When to suspect nosocomial fever: A practical approach to diagnosis

Adewale Ajumobi, David Bland, Michael Ing

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Hospital-acquired fever, usually referred to as nosocomial fever, is defined as an oral temperature of 38.1ºC or higher that develops at least 24 hours after admission and is recorded on at least two consecutive occasions in patients with no history of fever in the 7 days preceding its onset. Up to one third of hospitalized patients develop nosocomial fever, and most cases are caused by bacterial infections. Risk factors vary considerably, ranging from ulcers to cerebrovascular disease. Nosocomial fevers can result secondary to infectious, inflammatory, ischemic, or malignant conditions, including urinary tract infections, pneumonia,  Clostridium difficile  colitis, or bloodstream infections. Nosocomial infection can result in a four-fold increase in fatal outcomes, highlighting the importance of making an immediate and accurate diagnosis to facilitate appropriate treatment.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalMD Magazine
StatePublished - Apr 7 2008

Disciplines

  • Medical Pathology
  • Medical Physiology

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