Key result
Children with fever without a source had a significantly higher rate of viraemia compared to controls (34.8% vs 6.0%; p<0.001), which was associated with a lower risk of serious bacterial infection.
Why the study?
To evaluate associations between fever without a source in children and plasma detection of HEV, HPeV, AdV, and HHV-6, and whether viral detection relates to reduced risk of serious bacterial infection and antibiotic use.
Does the detection of viraemia in children with fever without a source reduce the risk of serious bacterial infection and antibiotic use?
Observational (n=135)
No
Does the detection of viraemia in children with fever without a source reduce the risk of serious bacterial infection and antibiotic use?
Absolute Event Rate: 34.8% vs 6%
p-value: p=<0.001
Viral PCR testing frequently detects viraemia in children with fever without a source, which is associated with a lower risk of serious bacterial infection but currently does not reduce antibiotic use.
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Viraemia in FWS children was associated with lower SBI risk yet unchanged antibiotic use; leaves open whether plasma PCR testing can safely reduce antibiotics.
L’Huillier et al. (2019) conducted an observational in Fever without a source (FWS) (n=135). Fever without a source vs. Controls was evaluated on Viraemia (detection of HEV, HPeV, AdV, or HHV-6) (p=<0.001). Children with fever without a source had a significantly higher rate of viraemia compared to controls (34.8% vs 6.0%; p<0.001), which was associated with a lower risk of serious bacterial infection.
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