Fever of unknown origin in the elderly

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is defined as fever persisting beyond a typical self-limited infection period, with elusive causes despite thorough investigation.
• Disease presentation in older adults is often atypical, nonspecific, and challenging to interpret, complicating differential diagnosis.
• Multisystem diseases and specific conditions like temporal arteritis are leading causes of FUO in the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the distinct diagnostic considerations for FUO in the elderly population.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing treatable conditions associated with FUO in older patients.
• To underscore the critical role of early diagnosis and empirical therapy in managing FUO in the elderly.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges of FUO in geriatric patients.
• Analysis of common etiologies, including multisystem diseases and infections like tuberculosis.
• Emphasis on the diagnostic approach tailored to the elderly demographic.

Main Results:

• Multisystem diseases are the most common cause of FUO in the elderly.
• Temporal arteritis is identified as the most frequent specific diagnosis.
• Infections, particularly tuberculosis, remain a significant etiological category.

Conclusions:

• FUO in the elderly frequently stems from treatable conditions, necessitating prompt management.
• Early identification and initiation of empirical therapy are paramount for successful outcomes in elderly patients with FUO.
• A strategic approach focusing on early recognition and treatment is essential for managing FUO in this demographic.