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Diagnostic implications and clinical consequences of antipyretic therapy

P A Mackowiak1

  • 1Medical Care Clinical Center, VA Maryland Health Care System and Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Philip.Mackowiak@med.va.gov

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|December 13, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Antipyretic therapy response may distinguish serious fevers from mild ones. This review examines evidence on fever treatment benefits, including preventing seizures and cognitive issues.

Area of Science:

  • Internal Medicine
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Medical Research

Background:

  • Fever management is a common clinical practice.
  • The benefits and risks of fever require careful consideration.
  • Antipyretic therapy's role in differentiating fever causes is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the evidence supporting the use of antipyretic therapy.
  • To examine claims regarding fever's metabolic costs versus benefits.
  • To assess antipyretics' potential in preventing febrile seizures and cognitive decline.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on fever and antipyretic treatments.
  • Analysis of data concerning fever response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Examination of research on metabolic costs and clinical outcomes associated with fever.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests antipyretic response may help differentiate fever etiologies.
  • Neoplastic fevers show greater responsiveness to NSAIDs than infectious fevers.
  • Fever's metabolic burden can outweigh its protective functions.

Conclusions:

  • Antipyretic therapy offers potential benefits beyond symptomatic relief.
  • Treatment can mitigate risks like febrile seizures and cognitive impairment in vulnerable populations.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate fever's complex pathophysiology and optimal management.

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