"Can prolonged low-grade fever be a sign of leukemia?"

Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Considerations

Low-grade fever, also known as mild fever, can be a persistent symptom of various conditions, including but not limited to leukemia, chronic infections, connective tissue diseases, and immune deficiency. A comprehensive assessment based on the patient's specific symptoms is necessary to determine the underlying cause, as the presence of prolonged low-grade fever alone is not diagnostic.

1. Leukemia

Leukemia is a malignant clonal disease of hematopoietic stem cells. The proliferation of leukemia cells inhibits normal bone marrow hematopoiesis, leading to recurrent low-grade fever, fatigue, night sweats, and pallor. Long-term low-grade fever may occur due to the disease itself. However, with standardized chemotherapy, this symptom can be alleviated.

2. Chronic Infections

Chronic infections are often caused by viruses or bacteria, such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and HIV. Upon infection, the immune system mounts a defense, potentially triggering a long-term inflammatory response and resulting in low-grade fever. Blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) can aid in diagnosis.

3. Connective Tissue Diseases

These encompass disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and dermatomyositis. Inflammation associated with these diseases stimulates the temperature regulation center, potentially leading to prolonged low-grade fever accompanied by joint pain, muscle pain, and fatigue.

4. Immune Deficiency

Conditions like HIV/AIDS, where the human immunodeficiency virus compromises the immune system, make the body susceptible to infections, potentially resulting in long-term low-grade fever. Diagnostic workups may include blood tests and immunological evaluations.

In addition to the above, long-term low-grade fever can also be attributed to hyperthyroidism, characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production and increased metabolism, or tuberculosis, where Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection triggers an inflammatory response.

Each case requires a tailored approach to diagnosis and management, considering the patient's unique presentation and underlying health status.