Fever Phobia

Misconceptions of Parents About Fevers

Barton D. Schmitt, MD

Am J Dis Child. 1980;134(2):176-181.

Abstract

• Eighty-one parents bringing their children to a hospital-based pediatric clinic were

surveyed about their understanding of fever. Most parents were unduly worried about low-
grade fever, with temperatures of 38.9 °C or less. Their overconcern was designated "fever
phobia." Most parents (52%) believed that moderate fever with a temperature of 40 °C or
less can cause serious neurological side-effects. Hence, most parents treated fever
aggressively: 85% gave antipyretic medication before the temperature reached 38.9 °C and
68% sponged the child before the temperature reached 39.5 °C. A review of the literature
showed that the only serious complications of fever were febrile status epilepticus and heat
stroke, two rare entities. The great concern of parents about fever is not justified. Health
education to counteract "fever phobia" should be a part of routine pediatric care.

Bibliography: http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/134/2/176
Perceptions Matter: Barriers to Treatment of
Postpartum Hemorrhage
Sereen Thaddeus, MA, MPH; Rachna Nangalia, MAIA

Abstract

Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal deaths in developing countries. This
report highlights the social and cultural factors that influence the decision to seek care in cases of
postpartum bleeding. Survey data on awareness of danger signs in the postpartum period and
findings from the anthropologic literature describing beliefs about bleeding in childbirth and the
postpartum period are presented. Findings point to a mismatch between actual and perceived
risks of danger in the postpartum period. This may reflect a viewpoint that there are few risks
remaining after the baby is born. This may, in turn, shape the perception that the postpartum
period is one in which less vigilance is required compared with labor and birth. Such beliefs are
important to consider, as they may influence timely seeking of emergency obstetric care. Efforts
to reduce the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage as a major cause of maternal death must
progress on two fronts: on the supply side to ensure the provision of skilled care and on the
demand side to ensure that women and their families accept the view that bleeding after birth is
dangerous and that skilled care is preferable to traditional care.

Bibliography: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/484024
Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy and the
Rationality of Iron Supplements Prescribed
During Pregnancy
Chandra Sekhar Gautam, PhD; Lekha Saha, MD, DM; Kavita Sekhri, MD; Pradip Kumar Saha,
MD

Abstract

Iron deficiency with its resultant anemia is probably the most widespread micronutrient
deficiency in the world. Women who are pregnant or lactating and young children are the most
affected, especially in the developing world. Despite that only 1 to 3 mg of absorbed iron is
required daily at different stages of life, most diets remain deficient. Failure to include iron-rich
foods in the diet and inappropriate dietary intake coupled with wide variation in bioavailability
(based on the presence of iron absorption inhibitors in the diet) are some of the important factors
responsible for iron deficiency. Iron supplementation can be targeted to high-risk groups (eg,
pregnant women) and can be cost-effective. Iron fortification of food can prevent iron deficiency
in at-risk populations. Selective plant breeding and genetic engineering are promising new
approaches to improve dietary iron nutrition quality.

Bibliography: http://www.ajcn.org/content/71/5/1280S.full
Anemia and iron deficiency: effects on
pregnancy outcome
Lindsay H Allen

ABSTRACT

This article reviews current knowledge of the effects of maternal anemia and iron deficiency on
pregnancy outcome. A considerable amount of information remains to be learned about the
benefits of maternal iron supplementation on the health and iron status of the mother and her
child during pregnancy and postpartum. Current knowledge indicates that iron deficiency anemia
in pregnancy is a risk factor for preterm delivery and subsequent low birth weight, and possibly
for inferior neonatal health. Data are inadequate to determine the extent to which maternal
anemia might contribute to maternal mortality. Even for women who enter pregnancy with
reasonable iron stores, iron supplements improve iron status during pregnancy and for a
considerable length of time postpartum, thus providing some protection against iron deficiency
in the subsequent pregnancy. Mounting evidence indicates that maternal iron deficiency in
pregnancy reduces fetal iron stores, perhaps well into the first year of life. This deserves further
exploration because of the tendency of infants to develop iron deficiency anemia and because of
the documented adverse consequences of this condition on infant development. The weight of
evidence supports the advisability of routine iron supplementation during pregnancy.

Bibliography: http://www.ajcn.org/content/71/5/1280S.full