CompletedNot Applicable

Fever In Palliative Care

Italy145 participantsStarted 2025-03-27

Plain-language summary

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of fever in terminally ill adult patients admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospice at Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How often does fever occur in terminally ill patients during hospice care? * What are the typical features of fever in this population in terms of intensity, duration, possible causes, and treatment strategies? * Is there any correlation between the occurrence of fever and patients' clinical characteristics, such as age, sex, BMI, comorbidities, and palliative prognostic scores (PPS and PPI)? Participants will be adult patients (≥18 years) with a life expectancy of more than 24 hours and less than 3 months. During their stay, the following data will be collected: * Presence and characteristics of fever (temperature, duration, treatment, suspected cause) * Clinical and demographic information (e.g., age, sex, BMI, comorbidities, performance status) * Details on hospitalization (e.g., symptom burden, need for palliative sedation, outcome) The study will enroll approximately 250 patients consecutively over a 48-week period. No additional procedures or treatments beyond standard clinical care will be required.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female patients; * Age ≥ 18 years; * Terminally ill patients with an estimated life expectancy between 24 hours and 3 months; * Signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients under 18 years of age; * Terminally ill patients with a life expectancy \< 24 hours * Non-terminal patients admitted for respite care.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Frequency of Fever in Terminally Ill Patients

Timeframe: 48 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07106073

SponsorStefania Cheli

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2025-06-27

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