Inflammation
The total duration of fever was 10 (8-13) days for the whole cohort, with no difference between children with and without corticosteroids. There was a marked inflammatory response as assessed by a high CRP level (median peak (IQR) 270 (202-370) mg/L) and an increased leukocyte count (median peak (IQR) 20200 (16700-27200) leukocytes /mm3), with no difference between children with and without corticosteroids.