Temperature elevation in children following dental treatment under general anesthesia with or without prophylactic antibiotics.

Bacteremia, tissue damage, and dehydration are mentioned frequently as factors that might be responsible for postoperative temperature elevation (PTE). In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the influence of a single dose of oral amoxicillin administered 1 hr prior to the procedure on PTE was examined. Twenty-six healthy children (21 boys and 5 girls) 2 to 5 years old, who received dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) were evaluated. Anesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide and Fluothane and the patients were well-hydrated intravenously during the procedure. Half of the children received prophylactic antibiotic 1 hr prior to the procedure. The other half received a flavored syrup as placebo. Thirteen patients (50%) presented PTE (rectal temperature > or = 37.9 degrees C) 2-5 hr after extubation. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA. However, no association was found between PTE and antibiotic administration or any of the parameters investigated such as, number of dental procedures, type of treatment performed, patient's weight, or change in temperature during dental treatment. (Pediatr Dent 15:99-103, 1993).