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Diagnosis
Review: fair evidence supports several tests in investigating fever of unknown origin

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm.8.5.156

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    (2003) Arch Intern Med 163, 545. Mourad O, Palda V, Detsky AS.. A comprehensive evidence-based approach to fever of unknown origin.. ;. :. –51.
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 QUESTION: What are the best approaches for a diagnostic workup of fever of unknown origin (FUO)?

    Data sources

    Studies were identified by searching Medline (1966–2000) using the terms fever of unknown origin, FUO, PUO, and pyrexia of unknown origin; and by reviewing the references of relevant studies.

    Study selection

    Studies were selected if they were published in English; they examined the natural history, prognosis, or spectrum of disease associated with FUO, or evaluated a diagnostic test for FUO; the patients had a temperature >38.3°C on several occasions lasting >3 weeks; and the diagnosis remained uncertain after 1 week of investigation in hospital. Exclusion criteria were immunosuppression; age <18 years; HIV; cancer; or patient groups outside of North America, western Europe, or Scandinavia.

    Data extraction

    Data were extracted on the performance and yield of the diagnostic tests. Study quality was assessed according to research design and internal validity (good, fair, or poor).

    Main results

    Diagnostic tests, …

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    Footnotes

    • Source of funding: no external funding.

    • For correspondence: Dr O Mourad, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. MouradO{at}smh.toronto.on.ca

    • Abstract and commentary also appear in ACP Journal Club.