Children in the tepid sponging and antipyretic
group had a higher level of discomfort than only
antipyretic group, although the discomfort was only
mild in most cases. These findings are supported by
Sharber(4), but certain other studies did not find any
significant difference, although they used different
criteria for assessing discomfort(6,7). Our findings
are also supported by Cochrane Evidence Update.
which states: “In trials where all children received
paracetamol, those who were treated with tepid
sponging in addition to paracetamol were more
likely to be clear of fever at 1 hour (relative risk 11.76
(3.39 to 40.79), 2 trials, 125 children). Shivering and
goosebumps were more common with tepid
sponging (relative risk 5.09 (1.56 to 16.60); 3 trials,
145 children)(8).
Based on our findings and review of
literature(9,10), we conclude that apart from the
initial rapid temperature reduction, addition of tepid
sponging to antipyretic administration does not offer
any advantage in ultimate reduction of temperature
and may result in additional discomfort.