Comparing the effect of once and alternate tepid sponging with Acetaminophen on changes of body temperature of feverish children

Abstract: Introduction: Fever is one of the most common reasons for referring to emergency and clinics (30% of referrals). Primary goal of treating feverish children is to prevent permanent brain and nerve tissue damages. Acetaminophen is widely used but its absorption may produce toxic metabolites, so physical methods of fever treating such as tepid sponging has a priority in caring for these children. Objective: The present study is done to determine the effect of once and alternate tepid sponging with Acetaminophen in feverish children referred to Hefdah Shahrivar hospital. Materials and Methods: This study has a clinical trial design. Sample consisted of 228 feverish children referring to Hefdah Shahrivar education center. Data collection instrument included a demographic data form, mercurial thermometer, waterproof thermometer, stethoscope, scaled glass and cloth centimeter. Primarily demographic data form was filled, and then intervention was done for two groups with 114 samples. After determining body temperature, Acetaminophen dose (of 10mg/kg) was administered. Tepid sponging in experiment group was done four times but only once in control group. Then body temperature was taken and recorded four hour after intervention. Results: Finding indicated that alternate four times tepid sponging significantly decreased body temperature (p<0/000). Conclusion: In attention to the positive effect of alternate four times tepid sponging with Acetaminophen administration on decreasing body temperature, it is suggested to use intermittent tepid sponging with antipyretics in feverish children. Key words: Acetaminophen, fever, Body temperature regulation, Hospitalized children