Abstract

MELAMUD, Ariel; SUWEZDA, Alejandro; MATAMOROS, Rodrigo  and  RINGUELET, Lucio. Antipyretics indication by pediatricians: Internet as a tool in data collections. Arch. argent. pediatr. [online]. 2008, vol.106, n.5, pp.404-408. ISSN 0325-0075.

Introduction. Fever is one of the most common complaints in Pediatrics. We performed this study to know how pediatricians use antipyretics to manage fever in children, and Internet was used to collect data. Methods. On line survey with a questionnaire regarding general and specific issues about fever. Results. 1600 pediatricians participated. 62% were female, 35% had less than 10 years of practice, 28% between 10 and 20 years of practice, and 33% over 20 years of practice. 67% had training in Pediatrics. 93% use the arm-pit to measure fever and 37% consider over 38 °C as being fever. The mostly used antithermic in older than 6 month was Ibuprofeno and in younger than 6 months, Paracetamol. 59% of the pediatricians alternate 2 antipyretics (63.7% with less than 20 year of experience versus 49.3% with > 20 years of experience in their profession); 29% define their actions based on the Argentine Society of Pediatrics guidelines and 26% on their personal experience. Conclusions. Pediatricians prescribe antipyretics regularly alternating them in spite of the lack of evidence supporting that behavior. The less experienced the pediatrician, the more frecuent the practice of alternating antipyretics.

Keywords : Antipyretics; Fever; Ibuprofen; Acetaminophen; Children.

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