Fever in young infants accounts for a large percentage of ER visits and admissions to children's hospitals. High-risk infants have approximately a 10-percent chance of having a serious bacterial infection, while this percentage is much lower in infants identified as low-risk. These bacterial infections as well as neonatal HSV carry a very high risk of morbidity and mortality.

Despite these facts, there is not a national consensus on how these infants should be evaluated and managed. The resulting variability in practice leads to both the under- and over-treatment of the infant with a fever, in addition to confusion among providers and patients' families.

The goal of the febrile young infant clinical practice guideline committee was to develop an evidence-based pathway that highlights the most appropriate use of laboratory testing, antibiotics, and antivirals, allowing us to provide the highest quality, most cost-effective care.

Febrile young infant guidelines team

Contact: Whitney Browning, Hospital Medicine
Jim Gay, General Pediatrics
Melissa Gervase, Pharmacy
Laurie Lawrence, Emergency Medicine
Carrie Lind, Hospital Medicine
Matt Locklair, Emergency Medicine
Lauren McClain, Resident representative
Sarah Parker, Hospital Medicine
Aida Yared, General Pediatrics

Clinical Practice Guidelines: Febrile Young Infants | Evidence

CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES (FULL LIST)

FEBRILE INFANTS 8-21 Days (CPG)

FEBRILE INFANTS 22-28 Days (CPG)

FEBRILE INFANTS 29-60 Days (CPG)