Fever in Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis

Ninety-nine cases of Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) meningitis were analyzed to assess the causes of secondary and persistent fever and outcome of treatment. Secondary fever developed in 47 patients, 11 had persistent fever and 4 patients died. Secondary fevers were associated with intercurrent illness in 30 per cent, drug fever in 15 per cent, and neurologic complications in 13 per cent. Serious neurologic or other complications were no more common in patients with than in those without secondary fever. However, patients with persistent fever demonstrated a higher rate of neurologic complications. Neither persistent nor secondary fever are markers of bacteriologic relapse or inadequate therapy.