Prolonged Fever in Children: An Inpatient Diagnostic Framework for Infections in Australia

Abstract

There are many causes of fever in children, ranging from common and self-limiting to serious and life threatening. Careful assessment of children with prolonged fever without an obvious or identified source requires detailed history and examination with consideration of infections unique to the specific geographical region and individual exposure risks. Previous recommendations for diagnostic work-up have provided valuable insights, but none have been tailored to the Australian inpatient setting. Recognising this gap, a diagnostic approach for infections specifically designed for the Australian child admitted to hospital with prolonged fever ( ≥ 38.0°C) exceeding 7 days is provided. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: National Health and Medical Research Council Level V.