Prolonged Fever
Prolonged Fever
Prolonged fever, also referred to as fever of unknown origin (FUO), is a condition characterized by a persistent elevated body temperature lasting more than three weeks, without an obvious cause despite initial investigations. It can be a challenging clinical scenario requiring a systematic approach to diagnosis.
Common causes of prolonged fever can be grouped into four categories:
- Infections: Tuberculosis, abscesses, endocarditis, HIV, or systemic infections.
- Non-infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or vasculitis.
- Malignancies: Lymphomas, leukemias, or other cancers.
- Miscellaneous Causes: Drug-induced fever, granulomatous diseases, or factitious fever.
Symptoms often include fever accompanied by weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, or localized symptoms depending on the underlying cause.
Diagnosis requires a thorough history, physical examination, and tailored investigations such as blood tests, imaging (e.g., chest X-ray, CT/MRI), and sometimes tissue biopsy. Advanced techniques like PET scans or genetic testing may be used in difficult cases.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. While symptomatic relief can be provided with antipyretics like acetaminophen, addressing the root cause is essential for resolution. Early evaluation by a multidisciplinary team is crucial to avoid complications and ensure effective management.
