PECARN Study Reveals New Insights on Fever Management in Young Infants

A new study from the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) provides valuable evidence to guide fever management in young infants ages 61–90 days, a population with limited existing research and clinical guidance.

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 5,000 infants treated across 17 U.S. children’s hospitals between 2012 and 2024. Results showed that while invasive bacterial infections (IBIs) were rare, occurring in about 1–2% of cases, they remain potentially life-threatening.

To support safer and more efficient care, the PECARN team developed two evidence-based “low-risk” clinical rules to help physicians identify infants who may not require extensive testing or hospitalization. These findings could reduce unnecessary procedures and hospital stays while maintaining high standards of patient safety.

Read the full study to learn more about how PECARN’s research is improving pediatric emergency care and clinical decision-making for febrile infants.