Physicians were free to administer paracetamol 1000 mg (P), the combination paracetamol 500 mg/ibuprofen 150 mg (PI) or Ibuprofen 600 mg (I).The primary endpoint was both 1-degree and 1-point reduction in body temperature for all associated symptoms on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) after 1 hour (T1). Secondary endpoint was the reduction of at least 2 points on the NRS after two hours (T2). Adverse events, the needing of a rescue therapy and the response based on the underlying etiology (bacterial, viral, or immune/neoplastic) were also evaluated.
Fever is a frequent cause of admission to the Emergency Department (ED) around the world. While it can be caused by a wide range of conditions, the most effective treatment based on its etiology is still undetermined. This observational, prospective, single-center study enrolled adult patients who accessed the ED for fever, with the aim to define the most effective treatment for them.