[Antipyretic strategies for acute stroke: a nationwide survey among German stroke units]

Fever in acute stroke is associated with poor prognosis, but evidence-based recommendations on antipyretic therapy are lacking.

A nation-wide survey was carried out among all certified stoke units in Germany about principles and organization of antipyretic strategies.

In all cases antipyretic treatment is the standard of care. The use of paracetamol is part of the first-line therapy in 94%. In cases of non-response, distinct heterogeneity of therapeutic methods and intensities becomes apparent leading potentially to insufficient antipyretic treatment.

So far, there is uncertainty about the optimal antipyretic treatment strategy after acute stroke. While current guidelines are not very explicit, efforts should be made to define a standardized, evidence-based antipyretic protocol to improve patient care, outcome on stroke units and comparability of therapeutic strategies.