WithdrawnNot Applicable

Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) in Elderly Patients

Stopped: Not working anymore at this hospital

Belgium0Started 2021-10-01

Plain-language summary

Objective: Fever of unknown (FUO) origin remains challenging in geriatric patients. Geriatric patients have a blunted immune response responsible for altered fever mechanisms and immune cells responses. Consequently, FUO could be inappropriately named and could be changed in Inflammation of unknown origin (IUO) in this specific population. Furthermore, the studies of FUO in this group are (out)dated and the diagnostic methods have evolved achieving a better sensitivity and specificity. The aim of our study is to assess the spectrum of diseases responsible of FUO or IUO in elderly patients compared to younger patients and to define the diagnostic approach using new diagnostic investigations. The second aim of our study is to assess the usefulness of inflammatory markers, demographic data and comorbidity to differentiate the cause of FUO/IUO. Design: Patients with FUO or IUO will prospectively be recruited at the geriatric unit and the internal medicine unit of the UZ hospital during four years. The demographic, social and medical data will be screened. All diagnostic methods will be described.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria * fever during more than one week out of hospital or more than 3 weeks with an intelligent appropriate workup * an inflammatory syndrome during more than one week out of hospital or more than 3 weeks out of hospital * The exclusion criteria : * no inform consent * Age \< 18 years old * Neutropenia, HIV or nosocomial fever of unknown origins are excluded. Immunodepressed patients are also excluded.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

the spectrum of diseases responsible of FUO or IUO

Timeframe: through study completion, an average of 1 year

definition of FUO

Timeframe: through study completion, an average of 1 year

Diagnostic approach of FUO

Timeframe: through study completion, an average of 1 year

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04810351

SponsorUniversitair Ziekenhuis Brussel

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2023-12-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Fever of Unknown Origin trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.