Boston Febrile Infant Algorithm 2.0: Improving Care of the Febrile Infant 1–2 Months of Age

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Significant variation exists in the management of febrile infants, particularly those between 1 and 2 months of age. An established algorithm for well-appearing febrile infants 1–2 months of age guided clinical care for three decades in our emergency department. With mounting evidence for procalcitonin (PCT) to detect invasive bacterial infection (IBI), we revised our algorithm intending to decrease lumbar punctures (LPs) and antibiotic administration without increasing hospitalizations, revisits, or missed IBI.

Methods:

The algorithm’s risk stratification was revised based on the expert review of evidence regarding test performance of PCT for IBI in febrile infants. With the revision, routine LP and empiric antibiotics were not recommended for low-risk infants. We u

SUBMITTER: Dorney K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9622664 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature