Clinico-Epidemiological and Laboratory Profile of Children Presenting with Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illness of Less Than 7 Days in Children (3 Months To 18 Years)
Keywords:
Fever, AUFI, Pediatric Febrile Illness, leukopenia, thrombocytopeniaAbstract
Material & MethodsA hospital-based prospective study was conducted from May 2023 to April 2024 at the Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Children aged 3 months to 18 years with AUFI (fever ≤7 days without localized symptoms) were enrolled. Exclusion criteria included chronic illnesses and fever with organ- specific manifestations. A structured Proforma was used to collect demographic, clinical, and epidemiological data. The diagnostic workup included blood counts, malaria and dengue serology, scrub typhus IgM ELISA, Typhidot IgM, C- reactive protein (CRP), liver function tests, blood and urine cultures, and chest X-rays (as indicated). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v28, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
ResultsAmong 168 children, malaria was the most common diagnosis (40.5%), followed by dengue (15.5%) and undifferentiated febrile illness (19%). Peak incidence occurred post-monsoon (35.7%), with significant associations between malaria and anemia (p<0.0001) and dengue and leukopenia (p<0.05). Hospital stays >7 days were more frequent in undifferentiated cases (p<0.01). The discharge rate was 91.7%, with mortality highest in scrub typhus (7.1%).
ConclusionMalaria remains the leading AUFI in children, with thrombocytopenia and thrombocytopenia serving as key diagnostic markers. Improved diagnostics, vector surveillance, and seasonal intervention strategies are needed to reduce the AUFI burden and mortality.
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