Neonatology and Pediatrics

Pediatric Fever Without a Source: Quick Assessment

Fever without a source (FWS) in infants and young children presents a diagnostic challenge, requiring careful assessment to identify serious infections while avoiding unnecessary testing and hospitalization. This session reviews age-specific evaluation and risk stratification, with particular focus on febrile infants under 90 days. Participants will explore validated approaches such as the Rochester, Boston, and Philadelphia criteria, along with diagnostic tools including blood cultures, urinalysis, lumbar puncture, procalcitonin, and CRP. The role of rapid viral testing, vaccination status, exposure history, and outpatient management for low-risk infants will also be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on shared decision-making with caregivers and structured clinical assessment to reduce missed serious bacterial infections while supporting efficient, family-centered care.