The pathophysiological basis and consequences of fever

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Pathophysiology
• Thermoregulation

Background:

• A raised core body temperature, or fever, has diverse causes.
• Fever in sepsis may offer a survival advantage, unlike non-infective triggers.
• Imbalances in heat generation and loss disrupt hypothalamic set points, leading to cellular and systemic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathophysiology of fever.
• To focus on non-septic causes of fever.
• To differentiate between pyrogenic and non-pyrogenic fever mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Focus on cellular, local, organ-specific, and systemic effects of fever.
• Analysis of thermoregulatory mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Non-infective fever triggers can lead to significant short-term and long-term dysfunction.
• Severe or sustained fever can result in critical illness and mortality.
• The pathophysiology of fever involves complex interactions beyond simple temperature elevation.

Conclusions:

• Fever pathophysiology differs significantly between infectious and non-infectious causes.
• Non-infective fever necessitates careful management to prevent organ dysfunction and death.
• Further research into non-pyrogenic fever mechanisms is warranted.