Afebrile bacteremia. A phenomenon in geriatric patients

Abstract

A prospective study was performed in 25 elderly patients who experienced afebrile bacteremia during a 1.5-year interval. An explanation for the afebrile state was explored. Subtle findings, such as unexplained alterations in mental status or presence of leukocytosis, proved to be invaluable guides for performing blood cultures. Afebrile nosocomial bacteremias usually occurred as a complication of a malignant process or an intravascular catheter, and these episodes were invariably fatal. (JAMA1982;248:1478-1481)