Relationships between Causes of Fever of Unknown Origin and Inflammatory Markers: A Multicenter Collaborative Retrospective Study

Abstract

The present study identified inflammatory markers that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of classical FUO, providing useful information for future diagnosis.

Diagnostic Value of Common Inflammatory Markers on Fever of Unknown Origin

“…The finding was not in line with the previous study by Naito et al (31), probably due to the limited number of subjects in the previous study. PCT levels were measured in only 45 patients with FUO.…”

“…These findings are in line with previous studies (27,31). Although these 3 indices would be elevated in inflammatory conditions, they are nonspecific for the differential diagnosis of FUO.…”

Should Inflammatory Markers Be Used in the Diagnosis of a Fever of Unknown Origin?

“…Naito et al concluded that a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) could exclude the presence of a malignancy (1). Based on the contents of their manuscript, we have two questions: First, did the authors consider any other influencing factors in the elevation of the ESR?…”

Fever of Unknown Origin: Do Well-known Diseases Remain Undiagnosed?

“…Naito et al reported a nationwide retrospective study that included a large cohort of patients with FUO who had visited the general medicine department at one of 17 affiliated hospitals in Japan (6). The authors examined the relationships between underlying diseases and levels of inflammatory tests, WBC, ESR, CRP, and procalcitonin.…”

“…The study was conducted at 17 hospitals affiliated with the Japanese Society of Hospital General Medicine (6). General internal medicine (GIM) is at the intersection of other medical subspecialties, and covers almost all adult medical issues.…”