Economic implications of step-down outpatient management for fever and neutropenia episodes in pediatric cancer patients: a cost minimization analysis.

BACKGROUND: The management of febrile neutropenia (FN) in pediatric cancer patients has traditionally been conducted in a hospital setting. However, recent evidence has indicated that outpatient management of FN can be equally effective compared to inpatient care. Based on this evidence, we conducted a cost-minimization analysis (CMA) specifically focused on pediatric cancer patients in Mexico. METHODS: A piggy-back study was conducted during the execution of a non-inferiority clinical trial that compared outpatient treatment to inpatient treatment for FN in children with cancer. A CMA was performed from a societal perspective using patient-level data. In the previous study, we observed that step-down oral outpatient management of low-risk FN was as safe and effective as inpatient intravenous management. Direct and indirect costs were collected prospectively. The costs were adjusted for inflation and converted to US dollars, with values standardized to July 2022 costs. Statistical analysis using bootstrap methods was employed to obtain robust estimations for decision-making within the Mexican public health care system. RESULTS: A total of 117 FN episodes were analyzed, with 60 in the outpatient group and 57 in the inpatient group; however, complete cost data were available for only 115 FN episodes. The analysis revealed an average savings of $1,087 per FN episode managed on an outpatient basis, representing a significant 92% reduction in total cost per FN episode compared to inpatient treatment. Length of hospital stay and inpatient consultations emerged as the primary cost drivers within the inpatient care group. CONCLUSION: This CMA demonstrates that the step-down outpatient management approach is cost-saving when compared to inpatient management of FN in pediatric cancer patients. The mean difference observed between the treatment groups provides support for decision-making within the public health care system, as outpatient management of FN allows for substantial cost savings without compromising patient health.

Fiebre en pacientes inmunodeprimidos / Fever in immunocompromised patients

Introducción: La fiebre es un marcador de enfermedades infecciosas e inflamatorias que se da por una respuesta inmune innata y por diferentes mediaciones entre marcadores moleculares. En el paciente inmunodeprimido, uno o varios mecanismos inmunológicos pueden estar alterados, debido a que la respuesta inmune puede estar deprimida y la fiebre puede denotar un estado patológico grave subyacente. Se realizó una búsqueda exploratoria en las bases de datos PubMed/Medline, Scopus y Scielo entre septiembre y octubre de 2022. Se incluyeron los términos fiebre, pacientes inmunodeprimidos, tratamiento y sistema inmune. Se seleccionaron 41 artículos científicos con diferentes diseños epidemiológicos. Objetivo: Describir aspectos relacionados con la fisiopatología de la fiebre, el tratamiento de la presencia de fiebre en pacientes con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana y síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida, así como también en pacientes receptores de trasplantes de órgano sólido y de trasplantes hematopoyéticos, pacientes neutropénicos y pacientes tratados con corticosteroides y terapia biológica. Desarrollo: El tratamiento del paciente inmunodeprimido con fiebre incluye aspectos fundamentales como una adecuada anamnesis y examen físico, además de pruebas diagnósticas orientadas para establecer la causa de la fiebre. En estos pacientes, las infecciones juegan un papel protagónico y su intervención temprana es fundamental para impactar en la morbimortalidad. Conclusiones: El paciente inmunodeprimido con presencia de fiebre presenta un panorama desafiante para su manejo médico integral. Entre otros aspectos es relevante considerar el tipo y tiempo de inmunosupresión, así como los factores de riesgo, con el fin de orientar los diagnósticos y tratamientos(AU)

Introduction: Fever is a marker of infectious and inflammatory diseases that is caused by an innate immune response and by different mediations between molecular markers. In the immunocompromised patient, one or more immunological mechanisms may be altered because the immune response may be compromised, and fever may denote a serious underlying disease state. An exploratory search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Scielo databases between September and October 2022. The terms fever immunocompromised patients, treatment, and immune system. A total of 41 scientific articles with different epidemiological designs were selected. Objective: To describe aspects related to the pathophysiology of fever, management of the presence of fever in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, as well as in patients who have received solid organ transplants and hematopoietic transplants, neutropenic patients and patients treated with corticosteroids and biological therapy. Developing: The approach to the immunocompromised patient with fever includes fundamental aspects such as an adequate history and physical examination, as well as diagnostic tests aimed at establishing the cause of the fever. In these patients, infections play a leading role and early intervention is essential to impact morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: The immunocompromised patient with the presence of fever presents a challenging panorama for his/her comprehensive medical approach. Among other aspects, it is relevant to consider the type and duration of immunosuppression, as well as the risk factors, to guide diagnoses and treatments(AU)

Rio Negro Virus Infection, Bolivia, 2021.

In May 2021, an agricultural worker originally from Trementinal, Argentina, sought treatment for febrile illness in Tarija, Bolivia, where he resided at the time of illness onset. The patient tested negative for hantavirus RNA, but next-generation sequencing of a serum sample yielded a complete genome for Rio Negro virus.

Risk Factors for Readmission Following Febrile Neutropenia in Pediatric Oncology Patients.

Febrile neutropenia is the most common reason for admission from the emergency department for pediatric oncology patients. We identified pediatric inpatients age 1 to 21 years with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis code of malignancy and either fever with neutropenia or fever alone over a 6-year period (2007-2012) using the PHIS+ database. We evaluated factors associated with readmission within 7 days after index hospitalization. There were 4029 index hospitalizations among 2349 patients in 6 hospitals, 294 encounters (7.3%) were followed by readmission within 7 days. Factors associated with increased odds of readmission included being in the lowest quartile for median household income (odds ratio [OR]=1.64, P =0.009), diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (OR=1.37, P =0.016), lack of anerobic coverage during index hospitalization (OR=1.48, P =0.026), and absolute neutrophil count <200 cells/µL at discharge from index hospitalizations (OR=1.55, P =0.008). Patients who required readmission had a longer median length of stay and greater hospitalization costs during the index hospitalization. There was a trend towards increasing hospitalization rates for febrile neutropenia over time. While absolute neutrophil count is incorporated into many risk stratification strategies for fever management, further work should focus on addressing socioeconomic factors which may impact readmission rates.

Effectiveness of warm compresses in reducing the temperature of febrile children: A pilot randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the application of a warm compress in association with the prescribed antipyretic drug compared to the effect of the prescribed antipyretic alone, in reducing fever in hospitalized children. METHOD: This is a pilot randomized clinical trial performed in pediatric units of a secondary-level hospital. The convenience sample consisted of 33 children with axillary temperature greater than or equal to 37.8°C (100°F), randomized to the control group (antipyretics) or intervention group (antipyretics + warm compresses). Temperature was monitored in both groups for 3 hours and data were collected using standardized instruments, analyzed using Mann Whitney, Fisher's Exact, Chi-Square, and ANOVA tests. RESULTS: The control group consisted of 17 children and the intervention group of 16 children. The temperature of all children decreased over time, with progressive attenuation, with a lower final mean in the control group (p=0.035). In the intervention group, irritability and crying were observed in 12.5% of the children. CONCLUSION: The application of warm compresses in association with antipyretics was not effective in reducing fever in hospitalized children compared to the use of pharmacological measures alone. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION PROTOCOL: UTN-U1111-1229-1599.

Fever in children: parents' search for urgent and emergency services. / Febre em crianças: procura de pais por serviços médicos de emergência.

The study analyses the understanding of parents or guardians of children aged zero to five years old about fever, the conduct and care for this condition, carried out in the urgent and emergency service. The qualitative research, which used the thematic analysis technique, was carried out through interviews with 14 parents or guardians who sought an urgent and emergency Pediatric Service in a municipality in the countryside of São Paulo for this reason. The experiences of parents who seek these services are associated to three main topics: fear of fever; care for a febrile child; and the experience of care at the urgent and emergency services. It was identified that an exaggerated fear of fever predominates and that parents / guardians feel safe regarding the existing technology found in urgent and emergency services. The adopted precautions, however, are not always those recommended for the existing situation.

O estudo analisa a compreensão de pais ou responsáveis por crianças de zero a cinco anos acerca da febre, da condução e do atendimento desse quadro, realizado no serviço de urgência e emergência. A pesquisa qualitativa, por meio da técnica de análise temática, foi feita a partir de entrevistas com 14 pais ou responsáveis que procuraram um serviço pediátrico de urgência e emergência em um município do interior de São Paulo por esse motivo. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio da técnica de análise temática. As experiencias dos pais que procuram esses serviços relacionam-se a três temas principais: temor da febre; os cuidados com criança febril; e a experiência de atendimento no serviço de urgência e emergência. Identificou-se que o medo exagerado da febre prevalece e que os pais/responsáveis se sentem seguros frente à tecnologia existente nos serviços de urgência e emergência. Os cuidados adotados, todavia, nem sempre são os recomendados para a situação apresentada.

Febre em crianças: procura de pais por serviços médicos de emergência / Fever in children: parents' search for urgent and emergency services

Resumo O estudo analisa a compreensão de pais ou responsáveis por crianças de zero a cinco anos acerca da febre, da condução e do atendimento desse quadro, realizado no serviço de urgência e emergência. A pesquisa qualitativa, por meio da técnica de análise temática, foi feita a partir de entrevistas com 14 pais ou responsáveis que procuraram um serviço pediátrico de urgência e emergência em um município do interior de São Paulo por esse motivo. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio da técnica de análise temática. As experiencias dos pais que procuram esses serviços relacionam-se a três temas principais: temor da febre; os cuidados com criança febril; e a experiência de atendimento no serviço de urgência e emergência. Identificou-se que o medo exagerado da febre prevalece e que os pais/responsáveis se sentem seguros frente à tecnologia existente nos serviços de urgência e emergência. Os cuidados adotados, todavia, nem sempre são os recomendados para a situação apresentada.

Abstract The study analyses the understanding of parents or guardians of children aged zero to five years old about fever, the conduct and care for this condition, carried out in the urgent and emergency service. The qualitative research, which used the thematic analysis technique, was carried out through interviews with 14 parents or guardians who sought an urgent and emergency Pediatric Service in a municipality in the countryside of São Paulo for this reason. The experiences of parents who seek these services are associated to three main topics: fear of fever; care for a febrile child; and the experience of care at the urgent and emergency services. It was identified that an exaggerated fear of fever predominates and that parents / guardians feel safe regarding the existing technology found in urgent and emergency services. The adopted precautions, however, are not always those recommended for the existing situation.

Temperature Measurement at Well-Child Visits in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and predictors of temperature measurement at well-child visits in the US and report rates of interventions associated with visits at which temperature is measured and fever is detected. STUDY DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed 22 518 sampled well-child visits from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey between 2003 and 2015. We estimated the frequency of temperature measurement and performed multivariable regression to identify patient, provider/clinic, and seasonal factors associated with the practice. We described rates of interventions (complete blood count, radiograph, urinalysis, antibiotic prescription, and emergency department/hospital referral) by measurement and fever (temperature ≥100.4 °F, ≥38.0 °C) status. RESULTS: Temperature was measured in 48.5% (95% CI 45.6-51.4) of well-child visits. Measurement was more common during visits by nonpediatric providers (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6-2.5; reference: pediatricians), in Hispanic (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.6-2.3) and Black (aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9; reference: non-Hispanic White) patients, and in patients with government (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.7-2.4; reference: private) insurance. Interventions were more commonly pursued when temperature was measured (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6) and fever was detected (aOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.5-9.4). CONCLUSIONS: Temperature was measured in nearly one-half of all well-child visits. Interventions were more common when temperature was measured and fever was detected. The value of routine temperature measurement during well-child visits warrants further evaluation.

Manejo não farmacológico da febre e hipertermia da criança: revisão integrativa / Manejo no farmacológico de la fiebre e hipertermia en niños: revisión integradora / Non-pharmacological fever and hyperthermia management in children: an integrative review

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar as intervenções não farmacológicos para febre e hipertermia em crianças indicados na literatura científica. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados Lilacs, PubMed e CINAHL e as bibliotecas COCHRANE e SciELO. Foram incluídos artigos que abordassem as intervenções não farmacológicas para febre e hipertermia, publicados em português e inglês, no período de 2000 a 2019. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída por 27 artigos, que foram agrupados, conforme suas similaridades, em sete categorias. As intervenções utilizadas foram: banhos; compressas mornas; sponging ; incentivo à ingestão de líquidos; bolsas de gelo e cobertores refrigerados; e, por último, a categoria ventilação do ambiente. Observaram-se diferentes intervenções no manejo não farmacológico de febre e hipertermia. Conclusão: A prática de medidas não farmacológicas isoladamente não é recomendada para o tratamento de febre em crianças, exceto as intervenções que auxiliem nas respostas fisiológicas do corpo. Os resultados ressaltam a recomendação da realização de novas pesquisas que redundem em evidências para fundamentar o melhor cuidado do enfermeiro pediatra à criança com febre.

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar las intervenciones no farmacológicas para la fiebre e hipertermia en niños recomendadas en la literatura científica. Métodos: Se trata de una revisión integradora de la literatura realizada en las bases de datos Lilacs, PubMed y CINAHL y las bibliotecas COCHRANE y SciELO. Se incluyeron artículos que abordaran las intervenciones no farmacológicas para la fiebre e hipertermia, publicados en portugués e inglés, en el período de 2000 a 2019. Resultados: La muestra estuvo compuesta por 27 artículos, que fueron agrupados en siete categorías según sus similitudes. Las intervenciones utilizadas fueron: baños, compresas tibias, sponging , incentivo a la ingesta de líquidos, bolsas de hielo y mantas refrigeradas y, por último, la categoría ventilación del ambiente. Se observaron diferentes intervenciones en el manejo no farmacológico de la fiebre e hipertermia. Conclusión: No se recomienda la práctica de medidas no farmacológicas de forma aislada para tratar la fiebre en niños, excepto las intervenciones que ayuden a las respuestas fisiológicas del cuerpo. Los resultados resaltan la recomendación de realizar nuevos estudios que tengan como resultado evidencias para fundamentar un mejor cuidado del enfermero pediatra a niños con fiebre.

Abstract Objective: To identify non-pharmacological interventions for fever and hyperthermia in children indicated in the scientific literature. Methods: an integrative literature review carried out in the LILACS, PubMed and CINAHL databases and in the COCHRANE and SciELO libraries. Articles that addressed non-pharmacological interventions for fever and hyperthermia, published in Portuguese and English, from 2000 to 2019, have been included. Results: The sample consisted of 27 articles, which were grouped, according to their similarities, into seven categories. The interventions used were baths, warm compresses, sponging, encouraging fluid intake, ice packs, cooled blankets, and room ventilation. Different interventions were observed in non-pharmacological fever and hyperthermia management. Conclusion: Practicing non-pharmacological measures alone is not recommended for fever treatment in children, except for interventions that assist in the physiological responses of the body. The results highlight the recommendation of conducting further research that results in evidence to support the best care provided by pediatric nurses to children with fever.

Survey on knowledge, prescription habits, and management of fever among pediatricians at a children's hospital. / Encuesta sobre conocimiento, hábitos de prescripción y manejo de la fiebre en pediatras de un hospital pediátrico.

INTRODUCTION: There are discrepancies in relation to pediatricians' approach to fever. Our objective was to describe the knowledge, prescription habits, and drug and non-drug treatment indications for fever among physicians at a children's hospital in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Material and methods. Observational, descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted at Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez in 2018. RESULTS: A total of 100 surveys were completed: 37 % of pediatricians always indicated physical methods, whereas 54 % did so occasionally; 68 % alternated antipyretic agents, while 72 % considered this practice increased the risk for toxicity; and 32 % stated that early management reduced the risk for seizures. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatricians have prescription habits and indicate drug and non-drug treatments for fever that have demonstrated little effectiveness.

Introducción. Existen discrepancias en el abordaje de la fiebre por parte de los pediatras. El objetivo fue describir conocimientos, hábitos de prescripción e indicaciones de tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico de la fiebre por parte de los médicos de un hospital pediátrico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Material y métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, analítico, de corte transversal, realizado en el Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez durante 2018. Resultados. Se realizaron 100 encuestas. El 37 % de los pediatras siempre indicaba medios físicos, mientras que el 54 %, ocasionalmente. El 68 % alternaba antitérmicos, aunque el 72 % consideraba que esta práctica aumentaba el riesgo de toxicidad. El 32 % respondió que el tratamiento precoz disminuía el riesgo de convulsiones. Conclusiones. Existen hábitos de prescripción e indicaciones de tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico de la fiebre por parte de los pediatras con escasa evidencia de su eficacia.

Conocimientos y manejo de la fiebre en padres de niños menores de 5 años en un hospital pediátrico / Knowledge and management of fever in parents of children under 5 years of age at a children's hospital

Introducción. La fiebre en pediatría es motivo de consulta frecuente. El objetivo fue evaluar los conocimientos, actitudes y temores de los padres ante la fiebre de sus hijos.Material y métodos. Estudio observacional, analítico, transversal. En 2018, se realizó una encuesta a padres de niños de entre 6 meses y 5 años que asistieron al Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires.Se analizó la asociación entre las variables sociodemográficas y los conocimientos, actitudes y temores frente al cuadro febril.Resultados. Se realizaron 201 encuestas. El 56,7 % de los padres consideró que la fiebre era mala para la salud. El 37 % definió fiebre entre 37 °C y 37,5 °C, y el 59 %, 38-38,5 ºC. La media de temperatura considerada grave fue 39,2 °C (desvío estándar 0,69). El 93 % de los cuidadores utilizaba medidas físicas; el 97 % administraba antitérmicos y el 14,5 % los alternaba. Los temores a las consecuencias fueron, en el 82 %, convulsiones; en el 41 %, deshidratación; en el 18 %, daño cerebral y, en el 12 %, muerte. El 86,5 % despertaba a sus hijos para administrarles antitérmico. En el estrato de mayor instrucción materna, fue menor el temor a la fiebre (odds ratio0,5; intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 0,28-0,91).Conclusiones. Un tercio de los encuestados consideró fiebre valores bajos de temperatura. El temor a la fiebre fue elevado y el nivel de instrucción materna podría mitigarlo.

Introduction. In pediatrics, fever is a common reason for consultation. The objective was to assess parental knowledge, behaviors, and fears in the management of fever in their children.Materials and methods. Observational, analytical, cross-sectional study. In 2018, a survey was administered to the parents of children aged 6 months to 5 years who attended Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. The association between sociodemographic outcome measures and knowledge, behaviors, and fears in cases of fever was analyzed.Results. A total of 201 surveys were completed: 56.7 % of parents considered that fever was bad for health; 37 % defined fever between 37 °C and 37.5 °C, and 59 %, between 38 °C and 38.5 °C. The mean temperature considered severe was 39.2 °C (standard deviation: 0.69). Physical methods were used by 93 % of caregivers; 97 % administered antipyretic agents, and 14.5 % used alternating agents. Fears of consequences included seizures in 82 %, dehydration in 41 %, brain damage in 18 %, and death in 12 %. Also, 86.5 % woke up their children to give them an antipyretic agent. Among the higher maternal education level, fear of fever was lower (odds ratio: 0.5; 95 % confidence interval: 0.28-0.91).Conclusions. One-third of survey respondents considered low body temperature values as fever. Fear of fever was high, and the level of maternal education may mitigate it.

Knowledge and management of fever in parents of children under 5 years of age at a children's hospital. / Conocimientos y manejo de la fiebre en padres de niños menores de 5 años en un hospital pediátrico.

INTRODUCTION: In pediatrics, fever is a common reason for consultation. The objective was to assess parental knowledge, behaviors, and fears in the management of fever in their children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional study. In 2018, a survey was administered to the parents of children aged 6 months to 5 years who attended Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. The association between sociodemographic outcome measures and knowledge, behaviors, and fears in cases of fever was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 201 surveys were completed: 56.7 % of parents considered that fever was bad for health; 37 % defined fever between 37 °C and 37.5 °C, and 59 %, between 38 °C and 38.5 °C. The mean temperature considered severe was 39.2 °C (standard deviation: 0.69). Physical methods were used by 93 % of caregivers; 97 % administered antipyretic agents, and 14.5 % used alternating agents. Fears of consequences included seizures in 82 %, dehydration in 41 %, brain damage in 18 %, and death in 12 %. Also, 86.5 % woke up their children to give them an antipyretic agent. Among the higher maternal education level, fear of fever was lower (odds ratio: 0.5; 95 % confidence interval: 0.28-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: One-third of survey respondents considered low body temperature values as fever. Fear of fever was high, and the level of maternal education may mitigate it.

Introducción. La fiebre en pediatría es motivo de consulta frecuente. El objetivo fue evaluar los conocimientos, actitudes y temores de los padres ante la fiebre de sus hijos. Material y métodos. Estudio observacional, analítico, transversal. En 2018, se realizó una encuesta a padres de niños de entre 6 meses y 5 años que asistieron al Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Se analizó la asociación entre las variables sociodemográficas y los conocimientos, actitudes y temores frente al cuadro febril. Resultados. Se realizaron 201 encuestas. El 56,7 % de los padres consideró que la fiebre era mala para la salud. El 37 % definió fiebre entre 37 °C y 37,5 °C, y el 59 %, 38-38,5 ºC. La media de temperatura considerada grave fue 39,2 °C (desvío estándar 0,69). El 93 % de los cuidadores utilizaba medidas físicas; el 97 % administraba antitérmicos y el 14,5 % los alternaba. Los temores a las consecuencias fueron, en el 82 %, convulsiones; en el 41 %, deshidratación; en el 18 %, daño cerebral y, en el 12 %, muerte. El 86,5 % despertaba a sus hijos para administrarles antitérmico. En el estrato de mayor instrucción materna, fue menor el temor a la fiebre (odds ratio 0,5; intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 0,28-0,91). Conclusiones. Un tercio de los encuestados consideró fiebre valores bajos de temperatura. El temor a la fiebre fue elevado y el nivel de instrucción materna podría mitigarlo.

Síndrome de fiebre periódica: serie de casos / Periodic fever syndrome: Case series

El síndrome de fiebre periódica (SFP) se caracteriza clínicamente por episodios repetidos y variables de inflamación sistémica en donde no se encuentra causa infecciosa, neoplásica ni evidencia de autoantígenos o autoanticuerpos. Los síntomas alternan con períodos de remisión total. La manifestación clínica cardinal es la presencia de fiebre, que se acompaña de síntomas sistémicos (artritis, serositis, exantema y afectación ocular) y similares entre una crisis y otra, que duran días a semanas. Presentan como características generales inicio en la infancia y duración autolimitada de los síntomas. SFP se ubican en el grupo VII de la clasificación de inmunodeficiencias primarias, en estos se debe diferenciar las enfermedades vinculados a mutaciones monogénicas, con pronóstico complejo, de las formas benignas denominadas "fiebre periódica, aftas, faringitis y adenopatías" (PFAPA). Para clasificar a pacientes con SFP se usan los criterios establecidos por Eurofever Classification Criteria (ECC)6 y en las formas benignas, los criterios de Thomas. (AU)

Periodic fever syndrome (PFS) is clinically characterized by repeated and variable episodes of systemic inflammation in which there is no infectious, neoplastic cause or evidence of autoantigens or autoantibodies. Symptoms alternate with periods of total remission. The cardinal clinical manifestation is the presence of fever, which is accompanied by systemic symptoms (arthritis, serositis, exanthema and ocular involvement) and that they are similar between one crisis and another, lasting days to weeks. They present as general characteristics, childhood onset and self-limited duration of symptoms. PFS is in group VII of the classification of primary immunodeficiencies, in which it is important to differentiate the diseases linked to monogenic mutations, with complex prognosis, from the benign forms called "periodic fever, aphthous, pharyngitis and adenopathy" (PFAPA). The criteria established by Eurofever Classification Criteria (ECC) are used to classify patients with PFS and for the benign forms, the Thomas criteria. (AU)

Associations of Neighborhood-Level Social Determinants of Health with Bacterial Infections in Young, Febrile Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the sociodemographic characteristics of one population of young, febrile infants and identify associations between neighborhood-level social determinants of health (SDHs) with bacterial infections. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cross sectional study of all infants ≤90 days old with a temperature of ≥38°C who presented in 2014 to the emergency department of an urban children's hospital in a large east coast city. The primary outcome was the presence of a bacterial infection, defined as a positive urine, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid culture that was treated clinically as a pathogen. The home address of each infant was geocoded and linked to neighborhood data based on census tract. Neighborhood-level SDHs included deprivation index, median household income, poverty, childhood poverty, social capital, and crowded housing. Associations were estimated using generalized estimating equations and negative binomial regression analysis. Models were adjusted for age, prematurity, and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Of 232 febrile infants, the median age was 54 days, 58% were male, 49% were Hispanic, and 88% had public health insurance; 31 infants (13.4%) had a bacterial infection. In the adjusted analyses, the risk of bacterial infection among infants from neighborhoods with high rates of childhood poverty was >3 times higher (relative risk, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.04-9.6) compared with infants from neighborhoods with low rates of childhood poverty. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that SDHs may be associated with bacterial infections in young, febrile infants. If confirmed in subsequent studies, the inclusion of SDHs in predictive tools may improve accuracy in detecting bacterial infections among young, febrile infants.

A Community Health Worker Intervention to Increase Childhood Disease Treatment Coverage in Rural Liberia: A Controlled Before-and-After Evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: To assess a community health worker (CHW) program's impact on childhood illness treatment in rural Liberia. METHODS: We deployed CHWs in half of Rivercess County in August 2015 with the other half constituting a comparison group until July 2016. All CHWs were provided cash incentives, supply chain support, and monthly clinical supervision. We conducted stratified cluster-sample population-based surveys at baseline (March-April 2015) and follow-up (April-June 2016) and performed a difference-in-differences analysis, adjusted by inverse probability of treatment weighting, to assess changes in treatment of fever, diarrhea, and acute respiratory infection by a qualified provider. RESULTS: We estimated a childhood treatment difference-in-differences of 56.4 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI] = 36.4, 76.3). At follow-up, CHWs provided 57.6% (95% CI = 42.8, 71.2) of treatment in the intervention group. The difference-in-differences diarrhea oral rehydration therapy was 22.4 percentage points (95% CI = -0.7, 45.5). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a CHW program in Rivercess County, Liberia, was associated with large, statistically significant improvements treatment by a qualified provider; however, improvements in correct diarrhea treatment were lower than improvements in coverage. Findings from this study offer support for expansion of Liberia's new National Community Health Assistant Program.

National Trends in Hospitalization for Fever and Neutropenia in Children with Cancer, 2007-2014.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the trends of inpatient resource use and mortality in pediatric hospitalizations for fever with neutropenia in the US from 2007 to 2014. STUDY DESIGN: Using National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, we studied pediatric cancer hospitalizations with fever with neutropenia between 2007 and 2014. Using appropriate weights for each NIS discharge, we created national estimates of median cost, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality rates. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2014, there were 104 315 hospitalizations for pediatric fever with neutropenia. The number of weighted fever with neutropenia hospitalizations increased from 12.9 (2007) to 18.1 (2014) per 100 000 US population. A significant increase in fever with neutropenia hospitalizations trend was seen in the 5- to 14-year age group, male sex, all races, and in Midwest and Western US hospital regions. Overall mortality rate remained low at 0.75%, and the 15- to 19-year age group was at significantly greater risk of mortality (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.36-3.68, P = .002). Sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, and mycosis were the comorbidities with greater risk of mortality during fever with neutropenia hospitalizations. Median length of stay (2007: 4 days, 2014: 5 days, P < .001) and cost of hospitalization (2007: $8771, 2014: $11 202, P < .001) also significantly increased during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides information regarding inpatient use associated with fever with neutropenia in pediatric hospitalizations. Continued research is needed to develop standardized risk stratification and cost-effective treatment strategies for fever with neutropenia hospitalizations considering increasing costs reported in our study. Future studies also are needed to address the greater observed mortality in adolescents with cancer.