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Clinical trial No longer in our active list Observational Ages 18 and up

Investigating Fever of Unknown Origin in Elderly Patients

Official title: Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) in Elderly Patients

Run by Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel · NCT04810351 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

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 typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorUniversitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brussel, Jette)
Trial IDNCT04810351 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably not a fit

Patients under 18 years old, those with neutropenia, HIV, or nosocomial fever of unknown origins will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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 gone: Previous studies have indicated that the causes of FUO differ significantly between older and younger patients, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.