Severe Acute Thromboinflammation: Case Report of Individualized Homeopathic Treatment.

Thromboinflammation is a still not well-understood phenomenon, which has recently come to the foreground as a function of its relevance in the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The patient described in the present case report exhibited acute fever, giant urticaria, elevated acute phase reactants, and very high d-dimer levels, thus characterizing thromboinflammation. She was diagnosed as a COVID-19 suspect case, which was not confirmed; urticarial vasculitis was ruled out. Homeopathic treatment was started with the earliest clinical manifestations, resulting in rapid and drastic reduction of inflammation and hypercoagulability within the first 12 hours, and full recovery on 10-day follow-up assessment. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of homeopathy in a severe acute disorder, and points to the need to include laboratory testing in homeopathic clinical assessment to achieve an accurate picture of disease, and to avoid the risk of passing over life-threatening disorders.

Symptoms associated with teething and response to three treatments, including homeopathic medicine: a multicenter prospective observational study among 190 French pediatricians.

BACKGROUND: Primary tooth eruption in infants is associated with a range of local and systemic symptoms although this remains a subject of much debate. In addition, data are limited on the role of physicians in managing infant teething, and on the benefit of homeopathic treatments. METHODS: We conducted an observational, multicenter, prospective survey evaluating teething symptoms, and symptom course following routine medical management by French pediatricians in 597 infants aged from 3 to 24 months. We also examined the response to treatment with routinely prescribed teething medications; the homeopathic agent, Camilia® and topically applied gingival agents (Delabarre® or Dolodent®). RESULTS: Most infants (96.6%) had buccogingival symptoms and 93.3% had at least one general symptom. Fever (≥38 °C) was reported in 15.2% of infants. For teething, 212 infants were prescribed Camilia®, 172 a gingival solution (Delabarre® or Dolodent®) and 213 received Camilia® along with a gingival agent. Infants prescribed both a homeopathic and a gingival treatment had a significantly higher number of symptoms at presentation compared with those prescribed a single agent. There were no significant differences in symptom course across these three treatment groups. Systemic analgesics/antipyretics were prescribed in 68.8% of cases. Parent satisfaction with medical management and prescribed treatments was high. CONCLUSIONS: Teething is frequently associated with transient local and systemic upset in infants and is a significant concern to parents. Camilia® provides a similar benefit to topical therapy, and is frequently used by pediatricians in France.

Beliefs and practices regarding childhood fever among parents: a cross-sectional study from Palestine.

BACKGROUND: Fever is an extremely common occurrence in paediatric patients and the most common cause for a child to be taken to the doctor. The literature indicates that parents have too many misconceptions and conflicting information about fever management. The aim of this study was to identify parents' beliefs and practices regarding childhood fever management. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among parents whose children were enrolled and presented for health care at primary health care clinics in the Nablus region of Palestine. Data were collected using structured questionnaire interviews with parents. The questionnaire consisted of 'yes/no' responses and multiple-response questions. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: Overall, 402 parents were interviewed. All parents believed that fever could cause at least one harmful effect if left untreated. The harmful effects most frequently reported by parents were brain damage (38.1%), dehydration (15.7%), and other organs damage such as liver and kidney damage (14.2%). The study showed that 65.4% of parents would recognise fever by only touching the child, 31.6% would measure the temperature and 3.0% would assess temperature by touching and measuring the child. Antipyretic was preferred to be used by 34.8% of parents, while 49.8% stated that they preferred cold sponges, and 3.2% stated that they preferred homeopathic methods to treat fever. The most common factors influencing frequency of medication administration included physician's instruction (61.7%), the degree of elevated temperature (14.9%) and instructions on the medication leaflet (13.7%). Of the participant parents, 53.2% believed antipyretics used to reduce fever were harmful. Parents reported the most harmful outcomes from these antipyretics to be allergic reactions (20.9%), effects on the stomach (16.9%), kidney damage (16.2%) and overdose (11.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Parents were anxious when dealing with a feverish child, which resulted in incorrect or inappropriate practices. Parents require reliable evidence-based information about the care of feverish children. These results indicate a need to develop and evaluate educational programs in our setting that will provide parents with education on fever and fever management.

["Purified empiricism": Johann Christian Reil's (1759-1813) attempts at a foundation of medicine in relation to its tradition, kantianism, and speculative philosophy]. / "Geläuterte Empirie": Johann Christian Reils (1759-1813) Versuche zur Grundlegung der Medizin im Spannungsfeld von Tradition, Kantianismus und spe- kulativer Philosophie.

Johann Christian Reil's (1759-1813) importance lies in his theoretical approach to medicine. Following Kant in his early work, he attempts to combine medical experience with an underlying conceptual structure. This attempt is directed against both the chaotic empiricism of traditional medicine and speculative theories such as vitalism. The paper starts from his early reflections on the concept of a life force, which he interprets in the way of a non-reductive materialism. In the following, the basic outlines of his Theory of Fever will be shown. The Theory is a systematic attempt at finding a new foundation for diagnosis and therapy on the basis of the concept of fever, which is understood as modification of vital processes. The paper ends with a discussion of his later work, which has remained controversial so far. It shows that the combination of practical empiricism and scientific theory remained rather unstable in this early phase of the development of modern medicine.

[Study on Cornu Bos grunniens from Tibet substituting Cornu Rhinoceri].

OBJECTIVE: Comparing the pyretolysis effect of Cornu Rhinoceri Soup, an ancient prescription of Traditional Chinese Medicine, on fever model of rabbits after Cornu Bos grunniens from Tibet substituting Cornu Rhinoceri, in order to find the succedaneums of Cornu Rhinoceri, a rare animal medicine. METHODS: The fever model was made by over-due Triple-Vaccine i.v. through the vein of rabbit in edge ear. 1 hour later, the different decoctions i.g. in different groups of rabbits, then detecting the dynamic changes of body temperature in fever rabbits. RESULTS: 1 hour after the decoction i.g., there were significant pyretolysis effects in the Cornu Bos grunniens groups of rabbits with large and small dosage (P < 0.05 or 0.01). After 2h,the same effect showed in the Cornu Bubali group with large dosage (P < 0.05 or 0.01) and 3h later in small one. In the groups of Cornu Rhinoceri, large dosage i.g. 1 h later, the rising amplitude of body temperature in fever rabbits was slower comparing to the model group. 2h later, there were the same effects as other groups. CONCLUSION: The pyretolysis effect of Cornu Rhinoceri Soup on fever model rabbits is as same as it of which containing Cornu Bos grunniens instead of Cornu Rhinoceri. It means that the Cornu Bos grunniens from Tibet could be the substitution of Cornu Rhinoceri.

Efficacy of Arsenicum album 30cH in preventing febrile episodes following DPT-HepB-Polio vaccination - a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Among the post-immunization adverse events, especially of Diphtheria-Pertusis-Tetanus (DPT), fever is a common systemic reaction. There is anecdotal support for the use of the homeopathic medicine Arsenicum album in preventing post-vaccination fever. The investigators intended to evaluate its efficacy in preventing febrile episodes following vaccination. METHODS: In the community medicine out-patient of Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India, between August 2014 and January 2017, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 120 children (verum: 60, placebo: 60) who presented for the 2nd and 3rd dose of DPT-HepB-Polio vaccination and reported febrile episodes following the 1st dose. Intervention used was Arsenicum album 30cH 6 doses or placebo (indistinguishable from verum), thrice daily for two subsequent days. Parents were advised to report any event of febrile attacks within 48h of vaccination, either directly or over telephone. RESULTS: The groups were comparable at baseline. Children reporting fever after the 2nd dose was 29.8% and 30.4% respectively for the homeopathy group and control group respectively [Relative Risk (RR)=1.008] with no significant difference (P=0.951) between groups. Again after the 3rd dose, children reporting fever were 31.5% and 28.3% respectively for the homeopathy group and control group respectively (RR=0.956) with no significant difference (P=0.719) between groups. CONCLUSION: Empirically selected Arsenicum album 30cH could not produce differentiable effect from placebo in preventing febrile episodes following DPT-HepB-Polio vaccination. [Trial registration: CTRI/2017/02/007939].

Evaluation of antipyretic activity of Belladonna and Pyrogenium ultrahigh dilutions in induced fever model.

Background Belladonna and Pyrogenium are commonly used to treat fever in homeopathy. But in vivo antipyretic activity of these medicines is not reported yet. The study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrahigh dilutions of Belladonna (Bell) and Pyrogenium (Pyro) in fever model of rabbits induced by Baker's yeast. Methods Healthy, local strain rabbits (♂ and ♀) were divided into seven groups (n=42): Normal control, negative control, standard control, pyro 1000c, pyro 200c, Bell 1000c and Bell 200c. Fever was induced by intra peritoneal injection of 135 mg/kg Baker's yeast suspension. Rectal temperature was measured hourly. All the medicines were administered once a day. The results were expressed as mean ± SEM. ANOVA and least significant difference post hoc test were applied for checking the level of significance, p-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant statistically. Results Pyro in both potencies significantly reduced fever in rabbits compared to negative control group, while both potencies of Bell were ineffective. Paracetamol and Pyro 1000c reduced by 1.2 °C (39.7 ± 0.1 to 38.5 ± 0.1), while Pyro 200c reduced by 1 °C temperature (39.7 ± 0.5 to 38.7 ± 0.2). Conclusions Pyro possesses marked antipyretic activity in rabbit's Baker's yeast fever model. It would embolden its clinical use in fever with more guarantee of its efficacy. However, caveat of small sample size necessitates replication of experiment in large sample size.

Effects of homoeopathic ultrahigh dilutions of Aconitum napellus on Baker's yeast-induced fever in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of homoeopathic ultrahigh dilutions of Aconitum napellus in Baker's yeast-induced fever in rabbits. METHODS: Rabbits were divided into 4 groups and each group contained 6 rabbits. Baker's yeast suspension (20%) was injected subcutaneously. After fever induction, paracetamol and homoeopathic ultrahigh dilutions (A. napellus 200c and 1 000c) were given orally. Rectal temperature was measured with digital thermometer hourly. RESULTS: Fever was induced in all the rabbits after 4 hours of Baker's yeast administration. A. napellus 200c and 1000c significantly reduced the temperature (P < 0.05). In positive control, temperature decrease was more significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The above findings indicate the effectiveness of ultrahigh dilutions of A. napellus in Baker's yeast-induced fever in rabbits. However, the effects were slower and less significant than standard medicine. Moreover, future research is required to know their mechanism of reducing temperature.

Reconstruction of the inventory of materia medica used by members of the Jewish community of medieval Cairo according to prescriptions found in the Taylor-Schechter Genizah collection, Cambridge.

The Taylor-Schechter (T-S) collection at Cambridge University Library is the biggest of all Cairo Genizah collections in the world. The importance and the potential of research into the medical aspects of the Genizah documents were clear to researcher since the early 1960s. A few works have been published since, usually focusing on one subject, or even important single manuscripts. The current research concerned mainly with one aspect of the history of medicine of the Jewish community of Cairo (as a reflection of Eastern medieval societies), namely the practical uses of natural substances for medicine. The most interesting and original information is undoubtedly to be found in the 141 prescriptions, as they reflect the medical reality that actually existed. And indeed, 242 substances were recorded in the prescriptions identified: 195 substances of plants origin (80.6%), 27 inorganic materials (11.2%) and 20 substances of animal origin (8.2%) were recorded as being in practical used for medicinal purposes. The most frequently mentioned substances were the rose, myrobalan, sugar, almonds, and endive. The most prevalent ailments: eye diseases, headache, constipations (purgative), cough, skin diseases, stomach, fever, gynaecological problems, haemorrhoids, liver ailments, lice, swellings, dental trouble, ulcers, and problems of the urinary tract.

[The Italian contributions to the history of salicylates]. / Il contributo italiano alla storia dei salicilati.

It is well-known that the modern history of salicylates began in 1899 when the compound acetylsalicylic acid was registered and introduced commercially as "aspirin" by the Bayer Company of Germany. As a matter of fact, however, remedies made from willow bark had been used to treat fever and rheumatic complaints at least since 1763, when Edward Stone described their efficacy against malarian fever. A number of Italian scientists made significant contributions during the long period of research leading up to the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid and its widespread use in rheumatic diseases. In this paper we will review the contributions of some of these researchers, beginning with Bartolomeo Rigatelli, who in 1824 used a willow bark extract as a therapeutic agent, denominating it "salino amarissimo antifebbrile" (very bitter antipyretic salt). In the same year, Francesco Fontana described this natural compound, giving it the name "salicina" (salicin). Two other Italian chemists added considerably to current knowledge of the salicylates: Raffaele Piria in 1838, while working as a research fellow in Paris, extracted the chemical compound salicylic acid, and Cesare Bertagnini in 1855 published a detailed description of the classic adverse event associated with salicylate overdoses--tinnitus--which he studied by deliberately ingesting excessive doses himself. Bertagnini and above all Piria also played conspicuous roles in the history of Italy during the period of the Italian Risorgimento, participating as volunteers in the crucial battle of Curtatone and Montanara during the first Italian War of Independence.

The effects of a complex homeopathic medicine compared with acetaminophen in the symptomatic treatment of acute febrile infections in children: an observational study.

CONTEXT: Children frequently suffer infections accompanied by fever, which is commonly treated with acetaminophen (paracetamol), a use not devoid of risk. OBJECTIVE: The effect of a complex homeopathic medicine (Viburcol, Heel Belgium, Gent, Belgium) was compared with that of acetaminophen in children with infectious fever. DESIGN: Non-randomized observational study. SETTING: Thirty-eight Belgian centers practicing homeopathy and conventional medicine. PATIENTS: Children <12 years old. INTERVENTIONS: Viburcol (drops) or acetaminophen (pills, capsules, or liquid form) for a maximum of 2 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fever, cramps, distress, disturbed sleep, crying, and difficulties with eating or drinking. Symptoms were graded by the practitioner on a scale from 0 to 3. Severity of infection was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 4. Data were captured on body temperature, subjective impression of health status, time to first improvement of symptoms, and global evaluation of treatment effects. Tolerability and compliance were monitored. RESULTS: Both treatment groups improved during the treatment period. Body temperature was reduced by 1.7 degrees C +/- 0.7 degrees C with Viburcol and by 1.9 degrees C +/- 0.9 degrees C with acetaminophen; fever score (scale from 0 to 3) from 1.7 +/- 0.6 to 0.1 +/- 0.2 with Viburcol and from 1.9 +/- 0.7 to 0.2 +/- 0.5 with acetaminophen (all values mean +/-SD). The overall severity of infection (scale from 0 to 4) decreased from 2.0 +/- 0.5 to 0.0 +/- 0.2 with Viburcol and from 2.2 +/- 0.7 to 0.2 +/- 0.6 with acetaminophen. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups in time to symptomatic improvement. Viburcol was noninferior to acetaminophen on all variables evaluated. Both treatments were very well tolerated, but the Viburcol group had a significantly greater number of patients with the highest tolerability score. CONCLUSIONS: In this patient population, Viburcol was an effective alternative to acetaminophen treatment and significantly better tolerated.

Síndrome de Hiper IgD: espectros clínicos, achados genéticos e condutas terapêuticas / Hyper-IgD syndrome: clinical spectrum, genetic findings, and therapeutic approaches

A deficiência de mevalonato quinase (MVK; MIM #142680; ORPHA #343) é uma doença genética, espectral, rara, associadas a mutações ao longo do gene MVK causando distúrbios na síntese do colesterol, que culminam em: inflamação sistêmica com febre, adenopatia, sintomas abdominais e outros achados clínicos. Enquanto no polo leve da doença os achados mais comuns são febres recorrentes com linfadenopatia, no polo mais grave adiciona-se o acometimento do sistema nervoso central (meningites assépticas, vasculites e atraso do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor) e do sistema hematopoiético (síndrome de ativação macrofágica). Apesar de inúmeras terapêuticas, os bloqueadores da interleucina-1 ainda são os únicos medicamentos capazes de controlar a doença e de impedir a evolução para amiloidose. Os estudos atuais visam tentar novos tratamentos, como o transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas, ou mesmo a terapia gênica.

Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MVK; MIM #142680; ORPHA #343) is a rare spectral genetic disorder linked to mutations along the MVK gene leading to impaired cholesterol synthesis, clinically observed as systemic inflammation with fever, adenopathy, abdominal manifestations, and other clinical findings. While on mild forms recurrent fever with lymphadenopathy is commonly observed, severe forms add to that neurological (aseptic meningitis, vasculitis, and neuropsychomotor developmental delay) and hematopoietic involvement (macrophage activation syndrome). Despite of several therapeutic approaches, blocking interleukin-1 is the only effective method to control the disease and prevent the development of systemic amyloidosis. Ongoing studies aim to test new treatments, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy.

A Homeopathic Combination Preparation in the Treatment of Feverish Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: An International Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are very common and associated with considerable healthcare costs. We evaluated the clinical benefit of a homeopathic add-on therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled multinational clinical trial, patients (age range 1-65 years) with feverish URTI received either on-demand symptomatic standard treatment (ST group: paracetamol, ambroxol, and/or oxymetazoline), or homeopathic medication (IFC group: Influcid®) for 7 days plus the same on-demand standard treatment. URTI symptoms were assessed using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21. Response at day 4, defined as absence of fever and absence or very mild degree of URTI symptoms, was the primary outcome measure. RESULTS: 523 patients (265 IFC group, 258 ST group) were randomized in 12 Ukrainian and 10 German centers. The responder rate on day 4 was 15.4% in the IFC group and 6.7% in the ST group (x0394;IFC-ST = 8.7%, 95% confidence interval 2.9-14.5%). The IFC group used less symptomatic medication, and symptoms were alleviated 1-2 days earlier. 3 and 8 adverse events (AEs) in the IFC and ST group, respectively, were assessed as possibly treatment-related; 2 out of the 3 AEs in the IFC group were possibly related to symptomatic therapy, 1 (vomiting) to IFC treatment. CONCLUSION: The homeopathic treatment shortened URTI duration, reduced the use of symptomatic medication, and was well tolerated.

[Hyperpyrexia following poisoning with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor]. / Hyperpyreksi efter forgiftning med en mono-amino-oxidasehaemmer.

A 35-year old woman took 1 gram of isocarboxazide (Marplan) with suicidal intent. She was admitted to hospital approximately six hours later with nystagmus, generalized hypertonia and jaw trismus. Four hours after admission, she became comatose with poor ventilation, increasing rigidity of all muscles and temperature rising to 41.1 degrees C. She was intubated and ventilated. Dantrolen was used for muscular relaxation but because of minor unfavourable experience with dantrolen pancuron was employed instead. After this, the temperature fell and the patient became relaxed. After two days, she was extubated and transferred to psychiatric care in a normal physical state. It is concluded that a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drug should be used in patients with hyperpyrexia caused by MAOI overdose, because of the generally more favourable experience with these drugs and because of the potential hepatoxicity of dantrolen.

[Pharmacological action of cultured calculus bovis].

By means of comparative pharmacological study, the main pharmacodynamics and toxicity of cultured calculus bovis and natural calculus bovis were compared under the same conditions. The results show that both drugs possess sedative, antispasmodic, antipyretic, antiinflammatory, cardiotonic and hypotensive effects, the strength of effect and toxicity being similar.

[Comparison on pharmacological functions of pheretima].

Hot water extraction of Pheretima have marked actions in antipyretic, hypotensive, antiasthmatic and diuresis. Among them Guang-Pheretima and Hu-Pheretima are stronger than Tu-Pheretima in antipyretic. The difference of the intensity of Pheretima in the other actions is not obvious.

Symptomatic fever management among 3 different groups of pediatricians in Northern Lombardy (Italy): results of an explorative cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: In the care of feverish children, symptomatic management is pivotal. Thus, the Italian Pediatric Society has recently published guidelines on fever management in children. Our aim was to investigate whether pediatric hospitalists, community pediatricians and pediatric residents differ in their every-day clinical practice with respect to symptomatic management of feverish children. METHODS: 79 out of 118 physicians involved in pediatric care in an area of Northern Lombardy (Italy) filled in a modified version of the questionnaire derived from the Swiss national survey on symptomatic fever management. RESULTS: Pediatric hospitalists (N = 29), community pediatricians (N = 30) and pediatric residents (N = 20) did not differ with respect to temperature threshold for symptomatic fever treatment, role of general appearance in modulating the threshold for fever management, first choice antipyretic drug, frequency of ibuprofen prescription, prescription of physical antipyresis, influence of exaggerated fear of fever on its management and potential to reassure families about this fear.On the other side, some significant differences were found. Pediatric residents more frequently lower the treatment threshold in children with a past history of febrile seizures (P < 0.001) and prescribe an aggressive treatment for fever not responding to the first antipyretic drug (P < 0.01) than their more experienced colleagues. Community pediatricians represent the unique investigated group using homeopathic remedies, both in the acute setting (P < 0.001) as well as a prophylaxis (P < 0.0001). Finally, paediatric residents less often (P < 0.05) stated to encounter exaggerated fear of fever among parents than their more experienced colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: The present explorative inquiry globally shows limited discordance among pediatric residents, community pediatricians and pediatric hospitalists with respect to symptomatic fever management.

Conocimiento de los padres sobre la fiebre en niños menores de 5 años que acuden al servicio de emergencias en el Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría / Parent's knowledge about fever in children under 5 attending emergency department at Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría children hospital

OBJETIVO: Determinar el conocimiento sobre la fiebre, de los padres de niños menores de 5 años que acuden al servicio de Emergencias del Hospital de Niño DISEÑO: descriptivo prospectivo de serie de casos. LUGAR: El estudio se realizó entre octubre de 2016 y noviembre de 2016 en el Servicio de Emergencias del Hospital del Niño "Ovidio Aliaga Uría" de la ciudad de La Paz. PARTICIPANTES: padres de niños febriles que acudieron al Hospital del Niño "Ovidio Aliaga Uría" de 0 a 59 meses de edad MEDICIONES PRINCIPALES: el instrumento evaluó la escolaridad de los padres, el punto de corte considerado como fiebre, las consecuencias temidas de la fiebre, la droga usada para la fiebre, la dosis administrada en caso de usarse algún medicamento, la fuente de información de donde se obtuvo el conocimiento de fiebre, si se sabe medir la temperatura, cual es el método más usado para la medición de temperatura y cuáles son los tratamientos alternativos que se utilizan. RESULTADOS. El intervalo de alza térmica que los padres consideran como una fiebre es entre 37 a 37,5°C (52%). El temor de los padres es que la temperatura incremente por más de 39°C con un porcentaje de 59%. El principal temor de los padres frente a un alza térmica es que desencadene convulsiones 46%. El medicamento más utilizado es el paracetamol 53%, las dosis administradas por los padres de antitérmicos son dosis inadecuadas en 50% de los casos. Saben medir la fiebre 64% siendo el principal instrumento utilizado el termómetro oral (36%). CONCLUSIONES. Una gran parte de los padres manejan un concepto errado respecto al punto de corte para considerar fiebre. El principal temor de los padres ante el ascenso de la misma es la presencia de convulsiones. La droga más usada por los padres que participaron en nuestro estudio es el paracetamol. La principal fuente de información de los padres era la información brindada por personal de salud, pero existe una tendencia a usar sobredosis de antitérmicos. Aún son usados métodos caseros y naturales para controlar la fiebre.

OBJECTIVE: To determine knowledge about fever in parents of young children attending to emergency department. DESIGN: Descriptive and prospective study from case series. PLACE: The study was conducted from October to November 2016 in emergency department at Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría Children Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Parents of young children from 0 to 59 months old that showed febrile seizures at attending emergency room in the hospital. MAIN MEASURES: Survey considered parents knowledge about the cut off to consider fever, feared consequences of fever, used drugs to treat, drug doses in case of administrating medicaments, source of information regarding knowledge about fever, how to measure children temperature, the methods to measure temperature and the alternative treatments about fever. RESULTS: Parents considered fever when temperature rises between 37 to 37,5 °C (52%). Parents get afraid when temperature increases higher than 39 °C, in a 59%. The presence of seizures is the main fear in parents (46%). paracetamol is most used drug. 50%the cases displayed an inadequate dose administration of antipyretic. CONCLUSIONS: most of the parents have an inadequate concept about the cut of to consider fever. The mean fear is the presence of fever seizures, paracetamol is the most used drug. The source information of parents is obtained from health staff, but they tend to overdose the administration of antipyretics, and the use of home methods is still common.

Symptomatic management of fever by Swiss board-certified pediatricians: results from a cross-sectional, Web-based survey.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic management is often all that is recommended in children with fever. To date, only 2 nationwide surveys of pediatricians regarding their attitudes toward fever have been published. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the management of children with fever by pediatricians in Switzerland. METHODS: For this survey, an initial close-ended questionnaire was tested and subsequently corrected. Between June 2010 and March 2011, an invitation was sent via electronic mail containing a link to the final version of the questionnaire. The survey was not commercially sponsored. RESULTS: The questionnaire was sent to 900 pediatricians, of whom 322 (36%) responded. A total of 96% of respondents identified ≥38.5°C as the rectal temperature threshold for fever treatment, and 64% indicated that they prescribe antipyretics for the treatment of general discomfort. A total of 95% of respondents indicated that they prescribe paracetamol (acetaminophen) as the first choice of antipyretic drug, and 91% indicated that they often prescribe ibuprofen as well. An alternating regimen of 2 drugs and physical antipyresis were indicated as common practice by 77% and 65% of pediatricians, respectively. Homeopathic remedies are rarely prescribed (<10% of respondents). The most commonly prescribed routes of administration in children aged 18 months, 5 years, and 10 years were rectal (78%), oral (87%), and oral (99%), respectively. Ninety-two percent of respondents indicated that they believe that an exaggerated fear of fever is common among parents, but 81% stated that they do not lower the temperature threshold for initiating pharmacologic treatment exclusively to calm parents. Most respondents (95%) indicated a belief that it is possible to educate families about the fear of fever. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings from the present survey, antipyretics are often prescribed to treat the general discomfort that accompanies fever. Nonetheless, a gap exists between available evidence and clinical practice. Guidelines should take this fact into account.

Oscillococcinum for influenza treatment.

The use of a complementary medicine approach, and specifically of the popular medicine Oscillococcinum, for the treatment of influenza-like syndromes remains controversial. This brief paper analyses the currently available literature on this homeopathic preparation and the Cochrane Collaboration's 2006 systematic review, along with other recent studies, in order to clarify certain fundamental aspects of its use in the treatment of influenza. In the light of the reported findings, and applying the rigorous criteria of evidence-based medicine, we suggest that this medicine should be placed in category "BI".