Journal of Pediatric infectious diseases | 2021
Influence of EPs 7630 on Antipyretic Comedication and Recovery from Acute Tonsillopharyngitis in Children: A Meta-analysis of Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trials
Abstract
Objective\u2003Acute tonsillopharyngitis (ATP) is a common, seasonal infection of predominantly viral origin. Management is aimed at shortening the course of the disease and restoring the comfort of the patient. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate whether treatment with the Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630 reduces the use of antipyretic comedication (i.e., acetaminophen) in children suffering from ATP. Methods\u2003Studies were identified from clinical trial registries and medical literature. Randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials investigating EPs 7630 in children with ATP and reporting the coadministration of paracetamol were eligible. Based on the raw data of eligible trials, we analyzed cumulative paracetamol use, as well as the ability to attend school at the end of treatment. Three trials including a total of 345 children aged 6 to 10 years and suffering from non-β-hemolytic streptococcal ATP were identified and eligible. Children were administered EPs 7630 or placebo for 6 days. Results\u2003Compared with placebo, EPs 7630 reduced the cumulative paracetamol dose by an average of 449\u2009mg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 252–646\u2009mg; p\u2009 Conclusion\u2003Our meta-analysis demonstrates that EPs 7630 reduced the use of antipyretic comedication and accelerated recovery.