Elevation of Temperature after General Anaesthesia following Dental Treatment with or without the use of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Children

To study the elevation of temperature after general anaesthesia following dental treatment with or without the use of prophylactic antibiotics in children.

General anaesthesia is a choice in pediatric patients who are uncooperative, physically or mentally compromised. Bacteremia is a common consequence following dental treatment and as a result elevation of temperature. Bacteraemia can occur following general anaesthesia through nasotracheal intubation. Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to general anaesthesia can prevent hyperthermia.

Paediatric patients in the age group of 2–6 years. were included in this study under general anaesthesia due to uncooperative behaviour or due to medical complications. Antibiotics was administered to one group one hour prior to the treatment and not administered to the other. Preoperative and post operative temperatures were recorded.

Out of eighty three pediatric patients in the age group 2–6 years who participated in this study, thirty five patients (42.1%) presented with elevation in temperature (temperature exceeding 98 degree Fahrenheit). Significant difference in temperature was found between those who were administered antibiotics and in those who were not. Post operative increase in temperature was found in seventeen out of forty girls (42.5%) and in eighteen out of forty three boys (41.8%)

This study showed that there is a relation between bacteremia and post operative increase in temperature. Post operative increase in temperature was less in those who were administered antibiotics prior to GA than in those who were not administered.