M L Charkaluk1, N Kalach, R El Kohen, O Kremp. 1. Clinique de pédiatrie Saint-Antoine, hôpital Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, université catholique, boulevard de Belfort, BP 387, 59020 Lille cedex, France. charkaluk.marie-laure@ghicl.net
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the place of ibuprofen in the treatment of fever in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An anonymous self-questionnaire was submitted to the parents of 156 children aged less than 15 years and 3 months consulting for a fever in a pediatric emergency care unit. Questions related antipyretic drugs availability at home and their administration modality to the febrile child. RESULTS: Acetaminophen (liquid or rectal) was the first drug owned by families (N = 149, 96%). Ibuprofen was owned by 79 families (51%). The antipyretic drug administered as a first intention treatment was acetaminophen in 131 children (77%), ibuprofen in 27 (17%) and aspirin in 6 children (4%). An antipyretic bi-therapy was received by 58 children (35%), nearly always acetaminophen and ibuprofen (N = 48, 87%). The use of a bi-therapy was more frequent when ibuprofen was the first drug used. Children who received an antipyretic bi-therapy as compared to those who received a monotherapy exhibited significantly a higher fever level and long lasting fever period. Antipyretic drugs given to the sick children were prescribed by a physician in more than 90% of cases. CONCLUSION: Ibuprofen was largely used in febrile children. This drug has almost always been prescribed by a physician. However, due to its side effects, ibuprofen should be used only in high and badly tolerated fever that is not altered by a well conducted acetaminophen monotherapy.
AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the place of ibuprofen in the treatment of fever in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An anonymous self-questionnaire was submitted to the parents of 156 children aged less than 15 years and 3 months consulting for a fever in a pediatric emergency care unit. Questions related antipyretic drugs availability at home and their administration modality to the febrile child. RESULTS:Acetaminophen (liquid or rectal) was the first drug owned by families (N = 149, 96%). Ibuprofen was owned by 79 families (51%). The antipyretic drug administered as a first intention treatment was acetaminophen in 131 children (77%), ibuprofen in 27 (17%) and aspirin in 6 children (4%). An antipyretic bi-therapy was received by 58 children (35%), nearly always acetaminophen and ibuprofen (N = 48, 87%). The use of a bi-therapy was more frequent when ibuprofen was the first drug used. Children who received an antipyretic bi-therapy as compared to those who received a monotherapy exhibited significantly a higher fever level and long lasting fever period. Antipyretic drugs given to the sick children were prescribed by a physician in more than 90% of cases. CONCLUSION:Ibuprofen was largely used in febrile children. This drug has almost always been prescribed by a physician. However, due to its side effects, ibuprofen should be used only in high and badly tolerated fever that is not altered by a well conducted acetaminophen monotherapy.