Lack of Fever Is Common in Patients with S. Aureus Bacteremia

In a small study of patients with blood cultures positive for S. aureus, fever was absent in more than half, regardless of whether they were on hemodialysis.

The effect of hemodialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease on the febrile response to infection is unknown. To study this association, researchers performed a retrospective chart review at a single tertiary-care center. They identified all patients seen in the emergency department (ED) with blood cultures that grew Staphylococcus aureus from 2015 to 2017. Exclusions were peritoneal dialysis, age <18 years, and steroid use.

Of 48 dialysis-dependent patients with S. aureus bacteremia, 37 met the inclusion criteria and were matched by age and sex with 37 non–dialysis-dependent patients with S. aureus bacteremia. In both cohorts, mean age was 63 years and 30% were female. Fever (temperature ≥100.4°F) was absent at ED triage in 54% of dialysis-…

Reviewing Author

Benton R. Hunter, MD

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Chair, Evidence Based Healthcare Interest Group)

Benton R. Hunter, MD

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Chair, Evidence Based Healthcare Interest Group)

Lack of Fever Is Common in Patients with S. Aureus Bacteremia

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Reviewing Author