Diagnosis and Management of Febrile Infants: Abstract

Diagnosis and Management of Febrile Infants: Abstract

AHRQ Evidence Report Examines Management of Febrile Infants

Evidence for diagnosing and managing febrile infants between 0 and 3 months of age has focused largely on ruling out serious bacterial illness, according to an AHRQ report. Prepared by AHRQ’s University of Ottawa Evidence-based Practice Center, the report also found that combined screening criteria are accurate for identifying possible cases of serious bacterial illness, but harms associated with testing or management strategies for febrile infants have not been well-studied. The review, led by Charles Hui, M.D., also found that attempts to identify high-risk groups were largely unsuccessful and little literature exists on factors associated with compliance to follow-up care. Future studies should focus on identifying the risks associated with testing and management strategies and factors that predict compliance, according to the report. Select to read the executive summary of Diagnosis and Management of Febrile Infants 0-3 Months.