[6M] With persistent high fever and multisystem symptoms

Patient Description

A 6-year-old male has been experiencing a constant high fever for six consecutive days. Accompanying symptoms include copper-colored urine, hypoglycemia (low sugar), hyponatremia (low sodium), swollen lymph nodes in the neck, abdominal pain, vomiting, and leukopenia (low white blood cells). The patient's father, a 40-year-old male, is seeking medical advice for these concerns. The constellation of symptoms suggests a systemic condition that may require further investigation, including infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, or hematologic abnormalities. Immediate medical evaluation is recommended to determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described for your son, there are several possibilities:

  • Infectious Mononucleosis: This is a viral infection that can cause fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. It's most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies for pain and fever.
  • Hepatitis: This is inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by a viral infection, alcohol use, or certain medications. The copper-colored urine and abdominal pain could be due to liver dysfunction.

    • Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the hepatitis.
  • Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: This is a condition that affects the blood and blood vessels, resulting in the destruction of blood platelets (cells involved in clotting), a low red blood cell count (anemia), and kidney injury. It's most commonly caused by a specific strain of E. coli bacteria.

    • Treatment usually involves hospitalization, and often includes blood transfusions and kidney dialysis.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your son's symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. His doctor will likely want to perform a variety of tests to determine the cause of his symptoms, including blood tests, a throat swab, and possibly imaging studies or a biopsy of the lymph nodes or liver.

What you should look out for

If your son's symptoms worsen or if he develops new symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or a change in consciousness, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful medical information, I am not a doctor. This advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your son's unique circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing, and care recommendations.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What could cause a child to have a high fever for several days?

A high fever for several days in a child could be caused by various conditions, including viral infections like infectious mononucleosis, bacterial infections, or inflammatory conditions. It is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.


What does copper-colored urine indicate in a child?

Copper-colored urine can indicate the presence of bilirubin or blood in the urine, which may be associated with liver dysfunction, hemolysis, or kidney issues. It is important to investigate further to determine the exact cause.


How serious is hypoglycemia and hyponatremia in children?

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyponatremia (low sodium) can be serious in children as they can lead to symptoms like confusion, seizures, or even coma if not addressed promptly. Medical evaluation is necessary to identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment.


What are the potential causes of swollen lymph nodes in the neck?

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be caused by infections (such as viral or bacterial), inflammatory conditions, or, less commonly, malignancies. A thorough medical evaluation is needed to determine the cause and appropriate management.


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