Physiological response to IV paracetamol in critically ill patients V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What is the physiological response to IV paracetamol in critically ill patients?
IRAS ID
179253
Contact name
Shondipon Laha
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 14 days
Research summary
Physiological response to IV paracetamol in critically ill patients.
Background: Pyrexia, or fever, is part of the body's normal response to infection. However it is usually treated with medications, such as paracetamol, with the intention of lowering the body's core temperature back to normal. Currently there is little evidence that shows the effect of paracetamol on the body temperature and in what circumstances it is beneficial to administer it.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect paracetamol has on temperature, blood pressure and heart rate in critical care (CrCU) patients. In order to do this the temperature, heart rate and blood pressure will be recorded every time a dose of IV paracetamol is given between the hours of six am and midnight.
Schedule: Patients will have their temperature taken prior to being given paracetamol and every hour for six hours afterwards. The temperature will be measured via an ear thermometer as per routine clinical practice.Data Collection: The data to be collected for each patient includes the temperature, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, white cell count and antibiotics administered. The data will be recorded on a specifically designed electronic proforma. An iPad will be used to record the data and the anonymised information transferred to a Trust computer at the end of each day.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0362
Date of REC Opinion
21 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion