Host responses and neuroendocrinological changes in pyrexia in childhood

Host responses and neuroendocrinological changes during pyrexia in childhood were studied. Serum IL-1 beta could not be detected in most subjects either during pyrexia or in afebrile periods. IL-1 beta was detected in two cases, increasing during pyrexia and decreasing during the afebrile period. Plasma ACTH increased during pyrexia, but this was not statistically significant. Serum cortisol during pyrexia increased to around twice the normal value, and many subjects showed a high level of arginine vasopressin. The subjects, who did not develop dehydration, showed a decrease in serum osmolality and serum sodium during the pyrexia period. Serum Fe and Zn decreased, but serum Cu increased during both periods. It could not be confirmed that IL-1 activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during pyrexia. It is concluded that AVP is important in the control of fever and the maintenance of homeostasis of body fluid during pyrexia.