Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 10, 2026

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
06:59

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

The management of fever and petechiae: making sense of rash decisions

P A Brogan1, A Raffles

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, QEII Hospital, Howlands, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, UK. Pbrogan@ich.ucl.ac.uk

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 22, 2000
PubMed

Insights

A study found 9% of children with fever and petechial rash had bacterial sepsis. New "ILL criteria" (irritability, lethargy, low capillary refill) are proposed for managing these cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Auditing

Background:

  • Fever and petechial rash in children can indicate serious illness.
  • Prompt identification of bacterial sepsis is crucial for timely treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To audit the incidence of significant bacterial sepsis in children presenting with fever and petechial rash.
  • To propose novel clinical criteria for managing these pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective and prospective audit of 55 children.
  • Data collection on presenting symptoms and diagnoses.
  • Evaluation of clinical signs associated with sepsis.

Main Results:

  • 9% of the audited children were diagnosed with significant bacterial sepsis.
  • The study identified key clinical indicators for sepsis.

Conclusions:

  • A notable percentage of children with fever and petechial rash have bacterial sepsis.
  • The proposed "ILL criteria" (irritability, lethargy, low capillary refill) may aid in clinical decision-making.

Related Concept Videos

Methods of reducing fever01:22

Methods of reducing fever

The signs and symptoms of fever include hot and dry skin, flushed face, thirst, muscle aches, anorexia, headache, tachycardia, tachypnea, and fatigue. Elevated body temperature is reduced using two methods: pharmacological and nonpharmacological. Proper identification and treatment of the root cause of a fever is of utmost importance.
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
Increased Body Temperature01:25

Increased Body Temperature

A body temperature above  38°C  (100.4 °F) is known as fever or pyrexia, and a person with fever is termed 'febrile.' Typically, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body's thermostat, regulates body temperature through a thermoregulatory setpoint. It receives signals from cold and warm thermal receptors throughout the body and adjusts the body's temperature accordingly. Fever occurs when this hypothalamic setpoint is altered, usually in response to an infection or illness.
Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management01:20

Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management

AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...
Pericarditis III: Medical Management01:17

Pericarditis III: Medical Management

The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.