SCCM/IDSA Updated guidelines for evaluating new fever in adult ICU patients – Crit Care Med

The 2023 revision of the guidelines for assessing new-onset fever in adult ICU patients stresses rigorous diagnostic processes using the GRADE methodology. These guidelines, developed without industry funding, offer 12 recommendations and nine best-practice statements focused primarily on the accurate measurement of core body temperature and initial diagnostic evaluations geared towards identifying potential infectious causes. Central temperature monitoring is recommended when possible; otherwise, oral or rectal measurements are preferred. The utility of imaging studies and rapid diagnostic tests is highlighted, along with the selective use of biomarkers to guide the cessation of antimicrobial therapy. The guidelines underscore that most recommendations are based on weak evidence, thus highlighting the need for continued research in diagnostic methodologies and fever management in the ICU setting.

Reference (link to free full-text):

O’Grady NP, Alexander E, Alhazzani W, et al. (2023). Society of Critical Care Medicine and the Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines for Evaluating New Fever in Adult Patients in the ICU. Critical Care Medicine, 51(11), 1570-1586. DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000006022.