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Rickettsial Disease, Pediatric

Camille Sabella, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Disorders caused by the Rickettsiae family of organisms including those which cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other similar tick-borne illnesses, the typhus group, and the org...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • In general, rickettsial disease should be considered as a diagnosis in a patient with fever, headache, and rash. Progression of rash can be particularly helpful in considering the dia...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Fluid resuscitation and respiratory support as indicated

  • Antimicrobial therapy should be instituted as soon as the diagnosis is suspected and should not be delayed while await...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

Improvement in the patient’s clinical status usually takes place within 1 to 2 weeks after therapy starts, depending on the severity of illness. This improvement may also be dela...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Buckingham SC, Marshall GS, Schutze GE, et al; for Tick-borne Infections in Children Study Group. Clinical and laboratory features, hospital course, and outcome of Rocky Mountain sp...

CODES

ICD9

  • 083.9 Rickettsiosis, unspecified

  • 082.0 Spotted fevers

  • 081.9 Typhus, unspecified

  • 082.40 Ehrlichiosis, unspecified

  • 083.2 Rickettsialpox

  • 082.8 Other specified tick-borne rickettsioses

  • 082.3 Queenslan...

FAQ

  • Q: Should my child receive antibiotics if he is bitten by a tick in an area endemic to rickettsial disease?

  • A: There is no role for prophylaxis against rickettsial diseases for patients who have su...

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