Fever in the Hospitalized or Critically Ill Child

Abstract

New fever in hospitalized patients can often be a challenging diagnostic dilemma given the numerous potential etiologies. Few interventional studies exist to define the optimum evaluation and management of such patients. Furthermore, given the medical complexity and frailty of many critically ill children, a need exists to rapidly identify and address potential infections. In this chapter, a brief overview is provided of common infectious and noninfectious causes of fever in the hospitalized child.