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The Septic Work-Up
Unlike older children, it can be difficult to tell when a newborn or young infant is seriously ill. In fact, an infant under two or three months of age may have a seriousbacterial infection, such as meningitis, bacteremia (a blood infection), or aurinary tract infectionand still appear totally fine.That is why doctors routinely do a septic workup on infants who are under two or three months old when they have a rectal temperature that is at or above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
This septic workup typically includes a:
Depending on these test results, a young infant with a fever may be started on antibiotics and might need to be hospitalized and observed for 24 to 48 hours. Sometimes infants can be sent home and scheduled for a follow-up visit to the pediatrician.
Signs and Treatments for Meningitis in Babies
What Causes Babies to Have a Fever?
How to Take a Rectal Temperature
A spinal tap is an invasive test, but it is well-tolerated, and rarely has any complications. It is used to diagnose inflammation or infections of the nervous system, including meningitis andencephalitis(infection or inflammation of the brain tissue).
Of course, it is impossible to know in advance whether a spinal tap will show evidence of meningitis or encephalitis, and you might feel angry that your child had what you consider an unnecessary test if it turns out negative (no signs of infection). However, the potential adverse effect of untreated brain infection is far worse than the risk of a spinal tap.
What would your child’s doctors do if you refused a spinal tap after a long discussion of the risks and benefits? It would likely depend on the situation, but it might range from observing the infant in the hospital to calling child protection services and charging the parent with medical neglect if they conclude that your refusal is putting your child’s health in jeopardy.
Avoiding Viruses and Fevers
Frequently Asked Questions
A spinal tap is also known as a lumbar puncture. The procedure involves inserting a needle between two vertebrae to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid.A spinal tap is used to diagnose nervous system infections such as meningitis and encephalitis.
A spinal tap is also known as a lumbar puncture. The procedure involves inserting a needle between two vertebrae to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid.
A spinal tap is used to diagnose nervous system infections such as meningitis and encephalitis.
If a newborn has a fever of unknown origin, the doctors may order a spinal tap or lumbar puncture. A lumbar puncture is used to diagnose meningitis, encephalitis, and other conditions that affect the nervous system.
If the child is 2 months old or younger and has a fever of 100.4 degrees F,
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health.Detecting bacterial infections in newborns.
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health.Detecting bacterial infections in newborns.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health.Detecting bacterial infections in newborns.
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