From Prolonged Febrile Illness to Fever of Unknown Origin

摘要: Background Epidemiological changes and the ongoing expansion of diagnostic armamentarium warrant a regular update spectrum diseases that present as prolonged febrile illnesses. Methods We prospectively collected series 290 immunocompetent patients referred to our university hospital between 1990 1999 with illness (temperature >38.3°C) uncertain cause, lasting at least 3 weeks. Patients were categorized in 4 groups according timing diagnosis: early diagnosis (within in-hospital days or outpatient visits), intermediate (between 7), late (after day no during index contact follow-up. Results A final was established 67 (23.1%), 38 (13.1%), 87 (30.0%). In remaining 98 (33.8%), made. The cause fever remained obscure 50 (47.6%) 105 episodic vs 48 (25.9%) 185 continuous ( P Conclusions Prolonged illnesses remain challenge. Despite technological progress 20th century, origin remains elusive many patients, especially those fevers. Noninfectious inflammatory emerge most prevalent category.