The PIPPA Tamariki Study

Asthma (huangō) is one of the most common illnesses in Aotearoa New Zealand. Despite better care, the number of people with asthma is rising. In the PIPPA Tamariki Study, we are investigating if there is a link between receiving common medicines in infancy and the risk of being diagnosed with asthma at 6 years of age. This will help make an impact on asthma care and the advice we give to whānau and caregivers in New Zealand and the wider world.

We are delighted to announce that the enrolment into this study was completed on 28 July 2023.

The data-collection phase of the study is ongoing until each baby in the study is 6 years old. Therefore, the study will be completed in July 2029 and the final results will be available a few months later.

The PIPPA Tamariki Study involves collaborations between the Auckland and Capital & Coast District Health Boards and Counties Manukau Health, as well as the University of Auckland, University of Otago, Massey University, University of Calgary, and the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand. Our study teams are based at Auckland City (Starship) and Middlemore (Kidz First) Hospitals in Auckland, and Wellington Regional and Hutt Hospitals in Wellington.

Recruitment

Recruitment complete! 3923 New Zealand babies have been enrolled!

By reaching this goal, we will be able to definitively answer whether paracetamol or ibuprofen play a role in the development of childhood asthma

 What is asthma (huangō)?

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Asthma (huangō) is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include chest tightness, wheeze, shortness of breath, and coughing. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening if untreated. It is becoming more common in kiwi kids and we are not sure why.

Illnesses that cause fever (kirikā) like viral coughs and colds increase the risk of children developing asthma. We don’t know if using common, effective medicines to treat pain and fever (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen) affect the risk of developing asthma. The PIPPA Tamariki team are trying to find out as this could change the advice given to parents about using these medicines, and might reduce the chances of kids developing asthma in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the wider world.

 What is involved?

If you volunteer for the PIPPA Tamariki study, your baby will be assigned to a group, either Paracetamol or Ibuprofen

Each baby enrolled in the study has been assigned to a group, either Paracetamol or Ibuprofen

If your baby has a fever or pain and needs medicine, give the one that you have been assigned to, which we will provide freely

If a baby has a fever or pain and needs medicine, a parent / caregiver will give the one that baby is assigned to

Complete five short surveys about how your baby is doing over their first year, and twice more when they turn 3, and 6 years old

Parent / caregivers complete five short health surveys during baby’s first year, and twice more - when the child is 3, and 6 years old

 Benefits of taking part

All babies get a PIPPA bear plush toy as thanks for helping with the study

All babies get a PIPPA bear plush toy as thanks for helping with the study

You will have increased contact with doctors and nurses during your baby’s first year

You will have increased contact with doctors and nurses during your baby’s first year

We provide free prescriptions of fever/pain medicines for all children in the home

We provide free prescriptions of fever/pain medicines for all children in the home

It is an opportunity to help make a global impact on asthma for families & caregivers!

It is an opportunity to help make a global impact on asthma for families & caregivers!

Learn more

Read our detailed study information sheet, or get in touch with your local team.

 
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Available in English, Māori, Samoan, Tongan, and simplified Chinese (click the language you wish to view)

 

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