News
PNP Participating in Xylitol Study
Posted on Nov 1, 2011 PNP is proud to participate in a nationwide research study in conjunction with Boston University to test whether a syrup containing xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar, can prevent ear infections in young children who have had ear infections in the past. The study involves 448 children taking xylitol or a matching placebo (inactive) syrup three times a day for 12 weeks to test whether the xylitol syrup reduces the chance of getting more ear infections.
Who can participate?
Children between the ages of six months and five years old who have had at least three ear infections within the past year (one of which has been within the past 6 months) are eligible. Your child's doctor can review all the enrollment criteria with you to make sure the study is appropriate for your child.
What's involved?
Your child will be randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) to receive either xylitol or placebo syrup three times a day for 12 weeks. After 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks of taking the syrup, a study interviewer will call you for a brief interview (about 10 minutes long) to find out how well your child is taking the syrup and whether your child has had any ear infections or other health problems.
At the end of the study, the researchers will review your child's medical records from the 12 week study period to verify any ear infections or other illnesses or treatments that may have happened.
During the study period, your child will continue to receive medical care from his or her regular doctor as usual. Your child may be treated for ear infections and any other illnesses as your child's doctor sees fit.
Please contact the office if you would like to participate in this study or have any other questions.
