Characteristics of study population (n = 9794)
| Basic characteristics | Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Female sex, n (%) | 4521 (46.2) | |
| Age in years, median (IQR) | 2.3 1.0–4.6 | 0.02–16 |
| Temperature at GPC in °Ca, median, IQR | 38.5 (37.7–39.1) | 35.5–41.3 |
| Alarm features | Present n (%) | Absent n (%) |
| Parental concerna | 1665 (17.0) | 4 (<0.1) |
| Ill appearance | 389 (4.0) | 9405 (96.0) |
| ABC-instability | 1 (<0.1) | 9793 (>99.9) |
| Unconsciousness | 8 (0.1) | 9786 (99.9) |
| Drowsy | 53 (0.5) | 9741 (99.5) |
| Inconsolable | 384 (3.9) | 9410 (96.1) |
| Abnormal circulationa | 162 (1.7) | 2424 (24.7) |
| Cyanosis | 46 (0.5) | 9748 (99.5) |
| Shortness of breath | 465 (4.7) | 9329 (95.3) |
| Meningeal irritation | 55 (0.6) | 9739 (99.4) |
| Neurological signs | 152 (1.6) | 9642 (98.4) |
| Vomiting and diarrhoea | 2073 (21.2) | 7721 (78.8) |
| Dehydration | 96 (1.0) | 9698 (99.0) |
| Joint or limb problems | 27 (0.3) | 9767 (99.7) |
| Signs of UTIa | 499 (5.1) | 3467 (35.4) |
| Petechial rash | 34 (0.3) | 9760 (99.7) |
| Temperature ≥40°Ca | 2462 (25.1) | 6093 (62.2) |
| Duration of fever:a | ||
| Started today | 2008 (20.5) | |
| 1 day | 1729 (17.7) | |
| 2 days | 1228 (12.5) | |
| 3 days | 1325 (13.5) | |
| 4 days | 700 (7.1) | |
| 5 days | 381 (3.9) | |
| 6 days | 120 (1.2) | |
| ≥7 days | 230 (2.3) | |
| Outcome measure | Yes n (%) | No n (%) |
| Referral to ED | 794 (8.1) | 9000 (91.9) |
ABC-instability = respiratory or circulatory insufficiency. ED = emergency department. GPC = General Practitioner Cooperative. IQR = interquartile range. UTI = urinary tract infection.
↵a Missing values for: temperature at GPC: 6426 (65.6%); parental concern: 8125 (83.0%); abnormal circulation: 7208 (73.6%); signs of UTI: 5828 (59.5%); temperature ≥40°C: 1239 (12.7%); duration of fever: 2073 (21.1%).