for identifying infants at risk for UTIs or IBIs.
In a 3-year prospective multicenter study, investigators in France analyzed test results for 2047 admitted febrile infants (age range, 7–91 days; temperature ≥38°). Infants who had received antibiotics were excluded.
Among 1258 infants with blood cult…
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DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH Institutional Clinical and Translational Science Award; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National Center for Pediatric Practice Based Research Learning; Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Editorial BoardsCurrent Problems in Pediatric Adolescent Healthcare
Leadership Positions in Professional Societies College of Physicians of Philadelphia (Board of Trustees)
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH Institutional Clinical and Translational Science Award; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National Center for Pediatric Practice Based Research Learning; Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Editorial BoardsCurrent Problems in Pediatric Adolescent Healthcare
Leadership Positions in Professional Societies College of Physicians of Philadelphia (Board of Trustees)