About the PIKI Study

What is the PIKI study?

The PIKI study is a multi-centre randomised control trial (RCT) comparing the efficacy (effectiveness) and safety of paracetamol and ibuprofen in treating febrile discomfort in children under 2 years old who come to the Emergency Department (ED).

What EDs are taking part in the PIKI study?

The PIKI study is being led by Kidz First ED at Middlemore Hospital, in Auckland.
The other hospitals taking part in the PIKI study are:

  • Starship Emergency Department (Auckland)

  • Waitākere Emergency Department (Auckland)

  • Waikato Emergency Department (Hamilton)

  • Tauranga Emergency Department

  • Christchurch Emergency Department

Map of participating EDs in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the PIKI study being done?
A: We know that both paracetamol and ibuprofen are effective and safe at treating discomfort caused by fever in children, but we do not know if one is better. The PIKI study aims to find this out.

Q: Can I choose which medicine my child receives, if they participate in the study?
A: No, your child will be allocated to receive either paracetamol or ibuprofen randomly, like flipping a coin.

Q: What will happen if my child is admitted to the ward, or discharged home from ED?
A: The PIKI study is only conducted in the Emergency Department. The final assessment for the study is done 4 hours after the study medicines are given - if your child is admitted to the ward or discharged home before the 4-hour mark, a nurse or researcher will do the final assessment just before you go.

Q: Can I give my child more paracetamol or ibuprofen once we are at home?
A: Yes, you can give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen if they need it, once it has been 5 hours since their last dose of the PIKI study medicine. The doctors or nurses will tell you when that is, when you are discharged from ED.

Q: Will you contact me again, once we’ve left the ED?
A: Yes, our research team will contact you 28 days after your child came to the ED, to ask some quick follow-up questions. This can be via phone or email.

Q: What if I change my mind about my child participating in the PIKI study?
A: You can change your mind at any time, and withdraw your child from the study if you wish. Simply contact the research team here, and let us know.

Q: When will we know the results of the study?
A: We expect to know the results of the study in around 3 years time (2028). If you would like to be contacted with the results of the study, contact us here, and let us know.