Hypothermia induced by therapeutic doses of antipyretics: misdiagnosis of cold sepsis

Abstract

Fever is a natural and almost universal mammalian response to infection. There exists a fear amongst general public and healthcare providers regarding fever being harmful leading to its overzealous management with antipyretics. Although the NICE guidelines suggest use of single antipyretic agent for management of fever, combination therapy with paracetamol and ibuprofen is common in paediatric practice in the United Kingdom. These antipyretics at times can cause significant adverse events even when administered at regular therapeutic doses. \n \nWe describe a young boy who presented with severe hypothermia (34.1°C) and was initially treated as cold sepsis. Once the boy got warmed up and as blood results became subsequently available, it became clearer that the hypothermia was secondary to therapeutic doses of antipyretics. In conclusion, we hope to improve awareness regarding this condition in clinical practice and educate health care professionals and caregivers with recommended NICE guidelines.