FUO

 Q: By definition which one of the following is NOT correct for Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO)?

A) Fever higher than 38.3ºC on several occasions 

 B) Duration of fever for at least two weeks 

 C) Uncertain diagnosis after one week of study in-patient

Answer: B

FUO was first described 90 years ago 1, and although many amendments and modifications have been proposed, there is no change in the three basic principles of FUO in the last 50 years 2.

• Fever higher than 38.3ºC on several occasions 
• Duration of fever for at least three weeks, and
• Uncertain diagnosis after one week of study in-hospital

#infectious-diseases

References: 

1. Alt HL, Barker MH. Fever of unknown origin. JAMA 1930; 94:1457. 

2. PETERSDORF RG, BEESON PB. Fever of unexplained origin: report on 100 cases. Medicine (Baltimore) 1961; 40:1.