Dengue en paciente de 32 días de vida. Reporte de un caso poco habitual / Dengue fever in a 32-day-old patient. A rare case report

El dengue es una enfermedad viral transmitida por la picadura del mosquito Aedes aegypti. El comportamiento del dengue en Argentina es epidémico; la mayoría de los casos se observan en los meses de mayor temperatura. Hasta la semana epidemiológica (SE) 20/2023, se registraron en Argentina 106 672 casos; se vieron afectadas 18 de las 24 provincias que conforman el país. Dentro de los principales grupos de riesgo, se incluyen los menores de 2 años. Reconocer los signos, síntomas e identificar los factores de riesgo es fundamental para el manejo de casos con mayor riesgo de gravedad. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 32 días de vida que se internó por síndrome febril sin foco, con diagnósticos diferenciales de meningitis viral y sepsis, evolucionó con leucocitosis, plaquetopenia, hipoalbuminemia, asociado a exantema y edemas. Se llegó al diagnóstico de dengue por la clínica, epidemiologia e IgM positiva.

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. In Argentina, dengue fever is an epidemic disease; most cases are reported during the hot months.Until epidemiological week (EW) 20/2023, 106 672 cases were reported across 18 of the 24 provinces of Argentina. Children younger than 2 years are among the main groups at risk. Recognizing signs and symptoms and identifying risk factors is fundamental for the management of cases at a higher risk of severity. Here we describe the case of a 32-day-old female patient who was hospitalized due to febrile syndrome without a source, who had a differential diagnosis of viral meningitis and sepsis and progressed to leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia in association with rash and edema. The diagnosis of dengue fever was established based on clinical, epidemiological, and positive IgM data.

Granulomatous hepatitis, deciphering an elusive spectrum: a clinical case-based approach

Granulomatous hepatitis is a well-defined histopathologic entity characterized by aggregates of modified macrophages (epithelioid in appearance) and other inflammatory cells that accumulate after persistent exposure to antigens. It induces a cellular immune response mediated by the release of various cytokines (including interferon-gamma [INF-γ], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], and interleukin 12 [IL-12]) that stimulate mononuclear cell fusion, culminating in the formation of multinucleated giant cells with a surrounding border of lymphocytes and fibroblasts. It represents between 2% and 15% of all pathological liver studies, usually during an infiltrative or cholestatic biochemical pattern. A practical approach is proposed based on a challenging clinical case of a patient with a fever of unknown origin in an intermediate incidence area for tuberculosis, such as Colombia.

La hepatitis granulomatosa es una entidad histopatológica bien definida que se caracteriza por la presencia de agregados de macrófagos modificados (de aspecto epitelioide) y otras células inflamatorias que se acumulan luego de la exposición persistente a antígenos, lo que induce una respuesta inmunitaria celular mediada por la liberación de varias citocinas (entre las que se destacan el interferón gamma [INF-γ], el factor de necrosis tumoral alfa [TNF-α] y la interleucina 12 [IL-12]) que estimulan la fusión de células mononucleares para culminar en la formación de células gigantes multinucleadas con un borde circundante de linfocitos y fibroblastos. Representa entre el 2 % y el 15 % de todos los estudios anatomopatológicos de hígado, en el curso por lo general de un patrón bioquímico de tipo infiltrativo o colestásico. Se propone un enfoque práctico a partir de un caso clínico retador de un paciente con fiebre de origen desconocido en una zona de incidencia intermedia para tuberculosis, como lo es Colombia.

Enfermedad de castleman multicéntrica y tuberculosis diseminada en paciente HIV positivo / Multicentric Castleman disease and tuberculosis in HIV positive patient

Resumen Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 40 años, HIV positivo con regular adherencia al tratamiento, que consultó por episodios febriles intermitentes de dos años de evolución, agregando en los últimos dos meses dolor abdominal difuso progresivo y adenomegalias ge neralizadas indoloras. En el laboratorio presentó panci topenia, coagulopatía, hipoalbuminemia y reactantes de fase aguda aumentados. La tomografía computarizada (TC) de tórax, abdomen y pelvis únicamente evidenció hepato-esplenomegalia y adenomegalias generalizadas. Se realizaron múltiples exámenes microbiológicos, in cluyendo cultivos para Mycobacterium sp. de distintas muestras, todos con resultados negativos, a excepción de la RT-PCR para VHH-8. Se tomó biopsia escisional de ganglio iliaco izquierdo con hallazgos compatibles con enfermedad de Castleman. A pesar de reiniciar terapia antirretroviral, la sintomatología progresó, iniciando tratamiento con corticoides y ganciclovir. Luego de una semana, desarrolló falla mulitorgánica y anasarca, que contraindicaron los fármacos iniciados. Se realizó nueva TC de tórax que mostró infiltrados con patrón en árbol en brote en lóbulo superior derecho asociado a derra me pleural bilateral, y a nivel abdominal, progresión de hepato-esplenomegalia y ascitis. Pasó a unidad de cui dados intensivos 48 horas después por falla hepática ful minante. El paciente falleció en pocas horas. Se recibió postmortem el cultivo del aspirado traqueal positivo para Mycobacterium tuberculosis y la punción-biopsia hepática con granulomas no necrotizantes. Nuestro objetivo es remarcar la importancia de pesquisar tuberculosis activa en nuestro país frente a la sospecha de enfermedad de Castleman antes de iniciar tratamiento, y resaltar que la TBC también puede presentarse como complicación infecciosa elevando la morbimortalidad.

Abstract We present the case of a 40-year-old man, HIV posi tive with regular adherence to treatment, who consulted for intermittent febrile episodes during a two-years period, progressive diffuse abdominal pain and painless generalized lymphadenopathy in the last two months. Laboratory analysis showed pancytopenia, altered co agulation tests, hypoalbuminemia, and increased acute phase reactants. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest, abdomen and pelvis revealed hepato-splenomegaly and generalized lymphadenopathy. Multiple microbiological tests were performed, including cultures for Mycobacte rium sp. from different samples, with negative results, except for the RT-PCR for HHV-8. An excisional biopsy of the left iliac lymph node was taken with findings compatible with Castleman's disease. Despite restarting antiretroviral therapy, the symptoms progressed, starting treatment with steroids and ganciclovir. After a week, he developed multiple organ failure and anasarca, which contraindicated the drugs previously started. A new CT of the chest showed infiltrates with a tree-in-bud pattern in the right upper lobe with bilateral pleural effusion, and at the abdominal level, progression of hepatospleno megaly and ascites. He was transferred to the intensive care unit 48 hours later due to fulminant hepatic fail ure. The patient died within a few hours. Postmortem recieved culture results of the tracheal aspirate were positive for tuberculosis (TB) and the histopathology of the liver biopsy showed non-necrotizing granulomas. Our objective is to highlight the importance of screening for active TB, in our country, when Castleman's disease is suspected, before starting treatment, and to stand out that TB can also present as an infectious complication, increasing morbidity and mortality.

Fiebre de origen desconocido como forma de presentación de fiebre chikungunya en varón joven

La fiebre chikungunya es una enfermedad viral descrita por primera vez en 1952. Actualmente se informan brotes esporádicos de fiebre chikungunya a nivel país (abril 2022). Presentamos el caso de un varón joven con fiebre chikungunya en fase subaguda la cual se presentó al ingreso hospitalario como fiebre de origen desconocido.

Chikungunya fever is a viral disease first described in 1952. Sporadic outbreaks of chikungunya fever are currently reported nationwide (April 2022). We present the case of a young man with chikungunya fever in the subacute phase which presented at hospital admission as fever of unknown origin.

Lactantes febriles menores de tres meses sin foco aparente: ¿es necesario cambiar la estrategia de evaluación?: probamos el step by step / Febrile infants of under three months of age without apparent focus: is it necessary to change the assessment strategy?: we tested the step-by-step approach / Lactentes febris com menos de três meses de idade e sem foco aparente: é necessário alterar a estratégia de avaliação?: tentamos o "passo a passo"

Introducción: la fiebre es un motivo muy frecuente de consulta y hasta en un 20% de los pacientes no se encuentra la causa. En el ámbito de la emergentología pediátrica clásicamente ha existido interés en homogeneizar la forma de evaluar los lactantes febriles menores de tres meses. Contar con un protocolo que permita detectar precozmente el niño que cursa una infección bacteriana invasiva (IBI) sin realizar conductas desproporcionadas es todo un desafío. Objetivo: evaluar y comparar la capacidad para identificar IBI en la pauta actual de fiebre sin foco (FSF) como en la estrategia step by step, en lactantes con FSF valorados en el DEP-CHPR. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo y de pruebas diagnósticas. Criterios de inclusión: lactantes menores de 90 días de vida que consultaron en 2017 y 2018 en DEP-CHPR con diagnóstico de FSF. Resultados: se incluyeron 261 lactantes evaluados con la pauta de FSF actual, en ellos se aplicó la estrategia step by step. El rango de edad fue de 84 días (4-88 días) con una media de 41 días. Sexo masculino 148 niños (56,7%). Se registraron 37 infecciones bacterianas (14,2%) de las cuales 3 fueron IBI (1,1%) y 34 fueron no-IBI (13,1%). La sensibilidad para step by step fue de 0,94% y de 0,89 para la pauta actual, con un VPN de 0,98 para ambas estrategias. Discusión: los lactantes menores de 3 meses son más susceptibles por características fisiológicas a infecciones bacterianas invasivas y cuanto más pequeño aumenta aún más la frecuencia. El step by step discrimina a menores de 1 mes en menores de 21 días y otro grupo de más de 21 días. Nuestra pauta no hace esta discriminación y realiza por igual laboratorio en sangre, orina y líquido cefalorraquídeo; realizando en ocasiones estudios cruentos no necesarios. Conclusiones: ambas estrategias aplicadas en esta población resultaron altamente sensibles para identificar infección bacteriana con un VPN elevado. La aplicación de step by step presenta como beneficio adicional evitar con seguridad la punción lumbar en recién nacidos entre los 21 y 28 días.

Introduction: fever is a very frequent reason for consultation and in up to 20% of patients the cause has not been found. In the field of pediatric emergentology, there has been a traditional interest in homogenizing the way of assessing febrile infants under three months of age. Having a protocol that enables early detection of children with IBIs without engaging in disproportionate procedures is a challenge. Objective: to evaluate and compare the ability to identify IBIs in the present FSF regimen as in the Step-by-Step strategy, in infants with FSF assessed at the Pereira Rossell Pediatric Hospital Center. Material and methods: observational, descriptive, retrospective study and diagnostic tests. Inclusion criteria: Infants under 90 days of age who consulted in 2017 and 2018 at the DEP-CHPR with a diagnosis of FSF. Results: 261 infants diagnosed with FSF regimen were included and they all received a Step-by-Step approach. The age range was 84 days (4 - 88) days with a mean of 41 days. Males 148 children (56.7%). There were 37 bacterial infections (14.2%), of which 3 were IBI (1.1%) and 34 were Non-IBI (13.1%). The sensitivity for the Step-by-Step approach was 0.94% and 0.89 for the current regimen, with a NPV of 0.98 for both strategies. Discussion: infants younger than 3 months-old are more susceptible due to physiological characteristics to invasive bacterial infections, and the younger they are, the higher the frequency. The Step-by-Step Approach splits children of under 1 month of age into those under or over 21 days of age. Our guideline does not make this discrimination and performs the same blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid laboratory tests sometimes carrying out blood tests is not necessary. Conclusions: both approaches used in this population were highly sensitive to the identification of bacterial infections with a high NPV. The application of the "Step-by-Step" approach has the additional benefit of avoiding lumbar puncture to newborns of between 21 and 28 days of age.

Introdução: a febre é um motivo muito comum de consulta e em até 20% dos pacientes a causa não é encontrada. No campo da emergência pediátrica, tradicionalmente tem havido interesse em homogeneizar a forma de avaliação de lactentes febris menores de três meses de idade. Ter um protocolo que permita a detecção precoce de uma criança com IBI sem realizar procedimentos desproporcionais é um desafio. Objetivo: avaliar e comparar a capacidade de identificação de IBI na atual Diretriz da FSF e na estratégia Passo a Passo, em lactentes com FSF avaliados no DEP-CHPR. Material e métodos: estudo observacional, descritivo, retrospectivo e de testes diagnósticos. Critérios de inclusão: Lactentes com menos de 90 dias de idade que consultaram em 2017 e 2018 no Hospital Pediátrico Pereira Rossell do Uruguai com diagnóstico de FSF. Resultados: Foram incluídos 261 lactentes avaliados com a atual diretriz da FSF, nos quais foi aplicada a estratégia Passo a Passo. A faixa etária foi de 84 dias (4 - 88) dias com média de 41 dias. Sexo masculino 148 crianças (56,7%). Foram registradas 37 infecções bacterianas (14,2%), sendo 3 IBI (1,1%) e 34 Não IBI (13,1%). A sensibilidade para Passo a Passo foi de 0,94% e 0,89 para o esquema atual, com VPN de 0,98 para ambas estratégias. Discussão: crianças menores de 3 meses de idade são mais suscetíveis a infecções bacterianas invasivas devido às características fisiológicas e quanto menores, mais frequentes. O Passo a Passo separa crianças menores de 1 mês em dois grupos: menores de 21 dias e acima de 21 dias. Nossa diretriz não faz essa discriminação e realiza exames laboratoriais de sangue, urina e líquido cefalorraquidiano da mesma forma; às vezes realizando estudos de sangue que não são necessários. Conclusões: ambas as estratégias aplicadas nesta população foram altamente sensíveis para identificar infecção bacteriana com alto VPN. A aplicação do "Passo a Passo" apresenta como benefício adicional evitar a punção lombar em recém-nascidos entre 21 e 28 dias.

Fiebre de origen desconocido como presentación de carcinoma de cérvix

El carcinoma de cérvix constituye una causa rara de fiebre de origen desconocido (FOD). Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 42 años de edad con fiebre de 80 días de evolución. Había estado ingresada en dos hospitales sin que se llegase a diagnosticar su causa. Se le habían administrado múltiples regímenes antibióticos sin lograrse remisión de la hipertermia. Fue remitida al hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras para continuar estudios en el protocolo de atención a pacientes con ese tipo de afección. Tenía anemia ferropénica y refería hipermenorrea. Al examen físico se encontró engrosamiento del cuello uterino al tacto vaginal y se visualizó una tumoración del mismo al examen con espéculo. La biopsia mostró un carcinoma y recibió tratamiento con radioterapia y quimioterapia con lo cual desapareció la fiebre. Se concluye que esta neoplasia puede presentarse a forma de fiebre prolongada producida directamente por el tumor primario, por lo que debe mantenerse un índice de sospecha en pacientes con FOD. Resulta importante tener en cuenta la asociación de fiebre y sangramiento vaginal como posible forma de presentación. Puede constituir una pista diagnóstica relevante para no perder tiempo. Este caso resalta la importancia de realizar un examen físico completo y exhaustivo a todos los pacientes.

Carcinoma of the cervix is a rare cause of fever of unknown origin. We present the case of a 42-year-old female patient with fever of 80 days of evolution. She had been admitted to two hospitals without a diagnosis of the cause. She had been administered multiple antibiotic regimens without achieving remission of hyperthermia. She was referred to the "Hermanos Ameijeirasˮ Hospital to continue studies under the protocol for the care of patients with this type of condition. She had iron deficiency anemia and reported hypermenorrhea. Physical examination showed thickening of the cervix on vaginal examination and a tumor was visualized on speculum examination. The biopsy showed a carcinoma and she was treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with which the fever disappeared. It is concluded that this neoplasm can present as a prolonged fever directly produced by the primary tumor, so an index of suspicion should be maintained in patients with fever of unknown origin. It is important to take into account the association of fever and vaginal bleeding as a possible form of presentation. It may constitute a relevant diagnostic clue to avoid wasting time. This case highlights the importance of performing a complete and thorough physical examination in all patients.

Analysis of unknown-origin fever after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical features, etiologies and outcomes of unknown origin fever after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation(SPK).Methods:From March 2015 to January 2020, clinical data were retrospectively reviewed for 120 SPK recipients.According to the definite evidence of fever, such as microbial culture, imaging findings or rejection, they were divided into three groups of free-fever(FF, n=41)and defined-fever(DF, n=47)and fever of unknown origin(FUO, n=32). The differences in general clinical features, surgical complications, laboratory tests and prognoses were compared.Logistic regression was employed for analyzing the risk factors of FUO and Kapla-Meier for survival analysis.And P<0.05 was deemed as statistically significant. Results:Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative diabetic gastroenteropathy was an independent risk factor for unexplained fever.Significant differences existed between FUO and DF groups in leucocyte count[6.50(5.13, 7.36)vs.10.36(6.11, 12.97)×10 9/L], C-reactive protein(CRP)[11.75(6.25, 16.85)vs.35.00(16.30, 75.00)μg/ml], procalcitonin[0.13(0.06, 0.18)vs.0.19(0.11, 1.05)ng/ml]( P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.025). As compared with DF group, 19 recipients in FUO group only received 1-2 antibiotics and there was a shorter course of treatment[13(40.6%)vs.32(68.1%), P=0.016]. For 6(18.7%)recipients after a diagnosis of FUO, clinical outcome was achieved with only NSAIDs.Length of stay was(48.72±19.51)days in FUO group versus(57.36±27.46)days in DF group and the difference was statistically significant( P<0.001). Hospitalization expenses of two groups were 253 463.25 and 334 605.96 yuan respectively and the difference was also statistically significant( P=0.002). Conclusions:Diabetic gastroenteropathy is an independent risk factor for early FUO after SPK transplantation.Inflammatory markers of leukocytes, CRP and procalcitonin in FUO patients are significantly lower than DF group.And these clinical features can help diagnose FUO in an early stage.

Two-year history of lymphadenopathy and fever caused by Bartonella henselae in a child

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 6-year-old boy that presented with enlarged lymph nodes on his neck. He complained of tiredness and discouragement, which worsened during feverish periods. There were no relevant laboratory test abnormalities and serological tests were not reactive. Bartonella henselae DNA was detected by species-specific nested polymerase chain reaction. After treatment, the patient progressed with no fever or lymphadenopathy. Bartonellosis is a group of infectious diseases caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella. This case report is a useful reminder to clinicians that long-term fever of unknown origin can be related to B. henselae infection, even if the specific serology is not reactive.

Compromiso hepatoesplénico, un hallazgo inusual secundario a enfermedad por arañazo de gato: a propósito de un caso / Hepato-splenic involvement, an unusual finding secondary to cat-scratch disease: a clinical case

La infección por Bartonella henselae (BH) que causa la enfermedad por arañazo de gato puede cursar de manera asintomática, así como presentar manifestaciones locales y sistémicas. El objetivo de este caso es documentar que el compromiso hepatoesplénico es poco habitual en este tipo de infección y el tratamiento, que debe ser personalizado, aún genera controversia. Se presenta un caso de una paciente de 11 años con fiebre de origen de desconocido con hallazgos en tomografía y ecografía abdominal de abscesos hepatoesplénicos, y confirmación de infección por BH a través de métodos serológicos. Se realiza una revisión bibliográfica donde se evidencia la baja frecuencia de compromiso hepatoesplénico. De esta manera, la anamnesis y el examen físico son fundamentales para realizar un rápido diagnóstico y tratamiento

The infection by Bartonela henselae (BH), the cause of cat scratch disease, it could be asymptomatic or produce local and multisystem illness. The objective of this case report is to document that the hepato-splenic involvement is unusual in BH infection, and the treatment is discussed and individualized in each patient. This case is about an eleven-year girl who presented with findings in abdominal tomography and ultrasound of hepato-splenic abscesses, with later positive serology for BH. In this way, a bibliographic review is carried out to show the low prevalence and incidence of hepato-splenic involvement where the anamnesis and the physical examination are essential to make an early diagnosis and treatment.

A Case Report of Brucellosis and the Differential Diagnosis of Lymphoma and Tuberculosis

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a male patient from Xinjiang with fever of unknown origin and significant weight loss for more than 1 month. He was admitted to hospital with negative Rose Bengal test (RBT) and decreased leucocyte count. Ultrasound revealed splenomegaly and abdominal computed tomography, which showed multiple hypodense splenic nodules. The patient was suspected of lymphoma or tuberculosis. Pathological biopsy suggested brucellosis infection following splenectomy. Anti-Brucella treatment was effective and his temperature gradually returned to normal. During the follow-up, the patient's RBT result turned to positive and he was instructed to continue the anti-Brucella drug regimen. His temperature, weight, white blood cell count, other laboratory examinations, and imaging findings all returned to normal during the 6-month follow-up after the treatment.

Pheochromocytoma presenting as fever of unknown origin, a case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pheochromocytoma is a generally benign neoplasm derived from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. It is characterized by the production of large amounts of catecholamines and also by the capacity to secrete bioactive peptides such as cytokines, mainly interleukin-1 IL-1, interleukin-6 IL-6 and TNF alpha. Case presentation: 24-year-old man, who consulted for fever, myalgia, and choluria. His laboratory tests were compatible with a systemic inflammatory response without infectious or autoimmune causes. However, a fluorodeoxy-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) revealed a left adrenal mass, without extra-adrenal lesions. On admission, increased levels of differentiated urine methanephrines, elevated baseline cortisol, non-suppressed adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), and positive low dose dexamethasone suppression test for cortisol were found. With suspicion of catecholamine and ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma, a tumor resection was performed, which conspicuously resolved all alterations of the inflammatory response. The histologic findings confirmed a pheochromocytoma, but the immunostaining for ACTH was negative. A literature review and the comparison of the findings with other reported cases allowed inferring that this was a case of interleukin-producing pheochromocytoma. Conclusion: Pheochromocytoma may be a cause of febrile syndrome, with IL-6 being the main mediator, which explains the manifestations of systemic inflammation and ACTH-mediated hypercortisolism.

RESUMEN Introducción. Un feocromocitoma es una neoplasia generalmente benigna de las células cromafines de la médula suprarrenal que se caracteriza por producir grandes cantidades de catecolaminas y que tiene la capacidad de secretar citoquinas como interleucina-1 IL-1, interleucina-6 IL-6 y factor de necrosis tumoral (TNF) alfa. Presentación del caso. Paciente masculino de 24 años de edad, quien consultó por fiebre, mialgias y coluria. El sujeto presentó laboratorios compatibles con respuesta inflamatoria sistémica sin causa infecciosa o autoinmune y estudio de tomografía por emisión de positrones con fluoro-desoxiglucosa que evidenció masa suprarrenal izquierda sin lesiones extra-adrenales. Al ingreso, los niveles de metanefrinas diferenciadas en orina y de cortisol basal se encontraban elevados; la hormona adrenocorticotropa (ACTH) no estaba suprimida, y el test de supresión de cortisol con dexametasona registró rango de hipercortisolis-mo. Se sospechó diagnóstico de feocromocitoma productor de catecolaminas y ACTH, por lo que se llevó a resección tumoral, con lo cual, llamativamente, se resolvieron todas las anomalías de respuesta inflamatoria. El reporte de patología confirmó un feocromocitoma, pero la inmunotinción para ACTH fue negativa. La revisión de la literatura y la comparación de los hallazgos con otros casos reportados permitieron inferir que se trató de un feocromocitoma productor de interleucinas. Conclusión. El feocromocitoma puede ser una causa de síndrome febril, siendo la IL-6 el mediador principal que explicaría las manifestaciones de inflamación sistémica y el hipercortisolismo mediado por ACTH.

Adult onset still's disease (aosd): a rare condition with a classic clinical presentation. case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: Adult Onset Still's Disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disease of unclear etiology, with low incidence and prevalence among the general population. AOSD is a common cause of fever of unknown origin (FUO) in up to 20% of cases. Due to the scarce knowledge about this disease and its diagnosis, it is usually unrecognized in the differential diagnoses, worsening the prognosis and increasing complications in some patients. Case presentation: This is the case of a 32-year-old female patient with prolonged febrile illness, who did not respond to the antimicrobial treatments previously established. She was diagnosed with AOSD according to the Yamaguchi criteria after an extensive exclusion process. She was treated with first-line treatment with corticosteroids, achieving satisfactory results Conclusions: The diagnosis of AOSD is an exhaustive process. Regardless of the availability of cutting-edge diagnostic tools, the medical history of the patient and an adequate physical examination are the most important aspects to consider.

RESUMEN Introducción. La enfermedad de Still del adulto (ESA) es una enfermedad inflamatoria sistémica de baja incidencia y prevalencia en población general y cuya etiología aún no es clara. La ESA puede causar fiebre de origen desconocido hasta en el 20% de los casos, pero suele pasar inadvertida dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales iniciales debido a su desconocimiento, lo que empeora el pronóstico y aumenta las complicaciones en los pacientes. Presentación del caso. Paciente femenina de 32 años con síndrome febril prolongado que no respondía a tratamientos antimicrobianos instaurados previamente y en quien, finalmente, se diagnosticó ESA aplicando los criterios clasificatorios de Yamaguchi. La mujer recibió tratamiento de primera línea con corticosteroides y obtuvo buenos resultados. Conclusiones. La ESA requiere un exhaustivo proceso para su diagnóstico, en el cual, a pesar de la disponibilidad de herramientas diagnósticas avanzadas, la verificación de la historia clínica y la realización de un adecuado examen físico son los aspectos más importantes a tener en cuenta.

The Role of PET/CT in the Investigation of Fever of Unknown Origin

Aims:Fever of unknown origin (FUO) remains a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. The current diagnostic approach includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, laboratorytestsand imaging techniques(chest X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI). 18F-FDG PET/CT (18fluoro-deoxyglucose PET/CT) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique, which is widelyused in oncology. The purpose of our narrative review was to summarize the knowledge for the diagnostic role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnostic approach of patients with FUO, as reported in the literature. Methodology:We undertook a search of literature published in PubMed until February 2019.Results:Various studies showed that 18F-FDG PET/CT could play an important role as a second-line explorative technique in the diagnosis of patients with FUO. 18F-FDG PET/CT presents high diagnostic accuracy in large vessel vasculitis, in orthopedic prosthetic infections, in chronic osteomyelitisand in prosthetic valve endocarditis. However, 18 -FDG/PET has some limitations such as the assessment of urine tract due to the excretion into the urine but also become of the high glucose metabolism in some organs such as the brain.Conclusions: Overall, PET/CT gains increasing interest in the diagnosis of FUO and should be considered by the clinicians in the exploration of those patients

Utilidad de los parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio básicos para predecir infección bacteriana seria en menores de 3 meses que se hospitalizan por síndrome febril sin foco / Utility of basic clinical and laboratory parameters to predict Serious Bacterial Infection in children younger than 3 months old hospitalized for Febrile Syndrome without Source

Resumen: Introducción: Un 20% de los niños con síndrome febril se presenta como síndrome febril sin foco (SFSF). Las es trategias de manejo en este grupo presentan alta sensibilidad, pero baja especificidad. Objetivos: Ca racterizar las infecciones bacterianas serias (IBS) en menores de 3 meses hospitalizados por SFSF, y evaluar utilidad de parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio en la identificación de pacientes con alto riesgo de IBS. Pacientes y Método: Estudio prospectivo en pacientes < 3 meses hospitalizados entre enero 2014 y noviembre 2015 por SFSF en dos hospitales pediátricos de la Región Metropolitana. Criterios de inclusión: edad 4 días - 3 meses, fiebre > 38°C de < 72 h de evolución sin causa demostra ble. Criterios de exclusión: uso de antimicrobianos hasta 7 días previo a su ingreso, prematuros < 34 semanas, peso de nacimiento < 2 kg e inmunocomprometidos. Se registraron datos demográficos, clínicos, y exámenes de laboratorio, hemograma y PCR, diagnóstico de egreso, IBS descartada, IBS probable o confirmada. Resultados: 32% de los pacientes egresó con diagnóstico de IBS, 28% con diagnóstico de infección viral o probablemente viral, 34% con diagnóstico de SFSF no especificado y 6% SFSF por otras causas. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en PCR, leucocitosis, aspecto tóxico ni horas de fiebre al ingreso al comparar los grupos con y sin IBS (p > 0,05). La combinación de parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio mostro sensibilidad de 27%, especificidad de 90%, VPP 60% y VPN 71%. Conclusión: No fue posible establecer que parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio permitan identificar menores de 3 meses con alto riesgo de IBS, manteniendo su utilidad como indicadores de bajo riesgo. Es necesario contar con otros elementos clínicos y de laboratorio que permitan discrimi nar IBS de infecciones virales.

Abstract: Introduction: In 20% of children with febrile syndrome, it appears as fever of unknown origin (FUO) syndrome. Management strategies in this group have high sensitivity but low specificity. Objectives: To cha racterize serious bacterial infections (SBI) in children younger than three months old hospitalized because of FUO syndrome and to evaluate the utility of clinical and laboratory parameters in the identification of patients that are at high risk of SBI. Patients and Method: Prospective study in patients aged < 3 months hospitalized due to FUO syndrome between January 2014 and November 2015 in two pediatric hospitals in the Metropolitan Region. Inclusion criteria: age 4 days - 3 months, fever > 38°C longer than 72 hours after onset without demonstrable cause. Exclusion criteria: anti microbial use up to 7 days before admission, preterm infants < 34 weeks, birth weight < 2 kg, and im munocompromised. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory tests data were recorded as well as blood count and CRP, discharge diagnosis, and ruled out, probable or confirmed SBI. Results: 32% of the patients were discharged with diagnosis of SBI, 28% with diagnosis of viral or probably viral infec tion, 34% with diagnosis of not specified FUO syndrome, and 6% due to other causes. There were no significant differences in the CRP value, altered WBCs count, toxic aspect, or hours of fever at the admission when comparing groups with and without SBI (p < 0.05). The combination of clinical and laboratory parameters showed 27% of sensitivity, 90% of specificity, 60% of PPV, and 71% of NPV. Conclusion: It was not possible to establish clinical and laboratory parameters that allow the identifi cation of children younger than 3 months old at high risk of SBI, however, they maintain their value as low risk indicators. It is necessary further investigation of other clinical and laboratory elements that allow discriminating SBI from viral infections.

A Case Report of Fever of Unknown Origin Successfully Treated with Saikatsugekito / 日本東洋医学雑誌

A42-year-old man presented with a history of tidal fever almost every evening to night with 10-year duration. We could not find out the cause of his fever, so we thought he was classified in fever of unknown origin. The patient suffered from an anhydrosis phase during the temperature rose, but his fever broke after perspiration occurred at the end. The lack of perspiration with fever is a typical symptom of excess pattern of tai yang stage, and fever at night is suggestive of shao yang stage. Saikatsugekito was thought to be best suited as it would address both stages. The formula promoted perspiration, and the body temperature remained stable thereafter. It is not unusual to encounter complicated symptoms due to combined or overlapped pattern in clinical setting. This case represented successful outcome by identifying and analyzing the concept of gobyo and heibyo and prescribing a formula accordingly.

Adult-onset Still's disease successfully treated with Chinese herbal medicine: A case report with 15-month follow-up / 中西医结合学报

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare but clinically well-known, polygenic, and systemic autoinflammatory disease, which is characterized by spiking fever, evanescent skin rash, arthralgia, and sore throat. The application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids, which are first-line therapies of AOSD, is limited due to their side effects such as liver injury or disorder of blood glucose. Therefore, patients who suffer from systemic diseases in China prefer to seek help from Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), which is an important part of complementary and alternative medicine. In this case, we report a 28-year-old male badminton coach presenting with a 15-day history of fever and skin rash, accompanied by sore throat, fatigue, myalgia and chills. Additionally, hepatosplenomegaly, multiple lymphadenopathies, aminotransferase abnormality, and elevated inflammatory factor levels were observed during hospitalization. Infectious diseases, solid tumors, hematological diseases, and common autoimmune diseases were excluded. Not benefitting from antibiotic therapy, the patient was finally diagnosed with AOSD, after a careful examination, then showed rapid remission after a six-week treatment with CHM granules based on Xiaochaihu Decoction and Yinqiao Powder. After stopping the treatment, there was no relapse within a 15-month follow-up period. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first well-documented case of this successful treatment. The present case report suggests that CHM is a reliable choice for complementary and alternative therapy for AOSD, but confirming the utility of CHM for AOSD requires further support from prospective studies.

Características epidemiológicas y clínicas de los niños hospitalizados con síndrome febril prolongado. Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell, Uruguay / Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children hospitalized with prolonged febrile syndrome. Pereira Rossell Hospital Center, Uruguay / Características epidemiológicas e clínicas de crianças hospitalizadas com síndrome febril prolongada. Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell, Uruguai

Resumen: Introducción: el abordaje del síndrome febril prolongado (SFP) representa un desafío. La etiología más frecuente en pediatría es la infecciosa. Objetivo: describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y evolutivas de los niños hospitalizados por SFP en un centro de referencia de Uruguay, entre 2015 y 2019. Material y método: estudio retrospectivo de menores de 15 años hospitalizados por SFP. Se excluyeron aquellos con fiebre prolongada, recurrente, SFP de causa oncológica y diagnóstico previo de enfermedades autoinmunes, oncológicas e inmunodeficiencias. Se analizó: edad, duración de la fiebre, manifestaciones en la evolución, etiologías, tratamiento y evolución. Se analizó asociación entre duración de fiebre y etiología mediante test de Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney (nivel de significación 5%). Resultados: se hospitalizaron 132 niños, mediana de edad 5 años; mediana de duración de fiebre 9 días (8-39). Asociaron en la evolución síntomas respiratorios 62%, digestivos 29%, repercusión general 28%. La etiología del SFP fue: infecciosa 80%, viral 50% (infección respiratoria aguda inespecífica 22), bacteriana 47% (Bartonella henselae 20), parasitaria 3% (toxocariasis 2, leishmaniasis 1); autoinmune 10% (artritis idiopática juvenil 7), y SFP de causa no aclarada 10%. No se encontró asociación significativa entre etiología y duración de la fiebre. Recibieron antimicrobianos 72%; antifúngicos 2%; antivirales 1%. Complicación: un caso de farmacodermia grave, no se registraron fallecimientos. Conclusiones: las infecciones virales inespecíficas fueron la etiología más frecuente de SFP. Debido a la alta incidencia de infecciones por virus de Epstein-Barr y Bartonella henselae resulta importante insistir en su búsqueda. La mayoría de los casos fueron benignos y autolimitados.

Summary: Introduction: the Prolonged Febrile Syndrome (PFS) approach is a challenge. The most frequent etiology in pediatrics is infectious. Objective: describe the epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary characteristics of children hospitalized for PFS in a Reference Hospital Center in Uruguay between 2015 and 2019. Materials and Methods: retrospective study of children of under 15 years of age hospitalized due to PFS. We excluded those with prolonged, recurrent fever, PFS of oncological cause and those with a previous diagnosis of autoimmune, oncological diseases or immunodeficiency. We analyzed age, fever duration, manifestations in evolution, etiology, treatment and evolution and the association between fever duration and etiology using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test (significance level 5%). Results: 132 children were hospitalized, median age 5 years; fever median duration 9 days (8-39). During the evolution, they showed respiratory symptoms 62%, digestive symptoms 29%, general repercussion 28%. The PFS etiology was infectious 80%, viral 50% (non-specific acute respiratory infection 22), bacterial 47% (Bartonella Henselae 20) parasitic 3% (toxocariasis 2, leishmaniasis 1); autoimmune 10% (juvenile idiopathic arthritis 7); and PFS of unclear cause 10%. There was no significant association between etiology and fever duration. 72% received antimicrobials; antifungals 2%; antiviral 1%. Complication: one case of severe pharmacodermia; no deaths were recorded. Conclusions: nonspecific viral infections were the most frequent etiology of PFS. Due to the high incidence of Epstein Barr virus infections and Bartonella Henselae, it is important to insist on their research. Most cases were benign and self-limiting.

Resumo: Introdução: a abordagem da Síndrome Febril Prolongada (SFP) é um desafio. A mais frequente etiologia pediátrica é de origem infecciosa. Objetivo: descrever as características epidemiológicas, clínicas e evolutivas de crianças hospitalizadas por SFP num centro de referência no Uruguai, entre 2015 e 2019. Materiais e métodos: estudo retrospectivo de crianças menores de 15 anos de idade internadas por SFP. Foram excluídas aquelas com febre recorrente prolongada, SFP de causa oncológica e diagnóstico prévio de doenças autoimunes, oncológicas e imunodeficiências. Analisaram-se idade, duração da febre, manifestações evolutivas, etiologias, tratamento, evolução e associação entre duração da febre e etiologia pelo teste de Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney (nível de significância de 5%). Resultados: 132 crianças foram hospitalizadas, com idade média de 5 anos; duração média da febre 9 dias (8-39). Associados na evolução tiveram sintomas respiratórios 62%, sintomas digestivos 29%, repercussão geral 28%. A etiologia da SFP foi: 80% infeccioso, 50% viral (infecção respiratória aguda inespecífica 22), 47% bacteriana (Bartonella Henselae 20) 3% parasitária (toxocaríase 2, leishmaniose 1); autoimune 10% (artrite idiopática juvenil 7); e SFP de origem pouco definida 10%. Não encontrou-se associação significativa entre etiologia e duração da febre. 72% receberam antimicrobianos; antifúngicos 2%; antiviral 1%. Complicação: um caso de farmacodermia grave, nenhuma morte foi registrada. Conclusões: as infecções virais inespecíficas foram a etiologia mais frequente da SFP. Devido à alta incidência de infecções pelo vírus Epstein Barr e Bartonella Henselae, é importante insistir na busca das causas das infecções. Na maioria dos casos foram benignos e autolimitados.

Caracterización de pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido recurrente / Characterizing patients with recurrent fever of unknown origin

Introducción: La fiebre de origen desconocido es un síndrome que genera un gran desafío para el pensamiento clínico; el patrón recurrente es el subtipo más retador y de difícil diagnóstico etiológico. Objetivo: Caracterizar los pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido con patrón recurrente. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en el periodo de enero de 2008 a diciembre de 2015. La muestra quedó constituida por 48 pacientes, los cuales fueron hospitalizados y se les realizó una evaluación clínica en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Amejeiras. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizaron medidas de resumen para las variables cualitativas y para las cuantitativas, media y desviación estándar. Resultados: La edad media fue 41,3 años, predominaron los hombres (62,5 por ciento), la duración media de la fiebre fue de 497 días y las pistas clínicas más importantes fueron los hallazgos de adenopatías (43,8 por ciento) y hepatomegalia (22,9 por ciento). Los casos sin diagnóstico fueron 45,8 por ciento. Conclusiones: La fiebre de origen desconocido con patrón recurrente es de difícil diagnóstico. A pesar de una evaluación clínica minuciosa, la mayoría de los pacientes quedan sin diagnóstico(AU)

Introduction: Fever of unknown origin is a syndrome that generates great challenge for clinical thought; the recurrent pattern is the most challenging subtype and with difficult etiological diagnosis. Objective: To describe patients with fever of unknown origin with recurring pattern. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2008 to December 2015. Forty-eight patients formed the sample. They were hospitalized and underwent clinical evaluation at Hermanos Amejeiras Surgical Clinical Hospital. For data analysis, summary measures were used for qualitative variables and mean and standard deviation variables were used for quantitative. Results: The mean age was 41.3 years, men predominated (62.5 percent), the mean duration of fever was 497 days, and the most important clinical signs were the findings of lymphadenopathy (43.8 percent) and hepatomegaly. (22.9 percent). Undiagnosed cases were 45.8 percent. Conclusions: Fever of unknown origin with recurring pattern is difficult to diagnose. Despite careful clinical evaluation, most patients remain undiagnosed(AU)

Fever of unknown origin in special groups

SUMMARY Fever of undetermined origin (FUO) is a challenging entity with a striking presence in hospitals around the world. It is defined as temperature ≥ 37.8 ° C on several occasions, lasting ≥ three weeks, in the absence of diagnosis after three days of hospital investigation or 3 outpatient visits. The main etiologies are infectious, neoplastic, and non-infectious inflammatory diseases. The diagnosis is based on the detailed clinical history and physical examination of these patients, in order to direct the specific complementary tests to be performed in each case. The initial diagnostic approach of the FUO patient should include non-specific complementary exams. Empirical therapy is not recommended (with few exceptions) in patients with prolonged fever, as it may disguise and delay the diagnosis and conduct to treat the specific etiology. The prognosis encompasses mortality of 12-35%, varying according to the baseline etiology.

RESUMO Febre de origem indeterminada (FOI) é uma entidade desafiadora com presença marcante nos hospitais de todo o mundo. É definida como temperatura ≥37,8 ° C em várias ocasiões, com duração ≥3 semanas, na ausência de diagnóstico após três dias de investigação hospitalar ou três consultas ambulatoriais. As principais etiologias são de ordem infecciosa, neoplásica e doenças inflamatórias não infecciosas. O diagnóstico é baseado na história clínica e no exame físico minuciosos desses pacientes, com a finalidade de direcionar os exames complementares específicos a serem realizados em cada caso. A abordagem diagnóstica inicial do paciente com FOI deve incluir exames complementares inespecíficos. A terapia empírica não é recomendada (com poucas exceções) em pacientes com febre prolongada, uma vez que ela pode camuflar e retardar o diagnóstico e a conduta para tratar a etiologia específica. O prognóstico engloba uma mortalidade de 12-35%, variando de acordo com a etiologia de base.

Fever in the tropics: aetiology and clinical profile of fever of unknown origin in children-a prospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital in South India

Background: Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children, especially in tropical countries with varied aetiology and clinical presentation. Aim of this study is to determine the aetiology and outcome of FUO in Indian children. Study design is Prospective, observational study. 'Methods: We enrolled 75 children aged 1 to 12 years who were admitted with fever >8 days to the paediatric department from January 2015 to August 2016. Initial evaluation included complete blood count, peripheral smear, urine analysis, chest radiography, blood culture and tuberculin test. 'Results: In 72 children (96%), a definitive diagnosis could be established, whereas 3 children (4%) remained undiagnosed. Most common aetiology of FUO was infectious disease (90.6%) followed by malignancy (4%) and collagen vascular disease (1.3%). Among the infections group, scrub typhus was found to be the commonest aetiology (52%).Conclusions: Infections were the most common etiological factor for FUO in children aged 1-12 years of our region.