HomeAnswersPediatricsfeverMy 7-month-old son had a fever continuously for a week. Why?

Kindly explain the possible reason for continuous fever in a 7 months old.

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Kindly explain the possible reason for continuous fever in a 7 months old.

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 18, 2016
Reviewed AtFebruary 18, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My son is 7 months old. He has had a fever for 8 days. His body temperature started from 105 degrees Fahrenheit on the first day and now it has gradually reduced to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the first time he is having fever. I am giving him Crocin drops and Ceftriaxone. On the first four days, the fever was occurring every four to five hours and now after taking antibiotics, it is once in 10 to 12 hours. But, the fever does not stop. The blood culture and urine culture reports show no growth in 48 hours. Blood report shows some kind of infection, with CRP 75 and now reduced to 55 in two days. I wanted to consult a doctor to understand the problem and possible cause of continuous fever.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the reports and history of your child given by you (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

1. Thereseems to be a serious viral infection that the child has suffered as the total counts are high, but without any neutrophilic predominance.

2. Another anomaly noted in the report is that the platelet count is very high. It is suggested to please repeat CBC (complete blood count) when the child is completely normal. This will tell us if the thrombocytosis is congenital or acquired secondary to some inflammation.

3. The most common cause of high platelets in children of this age group is Kawasaki disease (rare inflammatory condition of blood vessel walls in children).

4. Also, please see for the following signs. Strawberry red tongue, edema and swelling of palms and feet, thrombocytosis, longstanding fever and sudden onset of breathlessness.

5. If the above signs exist, then it isindicating probable Kawasaki disease. This will require admission of the child to the nearest hospital with complete work up including 2D echo followed by treatment with Aspirin and other drugs as required.

6. Also, I would advise to do SGPT (serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase), SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) and chest x-ray to find out the extent of involvement of inflammation.

7. Continue your medications as advised by your doctor. However, you should be watchful for the following warning signs. Lethargy, refusal to feed, convulsion, breathlessness and bluish discoloration of lips, palms or legs. Such conditions require admission of the child to the nearest hospital on an emergency basis.

8. Another possibility that is highly unlikely could be a problem in the bone marrow that may be producing too many platelets. Again, this is less likely.

9. If the consulting doctor feels so, then they may do a bone marrow aspiration test if they feel it is required. This is to be considered if the fever does not subside even after two weeks of treatment.

10. Also, I would like to know of any other associated symptoms like cough, cold, rash, etc.

Investigations to be done

SGPT, SGOT and chest x-ray. More tests may be required as per the condition of the child.

Differential diagnosis

1. Kawasaki disease.

2. Viral infection.

3. Soft tissue sarcoma.

Treatment plan

Continue the treatment that is going on. Please admit the child and evaluate if the above symptoms I mentioned are present.

Regarding follow up

Revert back with the reports.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim
Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim

Pediatrics

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