2. Persistent Fever: The Body’s Distress Signal
A continuous, high fever that doesn’t respond to conventional treatments like antipyretics (fever-reducing medications) can be a direct signal of PTLD. It’s the body’s natural response to infection or other diseases, including PTLD.
Fever in PTLD isn’t just a mere symptom; it’s a warning. In the context of a patient who has recently undergone a transplant, it is even more significant. This is because patients are often on immunosuppressive drugs, which can mask signs of infection or other complications.
Medical professionals may conduct a range of tests in response to a persistent fever in transplant patients. These can include blood tests, imaging studies, and perhaps even a biopsy of the transplanted organ or of the lymph nodes.
When it comes to PTLD, early diagnosis is vital. Persistent fever often leads doctors to consider this condition, triggering a series of tests aimed at either confirming or ruling out PTLD. (2)
