Diagnostic Dilemma

Fever with chills


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Question
An 11 months old boy born of a non-consanguineous marriage, resident of India presented with fever with chills for 1 day and dry cough for 1 day. He was admitted 2 months back for bronchopneumonia. On examination, his vital parameters were normal and there was pallor. On systemic examination, he had crepitations on the right subscapular region. On abdominal system examination, he had a minimally palpable liver and spleen. Investigations showed hemoglobin of 7.3 gm%, WBC count of 17,700/cumm (68% polymorphs, 28% lymphocytes), and normal platelet count. X-Ray chest showed right lower zone pneumonitis. The patient was treated with oral Amoxicillin out the fever persisted. His urine test was normal and peripheral smear was negative for malaria.

How to investigate this child further?
Expert Opinion :
This child has presented with fever with chills. Fever with chills is commonly seen with malaria, pneumonia, infective endocarditis, urine infection and deep seated abscesses. This child does have a right lower zone pneumonitis with neutrophilia. However there is no response to antibiotics. Thus, the infection does not appear to be a bacterial pneumonia. Also urine test is normal ruling out a urine infection. This child’s peripheral smear did not show any malarial parasite, however it still does not exclude malaria especially with a palpable spleen. Also the child should be investigated for abscesses. Infective endocarditis is unlikely in a child without an underlying heart disease and is unusual to present as fever for one day. Thus the child may need more tests to rule out malaria and abscesses. Blood tests in form of Rapid malaria tests and ultrasound of abdomen may be needed along with blood culture. In this child, rapid malaria test was positive for P.vivax and child responded to chloroquine. In malaria, lower zone pneumonitis is common and it is not unusual for a child with malaria to present with cough.
Answer Discussion :
R
RafaelDanilo Peralta
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Measurement of immunoglobulin levels, Hb electrophoresis. Blood lead. PPD
13 Days ago
S
Sameer Raut
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1A ] k
14 Days ago

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