Study of a New Guideline for Managing Febrile Infants Up to 60 Days Old Comparing Current Practices in Swedish Pediatric Emergency Departments

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the management of febrile infants aged 60 days or younger who visit pediatric emergency departments PEDs in Sweden. The study evaluates a new clinical guideline compared to current standard practices across 11 PEDs. This observational study aims to improve care by reducing unnecessary diagnostic tests, hospitalizations, and broad-spectrum antibiotic use, which have implications for patient comfort, healthcare resources, and environmental impact. The study will implement the new guideline in 7 PEDs while 4 PEDs will continue their usual care as a control group. All febrile infants aged 60 days or younger with a body temperature of 38.0C or higher, measured at home or in the PED, will be included. The research collects clinical data including fever details, gestational age, birth weight, symptoms, lab results, and diagnoses to refine and personalize management recommendations. Participants will be observed during their visit to the PED, with data gathered on investigations, treatments, and hospitalizations. The primary measure is how effectively the new guideline identifies cases of meningitis, bacteremia, and urinary tract infections, including any delays in treatment, tracked over 10 days. Secondary measures include prevalence of infections, clinical signs, and adherence to the guideline. The study plans to enroll at least 2,500 infants over approximately two years, with careful monitoring of outcomes and resource use.

Febrile Infants Swedish Study