Effect of age on febrile response in patients with healthcare-associated bloodstream infection

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of age on febrile response in patients with healthcare-associated bloodstream infection (BSI). Methods: This was a retrospective observational study using medical records as the primary source of data. Three indicators measured body temperature changes: basal body temperature (BBT), body temperature at infection onset (onset 7), and maximum temperature (max T) during the infection period. Results: In a sample of 230 patients there was no significant correlation between BBT or onset T and age. Max T was significantly correlated with age (r = -.191, p = .004). There was wide variation in onset Tin all age groups. Conclusions: Age showed no effect on BBT and onset T, but blunted max T in patients with bacteremia. This variability in onset T in all age groups emphasizes the need for early recognition of subtle signs of infection and the need to use an individualized definition of fever. (C) 2013 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved