The efficacy of tepid sponge bathing to reduce fever in young children

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Clinical Medicine
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Fever management in children is a common clinical challenge.
• The efficacy and comfort of tepid sponge baths for reducing fever are not well-established.
• Acetaminophen is a standard antipyretic medication for febrile children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of acetaminophen alone versus acetaminophen combined with tepid sponge baths in reducing fever in children.
• To assess the impact of tepid sponge baths on children's comfort levels during fever reduction.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study involving 20 children (5-68 months) with fever (≥38.9°C).
• Participants received either acetaminophen alone or acetaminophen plus a 15-minute tepid sponge bath.
• Tympanic temperature was monitored every 30 minutes for 2 hours; discomfort was also assessed.

Main Results:

• While sponge-bathed subjects showed faster initial cooling, there was no significant difference in temperature reduction between groups over 2 hours (P = .871).
• Children receiving tepid sponge baths exhibited significantly higher scores for discomfort, including crying and shivering (P = .009).

Conclusions:

• Tepid sponge baths do not offer a significant advantage over acetaminophen alone for fever reduction in children.
• Combining tepid sponge baths with acetaminophen increases children's discomfort, suggesting it is not a beneficial adjunct therapy.