The epidemiology and outcome of febrile illnesses in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is poorly documented. The FIKIĀ² study, a prospective observational study of community-acquired febrile illnesses coordinated by ITM and INRB and conducted at 2 clinical sites from 2021 to 2023, has deepened the knowledge of clinical presentation, etiology, outcome and profile of inflammatory/infectious biomarkers (white blood cells and C-reactive protein, or CRP). The management of febrile illnesses remains fraught with clinical challenges. Overuse of antibiotics in primary care remains a reality in the field, and has been observed in several studies, including FIKIĀ². A number of initiatives are underway to address this problem, such as the use of biomarkers, the development of treatment guidelines and electronic decision support systems. The FIKIĀ² study highlighted the potential role of CRP in rationalizing antibiotic use. In parallel, the 'AWARE antibiotic book' was published at the end of 2022 by the WHO, providing recommendations on the choice (or otherwise) of antibiotic therapy for over 30 common clinical infections, in both primary care and hospital settings. Based on the results of the FIKIĀ² study, the main aim of the FI-CARE study is to investigate the impact of these new tools (CRP biomarker, AWARE antibiotic book, and electronic decision support systems) on first-line antibiotic use. Secondly, the study will consolidate previous results from FIKIĀ² sites in terms of monitoring the etiologies of community-acquired febrile illnesses (particularly arboviruses); and reinforce this monitoring at new sites (depending on opportunities). This complementary study will also pursue FIKIĀ²'s strategic objectives of strengthening clinical research capacity and consolidating biobanks in the DRC. FI-CARE is a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study of adults and children presenting to the emergency department or outpatient clinic with community-acquired febrile illness. A laboratory component with sample storage in a biobank is added in a modular fashion according to laboratory and research capacities, epidemiological interest and available funds.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Describe and compare the use of antibiotics for patients with community-acquired febrile illness with different types of support
Timeframe: at enrollment
Describe the appropriateness of antibiotics for patients with community-acquired febrile illness with different types of support
Timeframe: at enrollment
Describe and compare adherence to different types of support used
Timeframe: at enrollment
Describe reasons for non-adherence to different types of support used
Timeframe: at enrollment
Describe clinical presentation of febrile illnesses in the DRC.
Timeframe: from enrollment to the end of the 3 week follow-up period
Describe laboratory presentation of febrile illnesses in the DRC.
Timeframe: from enrollment to the end of the 3 week follow-up period
Describe severity of febrile illnesses in the DRC.
Timeframe: from enrollment to the end of the 3 week follow-up period
Describe etiology of febrile illnesses in the DRC.
Timeframe: from enrollment to the end of the 3 week follow-up period
Evaluate the frequency of hospital admissions for febrile illnesses in the DRC.
Timeframe: from enrollment to the end of the 3 week follow-up period
Evaluate the frequency of secondary visits for febrile illnesses in the DRC.
Timeframe: from enrollment to the end of the 3 week follow-up period
Describe outcome of febrile illnesses in the DRC.
Timeframe: from enrollment to the end of the 3 week follow-up period