Investigating Fever of Unknown Origin in Elderly Patients
Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) in Elderly Patients
This study is trying to find out what causes fevers and inflammation in older patients to see if new ways of diagnosing these issues can help them get better care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brussel, Jette) |
| Trial ID | NCT04810351 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the causes of fever of unknown origin (FUO) or inflammation of unknown origin (IUO) in elderly patients compared to younger individuals. It will assess the spectrum of diseases responsible for FUO/IUO and evaluate the effectiveness of new diagnostic methods and inflammatory markers in identifying these conditions. The study will recruit patients from the geriatric and internal medicine units at UZ Brussels, focusing on those with prolonged fever or inflammatory syndromes. By updating the understanding of FUO in older adults, the study seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly patients over 65 years old who have experienced fever for more than one week or inflammatory syndromes for more than three weeks.
Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old, those with neutropenia, HIV, or nosocomial fever of unknown origins will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment strategies for elderly patients experiencing unexplained fevers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that the causes of FUO differ significantly between older and younger patients, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria * fever during more than one week out of hospital or more than 3 weeks with an intelligent appropriate workup * an inflammatory syndrome during more than one week out of hospital or more than 3 weeks out of hospital * The exclusion criteria : * no inform consent * Age \< 18 years old * Neutropenia, HIV or nosocomial fever of unknown origins are excluded. Immunodepressed patients are also excluded.
Where this trial is running
Brussel, Jette
- UZ brussel — Brussel, Jette, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nathalie Compte, MD, PhD — Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
- Study coordinator: Nathalie Compte, MD, PhD
- Email: nath_compte@hotmail.com
- Phone: 024749159
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.