A New Approach to Managing Young Non–Toxic-Appearing Febrile Children

Researchers suggest an emphasis on more-limited evaluation, now that vaccines have greatly reduced the likelihood of serious bacterial infections.

Since the 1970s, considerable attention has been paid to the management of febrile children aged ≤3 years without an obvious focus of infection. Recommendations have emphasized detection of serious bacterial infections (SBIs), including occult bacteremia (OB), and empirical antibiotic treatment for children considered to be at high risk. Management has been determined using a combination of clinical appearance, age, and laboratory tests, with more testing recommended for infants aged <3 months than for those aged 3 to 36 months.

Effective vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae, the two major causes of occult SBIs, have been universally available in the U.S. since 1988 and 2000, respectively. The inc…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

A New Approach to Managing Young Non–Toxic-Appearing Febrile Children

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Reviewing Author