Fever of unknown origin in a hemodialysis patient with a failed allograft

Hemodial Int. 2007 Jul;11(3):296-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1542-4758.2007.00182.x.

Abstract

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) in hemodialysis (HD) patients represents a diagnostic challenge because differential diagnosis includes diverse etiologies. Causes of FUO in the general population can be classified into 3 diagnostic categories: infections, tumors, and noninfectious inflammatory diseases. Also, chronic HD patients may have additional problems such as infections, the risk for which may be increased by the immunosuppression associated with uremia, vascular access-related infections, and nosocomial infections. Moreover, patients with chronically failed kidney transplants can have low-grade fever and abdominal pain, and if inflammation of the allograft is severe enough, it may result in a spontaneous rupture. Hence, it is important to rapidly recognize, diagnose, and manage these complications. In the present study, we report a case of FUO in an HD patient with a failed graft and discuss clinical approach and management of these patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Education, Medical, Continuing
  • Fever of Unknown Origin / etiology*
  • Fever of Unknown Origin / therapy
  • Graft Rejection / complications*
  • Graft Rejection / therapy
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Renal Dialysis*
  • Schools, Medical
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Turkey