TREATMENT OF FEVER IN CHILDHOOD

Although the need for routine antipyretic therapy in children has ofte n been questioned, there are no data to contra-indicate this. Not all fevers need to be treated but many physicians do so to relieve parenta l concern. The most commonly used antipyretic drugs are acetylsalicyli c acid (ASA), paracetamol (acetaminophen) and dipyrone (metamizol). Pa racetamol and ASA have been extensively evaluated but there are few cl inical trials on dipyrone. In the last decade a strong statistical ass ociation has been observed between salicylates and Reye syndrome. Para cetamol is the most common cause of acute hepatic failure. Dipyrone ha s been associated with agranulocytosis. In the light of these findings the extensive use of antipyretics drugs has been seriously questioned .