March 1, 1998
Ibuprofen and Paracetamol Have the Same Antipyretic Activity
Source: Vauzelle-Kervroëdan F, et al. Equivalent antipyretic
activity of ibuprofen and paracetamol in febrile children.
J Pediatr
1997;131:683-687.
The antipyretic activity of ibuprofen was compared in an equivalence study
with paracetamol in the same formulation by Vauzelle-Kervroëdan and
associates from several hospitals in Paris.
1 Para-cetamol is
a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely used in Europe and Asia which
is similar to acetaminophen. The study was conducted as a double-blind
multicenter trial, with random allocation of the treatments. One hundred
sixteen children of both sexes, ages 4.1 ± 2.6 years, who had a
fever related to an infectious disease and a mean temperature of 39°C
± 0.5°C at the time of inclusion, were studied. They were treated
with single doses of either 10.3 ± 1.9 mg/kg of ibuprofen or 9.8
± 1.9 mg/kg of paracetamol. The subject's rectal temperature was
regularly monitored for six hours.
The statistical analysis of the results confirmed that ibuprofen and
paracetamol are equivalent with respect to the following criteria: 1) time
elapsed between dosing and the lowest temperature: 3.61 ± 1.34 hours
for ibuprofen and 3.65 ± 1.47 hours for paracetamol (95% confidence
interval [CI] of the difference; -0.48, +0.56); 2) extent of the temperature
decrease: 1.65°C ± 0.80°C for ibuprofen and 1.50°C ±
0.61°C for paracetamol (95% CI of the difference; -0.41, +0.11); 3)
rate of temperature decrease: 0.52 ± 0.32°C/h for ibuprofen
and 0.51°C ± 0.38°C/h for paracetamol (95% CI of the difference;
-0.45, +0.55); and 4) duration of temperature below 38.5°C: 3.79 ±
1.33 hours for ibuprofen and 3.84 ± 1.22 hours for paracetamol (95%
CI of the difference; -0.14, + 0.12). -
Latex Allergy
Source: Reddy S. Latex allergy. Am J Fam Pract 1998;57:93-100.
Natural latex from the rubber tree
Hevea brasiliensis is
an allergen in persons with significant cumulative latex exposure, such
as those in the health care and rubber industries, as well as those undergoing
repeated surgeries, especially if they undergo surgeries early in life.
Symptoms of latex allergy may progress rapidly and unpredictably to anaphylaxis.
The prevalence of latex allergy has increased as the use of rubber gloves
in health care settings has increased. Airborne latex particles that adhere
to the cornstarch used to powder gloves are a significant cause of respiratory
symptoms and a source of sensitization. Once an individual has become sensitized,
he or she may experience allergic symptoms when exposed to any product
containing latex. Diagnosis is made initially by the history. Latex-specific
IgE testing and skin prick testing may confirm the suspicion. The most
effective strategy in the treatment of latex allergy is avoidance; however,
there is a large group of sensitized people who have not been identified
and who do not recognize that their symptoms are caused by latex allergy.
Physicians caring for latex-sensitive persons must act as their advocates
in building awareness of the problem and developing protocols for their
safe care. Latex-sensitized persons should be educated about the latex
content of common objects.
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