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[Associated risk factors for serious bacterial illness in children less than 24 months, admitted with fever without

Carolina Torregrosa1, Cristian García, Juan Sciarotta

  • 1Sanatorio Mater Dei, Servicio de Pediatría, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Carolina_torregrosa@yahoo.com.ar

Revista Chilena De Infectologia : Organo Oficial De La Sociedad Chilena De Infectologia
|November 5, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A high white-cell count in febrile infants under two years old indicates a risk for serious bacterial illness (SBI). Conversely, household viral infections appear to be protective against SBI in this age group.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Context:

  • Fever without a source is a common presentation in young children.
  • Identifying serious bacterial illness (SBI) in infants is critical for timely treatment.
  • This study focuses on children under two years old admitted with fever.

Purpose:

  • To determine risk factors for serious bacterial illness (SBI) in children under two years old presenting with fever without a source.
  • To analyze the predictive value of various clinical and laboratory parameters.

Summary:

  • An observational, prospective study analyzed 201 children under two years old with fever.
  • Serious bacterial illness (SBI) was diagnosed in 70 patients, predominantly urinary tract infections, meningitis, and bacteremia.
  • A white-cell count greater than 15,000/mm³ was identified as a significant risk factor for SBI (OR=2.17), while household viral contact showed a protective effect (OR=0.42).

Impact:

  • Findings aid in risk stratification for febrile infants, potentially reducing unnecessary investigations.
  • Highlights the importance of laboratory markers like white-cell count in diagnosing SBI.
  • Suggests that exposure to viral infections may offer some protection against bacterial infections in young children.
Abstract

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