- The European Research Journal
- Vol: 5 Issue: 6
- Diagnostic utility of clinical and epidemiologic features in fever of unknown origin
Diagnostic utility of clinical and epidemiologic features in fever of unknown origin
Authors : Victor Roca Campañá, Rosa Eugenia Jiménez Paneque, Héctor Manuel Rodríguez Silva
Pages : 928-938
Doi:10.18621/eurj.441463
View : 11 | Download : 6
Publication Date : 2019-11-04
Article Type : Research
Abstract :Objectives: To assess the diagnostic utility of clinical features in the major diagnostic categories of Fever of unknown origin (FUO). Methods: One hundred and thirty-three patients meeting the classic criteria of FUO were included in the study. A structured diagnostic protocol was used in all cases. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPVs), and likelihood ratios of positive and negative tests (LR+ and LR-) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for all clinical findings. Results: Clinical and epidemiologic features with best diagnostic utility indexes for the three major diagnostic categories were: weight loss of 15 pounds or more (sensitivity, 68.4%, 95% CI: 52.33-84.52 ), pallor of the skin and mucous membranes (sensitivity, 65.7%, 95% CI: 49.39-82.19 ), prior medical history of cancer (PPV, 63.6%, 95% CI: 30.66-96.61; LR+, 4.38, 95% CI: 1.36-14.09), lymphadenopathy (LR+, 2.2, 95% CI: 1.11-4.74 ), for neoplasms; arthritis (PPV, 72%, 95% CI: 51.84-93.61 ), prior family history of collagen diseases (PPV, 100%, 95% CI: 91.67-100.00), neurologic disorder (LR+, 5.1, 95% CI: 1.37-19.68 ), myalgia (LR+, 4.1, 95% CI: 1.45-11.88 ) and skin lesions (LR+, 3.0, 95% CI: 1.51-6.22 ) for noninfectious inflammatory diseases; weight loss of 15 pounds or more (sensitivity, 50%, 95% CI: 27.91-72.09 ), epidemiological history of previous tuberculosis or tuberculosis exposure (LR+, 9.0, 95% CI: 1.76-46.77 ), and jaundice (LR+, 2.73, 95% CI: 0.7-10.63) for infections. Conclusions: We identified clinical data emerging from the anamnesis and physical examination that may help to guide the diagnostic process in FUO.Keywords : Fever of unknown origin, clinical features, diagnostic utility