title: Efficacy of sponging vs acetaminophen for reduction of fever. Sponging Study Group.
abstract: Seventy-three children with acute febrile illnesses were enrolled in a study to compare the efficacy of sponging, sponging plus acetaminophen, and acetaminophen alone as methods of lowering body temperature. The greatest temperature reduction was seen in the combined acetaminophen plus sponging group. The smallest temperature reduction was noted in children who received sponging alone. We urge reconsideration of routine sponging of febrile young patients.
authors.affiliation: St. Louis University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Adolescent Medicine, Missouri.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Barton
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001494:Baths; D001831:Body Temperature; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000082:Acetaminophen