Antipyretic Agents for Preventing Recurrences of Febrile Seizures

Results: The children experienced 851 febrile episodes, and 89 of these included a febrile seizure. Febrile seizure recurrences occurred in 54 of the 231 children (23.4%). There were no significant differences between the groups in the main measure of effect, and the effect estimates were similar, as the rate was 23.4% (46 of 197) in those receiving antipyretic agents and 23.5% (8 of 34) in those receiving placebo (difference, 0.2; 95% confidence interval, �12.8 to 17.6; P=.99). Fever was significantly higher during the episodes with seizure than in those without seizure (39.7°C vs 38.9°C; difference, 0.7°C; 95% confidence interval, �0.9°C to �0.6°C; P.001), and this phenomenon was independent of the medication given. Conclusions: Antipyretic agents are ineffective for the prevention of recurrences of febrile seizures and for the lowering of body temperature in patients with a febrile episode that leads to a recurrent febrile seizure. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: