Current medical research and opinion
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Limitations of randomized, controlled, double-blinded studies in determining safety and effectiveness of treatments.
Randomized, controlled, double-blinded studies, in which treated subjects are randomly selected from the same pool as controlled (untreated) ones and neither the caregiver nor the patient knows which is which, are widely accepted as the gold standard of experimental medicine. There are well-documented advantages of such studies. ⋯ Some limitations of them are widely known and taught, such as inadequate sample size, failure of proper randomization, et cetera; others are less well-known. We shall focus on the latter.
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To investigate the efficacy of direct computed tomography venography (CTV) in early and accurate detection of lower extremity venous (LEV) abnormalities. ⋯ Application of CTV for early and accurate detection of LEDV abnormalities including thrombosis has been proven to be efficient. Corresponding benefit in early intervention and reduction of severe complications of such abnormalities is of important value. CTV earned good recognition from medical staff and patients. Hence, it could be considered as part of global health assistance cooperation with developing countries to facilitate enhanced medical services.
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The 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11) is widely used with Arabic-speaking pediatric populations. However, there is no data about its validity or reliability. Thus, the aims of this research were to translate the NRS-11 into Arabic and study its dimensionality and construct (convergent and discriminant) validity, and reliability. ⋯ The data provide preliminary evidence of the unidimensionality, validity and reliability of the NRS-11-Arabic scores, thus supporting its use in clinical and research activities involving Arabic-speaking pediatric samples.
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Meta Analysis
Risk of Parkinson's disease in glaucoma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between glaucoma and the risk of Parkinson's disease. ⋯ The hazard of developing Parkinson's disease was non-significantly different for those with glaucoma compared to controls; however, there were not enough studies available to draw definitive conclusions.
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This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive algorithm for unsatisfactory response to initial pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) therapy using health insurance claims. ⋯ The present claims-based algorithm performed well in predicting time to unsatisfactory response following initial PAH therapy.