Petechiae
Small hemorrhages (<3 mm in size) into the superficial layers of the skin
Manifest as a reddish purple, macular, nonblanching skin rash
Purpura
Larger skin hemorrhages (>...
Unsuspected invasive bacterial disease is the most common pitfall in the differential diagnosis of fever and petechiae. A thorough history and physical exam accompanied by laboratory te...
Empiric antibiotic use should be decided on a case-by-case basis. Due to the high morbidity and mortality of N. meningitidis, the most likely bacterial pathogen in this circumstanc...
Children managed as outpatients:
Give instructions to return immediately for progression of rash or worsening illness.
Follow-up in 12 to 18 hours
...
American Academy of Pediatrics. Meningococcal Infections. In: Kimberlin DW, Brady MT, Jackson MA, Long SS, eds. Red Book: 2015 Report of the Committee on the Infectious Diseases. E...
780.6 Fever, unspecified
782.7 Spontaneous ecchymoses
287.2 Other nonthrombocytopenic purpuras
R50.9 Fever, unspecified
R23.3 Spontaneous ecchymoses
D69.2 Other nonthrombocytopenic purpura
Q: What are the most common causes of fever and petechiae in children?
A: Viruses are the most common overall cause of fever and petechiae in children. The most common invasive bacterial disease ca...
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