PhD defence N.N. (Nienke) Hagedoorn

Fever in children is a frequent reason for visit to the Emergency Department (ED). The majority of children have viral respiratory infections that are self-limiting in nature. A small proportion of children with fever have a serious bacterial infection that requires early treatment with antibiotics to prevent morbidity and mortality in children. It is therefore essential to early recognize serious bacterial infections in the ED. Physicians use alarming symptoms and vital signs in their assessment of the febrile child. Distinguishing children with bacterial infections from those with self-limiting viral infections, however, is challenging due to similarities of presenting clinical symptoms. Physicians prescribe antibiotics in order not to miss one child with invasive bacterial infection which leads to overuse of antibiotics.

The public defence will take place at the Prof. Andries Queridoroom, 3rd floor Education Center, Erasmus MC. The ceremony will begin exactly at 01.00 PM. In light of the solemn nature of the ceremony, we recommend that you do not take children under the age of 6 to the first part of the ceremony.