A model for predicting risk of serious bacterial infection in febrile infants younger than 3 months of age.

Background: The objective of this study was to construct a model for predicting the risk of serious bacterial infection (SBI) in febrile infants.

Methods: A total of 135 febrile infants younger than 3 months of age who met the inclusion criteria were assessed on the following: physical appearance, complete blood count, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), urinalysis, stool smears for white blood cell (WBC) count if diarrhea was apparent, and blood and urine cultures. Chest X-rays were performed if respiratory symptoms were evident.