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Published on: June 23, 2023
[Transient fever after fiberoptic bronchoscopy--a prospective study]
Marta Drummond1, Adriana Magalhães, Venceslau Hespanhol
1Serviço de Pneumologia do Hospital de São João, Porto.
Introduction:
The Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (BRF) is an essential tool in diagnosis and therapy of respiratory diseases. The occurrence of transient fever after BRF has been documented in some studies. Its meaning hasn't yet been clarified.
Aim:
Determine the incidence of fever and bacteriemia in the 24 hours after BRF and identify its predictive factors.
Material And Methods:
Ninety one outpatients and forty hospitalised patients were prospectively studied in the 24h after BRF to assess the appearance of fever (T>38 masculine C) and positive hemocultures. Statistical analysis were performed using SPSS and the significance was considered when pearson chi2 was < 0,005.
Results:
Referring outpatients / hospitalised patients, 68% / 85% were males, 85% / 52,5% denied previous respiratory diseases, mean age was 54 +/- 16,5 years / 59 +/- 15,4 years, 38,5% / 55% were smokers. Transient fever was observed in 12% / 12,5% patients. Positive hemocultures were found in four patients (3 outpatients and 1 hospitalised). None hospitalised patients showed radiological changes, in 7,5% cases white blood cells count rised >50%. We didn't found statistically significant association between appearance of fever after BRF and age, dental caries, smoking habits, systemic disease, presence of endoscopic lesions and endoscopic techniques performed.
Conclusion:
Transient fever following BRF is a common event and in majority of cases is not associated with bacteriemia. No statistical significant association was found between fever event and any of the studied factors.
Insights
Transient fever after fiberoptic bronchoscopy (BRF) is common but rarely linked to bacteremia. This study found no specific factors predict fever post-BRF, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Procedures
Context:
- Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (BRF) is a key diagnostic and therapeutic tool for respiratory diseases.
- Post-BRF fever is a known phenomenon, but its clinical significance and predictors remain unclear.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence of fever and bacteremia within 24 hours after BRF.
- To identify potential predictive factors associated with fever following BRF.
Summary:
- A prospective study of 131 patients (91 outpatients, 40 hospitalized) undergoing BRF assessed fever (T>38°C) and positive blood cultures.
- Transient fever occurred in 12-12.5% of patients, with bacteremia found in only 4 cases.
- No statistically significant association was found between fever and age, smoking, systemic disease, or endoscopic findings.
Impact:
- Transient fever post-BRF is a frequent, generally benign occurrence.
- Current findings indicate that fever following BRF is not reliably predicted by common patient or procedural factors.
- This underscores the need for careful clinical evaluation rather than relying on predictive markers for post-BRF fever.
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