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

Abstract

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 T), 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 T in 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.

Keywords: Elderly; Febrile response; Fever intensity; Healthcare-associated bloodstream infection.