FUO-outcomes

 Q: Patients who continue to have 'Fever of Unknown Origin' (FUO) despite extensive workup should be followed closely as they tend to have a poor clinical outcome. This statement is?

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

Although the underlying pathology plays an essential role in the outcome of FUO, most patients, particularly the pediatric population tend to have a good outcome. In general, only one-fifth of these patients get diagnosed in the outpatient follow-up of at least 8 weeks. 

Some respond to courses of glucocorticoids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

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References:

1. Vanderschueren S, Knockaert D, Adriaenssens T, et al. From prolonged febrile illness to fever of unknown origin: the challenge continues. Arch Intern Med 2003; 163:1033. 

2. Zenone T. Fever of unknown origin in adults: evaluation of 144 cases in a non-university hospital. Scand J Infect Dis 2006; 38:632. 

3. Bleeker-Rovers CP, Vos FJ, de Kleijn EM, et al. A prospective multicenter study on fever of unknown origin: the yield of a structured diagnostic protocol. Medicine (Baltimore) 2007; 86:26. 

4. Knockaert DC, Dujardin KS, Bobbaers HJ. Long-term follow-up of patients with undiagnosed fever of unknown origin. Arch Intern Med 1996; 156:618.