Comparative effectiveness of tepid sponging and antipyretic drug versus only antipyretic drug in the management of fever among children: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of tepid sponging and antipyretic drug versus only antipyretic drug among febrile children. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING Tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS 150 children 6 mo - 12 yr age with axillary temperature 101F. INTERVENTION Tepid sponging and antipyretic drug (Paracetamol) (n=73) or only antipyretic drug (Paracetamol) (n=77). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Reduction of body temperature and level of comfort. RESULTS The reduction of body temperature in the tepid sponging and antipyretic drug group was significantly faster than only antipyretic group; however, by the end of 2 hours both groups had reached the same degree of temperature. The children in tepid sponging and antipyretic drug had significantly higher discomfort than only antipyretic group, but the discomfort was mostly mild. CONCLUSION Apart from the initial rapid temperature reduction, addition of tepid sponging to antipyretic administration does not offer any advantage in ultimate reduction of temperature; moreover it may result in additional discomfort.