Aetiology and clinical spectrum of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in hospitalized children
Abstract
Introduction: Acute fever of 2 weeks duration with non-specific signs and symptoms is known as acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI). Owing to non-specific presentation, it remains a diagnostic challenge. Hence the present study focuses on etiology and clinical profile of undifferentiated febrile illness.
Methodology: All children aged 2-12 years admitted with fever of 5-15 days duration, for which no cause was found after a thorough history and clinical examination were included from July 2015 to June 2016 prospectively. History, examination findings, investigations and the treatment details were recorded. Data analyzed using SSPS software.
Results: Total sample size was 263. The mean age was 6.7 ± 3.4 years. Most common symptoms were cough and vomiting. The most common diagnosis arrived at was Scrub typhus (22.4%) followed by Dengue (11%), Enteric fever (11%), Co- infections (6.1%), Urinary tract infections (3%)and Lower respiratory tract infections (2.3%). Fever was still undiagnosed in 116 children (44.1%). No malarial infection was noted.
Conclusion: Non-malarial infections are common in this part of the country in children with AUFI.
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