What is the evaluation and treatment of patients with fever related to drug use via parenteral route?
Evaluation includes specific questioning about drug use and risk behaviors, as well as a physical examination and laboratory tests.
Treatment includes empirical antimicrobial therapy and other necessary measures, such as avoiding antipyretics that may interfere with fever evaluation and addressing withdrawal symptoms.
Patients should be observed in the emergency department until the duration of fever is determined, and those with prolonged fever or instability should be admitted to the appropriate unit.
The most common microorganism causing infections in these patients is Staphylococcus aureus, which often comes from the patient's own skin.