Fever of Unknown Origin at A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the causes of fever of unknown origin (FUO) at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Bangladesh. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Medical College, Dhanmondi Dhaka. from January 2021 to December 2023. We reviewed the medical records of all patients aged > 18 years with a primary diagnosis of PUO. We excluded those who did not meet inclusion criteria. Results: One hundred twenty patients were analyzed, 111 (54%) were male. The mean age of patients was 42±15 years. The mean duration of fever prior to hospitalization was 25±12 days and the mean time taken to reach a final diagnosis was 11±9 days. Infections, especially tuberculosis, were the most common cause of PUO, followed by connective tissue diseases and malignancies. PUO are due to rare presentation of common diseases and due to rare diseases. Conclusion: That’s why the plan of first line investigation should be for Common diseases. There are several factors causing delay in diagnosis and it should be identified and overcome to improve outcomes.