3 y/o with recurrent fevers. Why? - Rare Disorders Message Board

briesmom · 07-06-2003, 11:17 AM

Hi..I am hoping that someone can help ease a worried mother's mind.

A little background info: She was 5 weeks premature, 3 days on vent and 1 week in NICU. She had RSV at 3 months and major UTI at 6 months requiring a week in in hospital with fever up to 105.

My 3 1/2 y/o daughter has recently had 3 bouts of unexplained fever going up to 103.6. (She has had other bouts which have been diagnosed as urinary tract infection even though lab work showed only possible questionable mild UTI, so now I am questing those.)

Now with these last three there are no symptoms, UA perfectly clear, no growth, blood cultures showed no growth and Motrin and/or Tylenol will bring it down but it will go back up. The last two were only two weeks apart lasting three to four days. We were told that it was viral. And after the one two weeks ago she did develop a flat splotchy rash on her back and chest. So these fevers are basically without symptoms except her appetite decreases. She continues to drink fluids.

It just seems strange to me that these would be viral. And why did it recur so soon. If it is viral shouldn't they need to find out where the virus is or what is inflammed?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

A worried mom.

tigger2 · 07-06-2003, 01:04 PM

:wave

hello worried mom, I don't blame you, I think I would want some answers myself.

Is this her ped. that is saying it is just viral? Maybe you could suggest to the doc about wanting more answers so ask for other doctors - specialist that could help

maybe even a childrens hospital - see if they have heard of symptom such as hers

God Bless You and Yours And May God Be With You
Jan

your_mum_350 · 07-07-2003, 11:05 AM

Mam, I don't want to worry you anymore then you already are... but, I'm here to tell you... it isn't viral. My sister is the exact same way and has been since she was a baby. She is now almost 5 years old and the fevers haven't stopped. My mother has been worried sick... staying up endless night with her and checking her fever... giving her Motrin and antibiotics. Believe me, I know where you're coming from, that's why I want to give you all of the information I can... My baby sister has been checked out for everything ... from Luekemia to Immune Deficiencies. They used to tell us all of the time that it was "viral" and that she just had an infection... but, it's not. The doctors have recently started thinking that she may have an immune deficiency, after thinking she had Pfapa for about two years. Pfapa is a childhood disease which letters stand for "Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis". Most of the time it goes away over the years. It sounds like your daughter could possibly have this... or possibly an immune deficiency. Look both of them up and talk to her ped. about them and testing her for them. I would say that you should go ahead and get her tested for both of them... otherwise it could take years for the doctors to find out what's wrong with her... and, I do mean years... it will be hard on you. The doctors still haven't found out what's wrong with my sister.... but, we're hoping they do. Bless you and your little girl... I pray everything turns out for the best. Good luck. XX

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--ME

Engineer · 07-10-2003, 07:16 PM

Hello all my son is currently going through a similar episode.(19 months old) Specialists are leading us towards PFAPA or Cyclic Neutropenia. My wife and I currently are leaning towards PFAPA since our son fits the symptoms to a tee. We are told the the use of Prednisone is very effective in controlling the symptoms and that in time the episodes will decrease and or completely go away. We have tried 1 bout with Prednisone and it had appeared to shorten the duration and severity of the episode.

HERMIT · 07-11-2003, 06:28 PM

Just a suggestion---try looking at the Lyme disease board here. Tickler has a post with a list of the symptoms--the fever and rash seem to fit. Good Luck.