Infant Development Study

Pediatricians Study the Effects of the Roseola Virus

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is this important and why do you need my child?
  
  
• Does our doctor know about this study?
  
  
• How many visits would there be during the study and what would happen during these visits?
  
  
• Will you give anything to my baby?
  
  
• How long are the appointments?
  
  
• Can twin babies participate in this study?
  
  
• Where do I have to go?
  
  
• What if it is difficult to get to the visit because of other siblings, transportation, parking, etc.?

Why is this important and why do you need my child?

The growth and development of your child and all children are important to us and to you.  We need to learn more about a baby’s early ability to play and learn new things.  You and your child can help us learn more about the normal development of young babies and what is important for their best development.  We are studying development in normal children.  All children get the roseola virus but at different ages.  Some have the virus by the time they are born, and others become infected with the virus later during their first two to three years of life.  We need to know whether infections with viruses, such as the roseola virus, make any difference in the ways or rate a baby develops, if the baby gets the virus very early, before birth, or later.  Thus, we need to study more healthy babies to know what is normal and what affects early development in a baby’s life. We have special tests to do this, and we are the only place in this country or other countries doing a study like this.

Does our doctor know about this study?

Yes. All the pediatric doctors in Rochester and the surrounding area have been given information about this project.  They have agreed with the study and that their patients should be part of this study if they wish to do so.  During the study your doctor will be given information about how your baby is doing and any results which are available.

How many visits would there be during the study and what would happen during these visits?

We usually see you and your baby 4 times over a 2-year period.  After we first meet you and talk about the study to answer any of your questions, we see your child at about 4 and 6 months of age, and then when your child is 1 and 2 years of age.  During these visits your child’s development will be examined with our special tests, which are like games. You are with your baby at all times during these visits and can see what your baby is doing.  Most parents and babies find these tests quite entertaining and enjoy the visit. 

For some of the visits we collect a sample of your baby’s urine and saliva to test for the presence of the roseola virus.  We also look for the virus in the baby’s blood.  Most of the time we do not ask for extra blood during the baby’s visit but use blood from your baby obtained by your doctor’s office at your baby’s usual check-ups.  Our urine samples are collected by attaching a plastic urine bag.

Will you give anything to my baby?

No. We do not give anything to your baby.

How long are the appointments?

The testing that occurs at each appointment is different; therefore, the length of your visits with us will vary.  Appointments can range anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Parking is paid for and you will be paid a set amount per visit to cover any additional participation costs.

Can twin babies participate in this study?

Yes, it is possible for twin or multiple birth babies to be in the study, although the time of each study visit may be longer.

Where do I have to go?

The study visits are conducted on the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at Strong Memorial Hospital.  We will mail you a postcard with the date and time of your appointment, as well as written directions on how to find us. Parking is available in the ramp garage of the hospital.

What if it is difficult to get to the visit because of other siblings, transportation, parking, etc.?

We will assist you with these arrangements as much as possible so that each study visit will be accommodating to your needs.

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