Parents with small children living in the Bristol area are helping with the Fever PITCH study being run by the University of Bristol, but even more children are needed to help.
This NHS-funded study is looking at the most effective medicine for children with a fever: paracetamol, ibuprofen, or a combination of the two.
There has been no previous studies done in the home (where most fevers are treated) to indicate which treatment is best at bringing the child’s temperature under control and making them feel better.
Paula Tomlin, whose daughter Paige suddenly developed a high temperature, participated in the study after being told about it when she took her feverish child of six months to the doctor.
She said: “I was really thrilled to be able to help in a study like this. Paige was given a special vest to wear for the first 24 hours. It contained a thermometer that continually monitored her temperature and measured how long it took for the fever to subside. Because she couldn’t tell us what was wrong, we were very reassured to know that such a close watch was being kept on her.
She went on to explain: “A nurse came to the house and told us all about the study, what medicines to give Paige, and asked us to complete a symptom diary for 5 days. She also told me that if I was concerned about Paige I should seek advice from NHS Direct or my doctor.
“I think it’s terribly important that the general public helps with this kind of study. The advice given to parents regarding which medicine to use can be very confusing, at a time when you are most worried about your child and really need clear information.”
Sixty children between the ages of 6 months and under 5 years old with a temperature above 37.8 °C , but less than 40 °C, have already successfully participated in the study. But more children are still needed to take part to make the results completely clear.
Dr Alastair Hay, a GP in the city and the lead researcher at the University of Bristol said: “For the University to answer important questions such as this, we need many more children to take part. If you are interested in helping with the study, you live in the Bristol area and your child develops a fever, please call the Fever PITCH team on 0117 331 0811.”
Becky Powell, one of the Fever PITCH nurses added: “The parents are playing an active and important role in helping us find answers to help parents in the future. The families who have helped so far have been very positive about the study and they like the contact with the team. We are ready and waiting to respond to your call”.
This study is part of a programme of community-based research being run in Bristol by the University. Thirty GP surgeries, two GP out of hours cooperatives, one Walk-in Centre, NHS Direct and the Children’s Hospital Accident and Emergency Department in Bristol are already participating.
For more information, please see the PITCH web site or call 0117 331 0811.