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Chin YH, Ng CH, Chew NWS, Kong G, Lim WH, Tan DJH, Chan KE, Tang A, Huang DQ, Chan MY, Figtree G, Wang JW, Shabbir A, Khoo CM, Wong VWS, Young DY, Siddiqui MS, Noureddin M, Sanyal A, Cummings DE, Syn N, Muthiah MD. The placebo response rate and nocebo events in obesity pharmacological trials. A systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 54:101685. [PMID: 36193169 PMCID: PMC9526167 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing number of trials examining the effectiveness of pharmacotherapies for obesity, however, little is known about placebo and nocebo effect in these trials. Hence, we sought to examine the effect of placebo in obesity trials, to better understand the potential factors affecting clinical endpoints in them. METHODS Medline, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched for articles examining weight-loss RCTs examining patients with overweight or obesity in placebo-controlled arms from inception till 25 June 2022. This paper was registered online with PROSPERO (CRD42022302482). A single arm meta-analysis of proportions was used to estimate the primary outcomes, ≥5%, ≥10%, and ≥15% total weight loss - and the adverse effects that patients experienced during the trial. A meta-analysis of means was used to estimate the pooled mean differences of the secondary outcomes including, body weight measurements, lipid levels, glycemic indices, and blood pressure over time. FINDINGS A total of 63 papers involving 20,454 patients and 69 trials were included. The proportion of patients that had ≥5%, ≥10%, and ≥15% weight loss was 20·4% (CI:16·1% to 25·0%), 8·3% (CI:6·1% to 10·9%), and 6·2% (CI:3·8% to 9·7%), respectively. Analysis by duration of trials showed stepwise increase in proportion of patients with ≥5% and ≥10% weight loss with increasing duration of study. Analysis of secondary outcomes found modest improvement in all analyses. The pooled average rate of overall AEs, serious AEs, and discontinuation was 73·7% (CI:68·0% to 79·0%), 3·4% (CI:2·4% to 4·5%), and 5·2% (CI:4·0% to 6·5%), respectively. In psychiatric complications, the pooled rates of anxiety and depression were 2·7% (CI:1·8% to 3·7%) and 2·5 (CI:1·7% to 3·3%). INTERPRETATION Our meta-analysis of placebo-treated participants in weight-loss RCTs indicate a significant placebo and nocebo effect. These findings are important to quantify their effect and may inform the design of future RCTs. FUNDING This research did not receive additional support from organizations beyond the authors' academic institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yip Han Chin
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Han Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Corresponding author at: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 10 Medical Dr, 117597 Singapore.
| | - Nicholas WS Chew
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore
| | - Gwyneth Kong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wen Hui Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Darren Jun Hao Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kai En Chan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ansel Tang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Mark Y Chan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore
| | - Gemma Figtree
- Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jiong-Wei Wang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Asim Shabbir
- Division of General Surgery (Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery), Department of Surgery, National University Hospital
| | - Chin Meng Khoo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Endocrinology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Dan Yock Young
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mohammad Shadab Siddiqui
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Mazen Noureddin
- Cedars-Sinai Fatty Liver Program, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Comprehensive Transplant Centre, Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arun Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - David E. Cummings
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas Syn
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mark Dhinesh Muthiah
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore
- Corresponding author at: Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tower Block Level 10, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228 Singapore.
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Jayakumaran J, Angarita AM, Chauhan SP, Owen J, Khan KS, Saccone G, Berghella V. Outcomes among participants vs nonparticipants of randomized trials during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2022; 4:100695. [PMID: 35853585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes among individuals who were eligible and approached for participation in a randomized controlled trial during pregnancy, comparing those who enrolled with those who declined participation. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and Ovid were searched from study inception to May 2022. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA This study included all obstetrical randomized controlled trials that reported clinical outcomes for both participants and nonparticipants. METHODS The primary outcome captured the presence of morbidity. It was a composite of the primary outcome of each study comparing the participant arm with the nonparticipant arm. If a primary outcome was not clearly defined, a surrogate was developed on the basis of the core outcomes for the clinical condition studied. The risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Subgroup analyses for relevant obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were performed. The summary comparisons were reported as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals computed using random-effects meta-analysis with heterogeneity evaluated using the I2 statistic. A funnel plot was used to examine publication bias, and there was no asymmetry. RESULTS After reviewing more than 1100 abstracts, 17 obstetrical randomized controlled trials (103,610, with 26,293 participants and 77,317 nonparticipants) met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Of note, 9 studies were not rated as high quality, primarily for failing to control for confounding factors. Trial interventions were categorized as antepartum (n=11), intrapartum (n=5), or postpartum (n=1). Overall, participants in obstetrical randomized controlled trials had no difference in outcomes compared with nonparticipants (n=17: odds ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-1.49; I2=90%). Moreover, there was no difference seen when only randomized controlled trials that reported a primary outcome were included (n=12: odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.1.49; I2=93%). In addition, there was no difference noted in the subgroup where the randomized controlled trial intervention was not available to nonparticipants (n=7: odds ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-1.85; I2=68%). CONCLUSION Pregnant individuals who agreed to participate in randomized controlled trials had no difference in outcomes compared with those who decline participation. Pregnant individuals should be provided with this reassuring information when offered to participate in a randomized controlled trial. Moreover, this information may improve patient recruitment into randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenani Jayakumaran
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA (Drs Jayakumaran, Angarita, and Berghella)
| | - Ana M Angarita
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA (Drs Jayakumaran, Angarita, and Berghella)
| | - Suneet P Chauhan
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas, Houston, TX (Dr Chauhan)
| | - John Owen
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL (Dr Owen)
| | - Khalid S Khan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Center for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, Spain (Dr Khan)
| | - Gabriele Saccone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy (Dr Saccone)
| | - Vincenzo Berghella
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA (Drs Jayakumaran, Angarita, and Berghella).
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Díaz-Tasende J. Colonoscopy - When quality matters. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2022; 114:314-316. [PMID: 35638771 DOI: 10.17235/reed.2022.8942/2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Colonoscopy technical quality is a primary determinant of clinical outcome. Unfortunately, there is enough evidence available for significant variability in endoscopists' performance. An assessment of the factors determining these differences will be crucial for designing measures to ensure effectiveness and safety in these procedures.
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Boczar KE, Beanlands R, Wells G, Coyle D. Cost-Effectiveness of Canakinumab From a Canadian Perspective for Recurrent Cardiovascular Events. CJC Open 2022; 4:441-448. [PMID: 35607490 PMCID: PMC9123368 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular (CV) disease is a condition with high levels of morbidity and mortality. Canakinumab is a novel monoclonal antibody therapy that has been shown to reduce CV events but is associated with side effects and high cost. The main objective for this analysis is to determine whether canakinumab use is cost-effective for the prevention of recurrent CV events. Methods A decision model was developed to estimate the direct costs and outcomes among patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction and are treated with canakinumab. A lifetime study horizon was used to analyze the base-case costs and utilities from the perspective of the Canadian publicly funded healthcare system. Markov modeling was used in combination with Monte Carlo simulation to derive expected values for costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), permitting the calculation of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Results Canakinumab was associated with higher average lifetime costs per patient ($457,982 vs $82,565) and higher average QALYs per patient (14.90 vs 14.20), compared with standard of care. Thus, the incremental cost per QALY gained for canakinumab treatment vs standard-of-care therapy was $535,365. The probability that canakinumab treatment is cost-effective was 0%. Results were consistent over a range of scenario analyses. Conclusions Treatment of patients post-myocardial infarction with canakinumab is not cost-effective, compared with standard-of-care therapy at the current price. Based on currently accepted willingness-to-pay thresholds in Canada, a reduction in price of 91% is required to yield a cost per patient that would be considered appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E. Boczar
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rob Beanlands
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - George Wells
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Doug Coyle
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Aung TN, Bickell NA, Jagannath S, Kamath G, Meltzer J, Kunzel B, Egorova NN. Do Patients With Multiple Myeloma Enrolled in Clinical Trials Live Longer? Am J Clin Oncol 2021; 44:603-612. [PMID: 34753885 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000000873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Enrollment in clinical trials is thought to improve survival outcomes through the trial effect. In this retrospective observational cohort study, we aimed to discern differences in survival outcomes by clinical trial enrollment and race-ethnicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of 1285 patients receiving care for multiple myeloma at an National Cancer Institute designated cancer center from 2012 to 2018, 1065 (83%) were nontrial and 220 (17%) were trial participants. Time to event analyses were used to adjust for baseline characteristics and account for clinical trial enrollment as a time-varying covariate. We analyzed propensity-matched cohorts of trial and nontrial patients to reduce potential bias in observational data. RESULTS Trial patients were younger (mean age in years: 60 vs. 63; P<0.001), underwent more lines of therapy (treatment lines ≥6: 39% vs. 17%; P<0.001), and had more comorbidities than nontrial patients. After controlling for baseline characteristics and clinical trial enrollment as a time-varying covariate, no significant difference in survival was found between trial and nontrial participants (hazard ratio [HR]=1.34, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.90-1.99), or between propensity-matched trial and nontrial participants (205 patients in each cohort, HR=1.36, 95% CIs: 0.83-2.23). Subgroup analyses by lines of therapy confirmed results from overall analyses. We did not observe survival differences by race-ethnicity (Logrank P=0.09), though hazard of death was significantly increased for nontrial Black/Hispanic patients compared with trial White patients (HR=1.76, 95% CIs=1.01-3.08). CONCLUSIONS This study did not find evidence of a significant survival benefit to trial enrollment among patients with multiple myeloma. Patients enrolled in clinical trials underwent more lines of therapy, suggesting they may have had more treatment-resistant cancers. A small survival benefit in this cohort may be obscured by the lack of difference in survival between trial and nontrial patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taing N Aung
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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De Fazio C, Skrifvars MB, Søreide E, Grejs AM, Di Bernardini E, Jeppesen AN, Storm C, Kjaergaard J, Laitio T, Rasmussen BS, Tianen M, Kirkegaard H, Taccone FS. Quality of targeted temperature management and outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients: A post hoc analysis of the TTH48 study. Resuscitation 2021; 165:85-92. [PMID: 34166741 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No data are available on the quality of targeted temperature management (TTM) provided to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients and its association with outcome. METHODS Post hoc analysis of the TTH48 study (NCT01689077), which compared the effects of prolonged TTM at 33 °C for 48 h to standard 24-h TTM on neurologic outcome. Admission temperature, speed of cooling, rewarming rates, precision (i.e. temperature variability), overcooling and overshooting as post-cooling fever (i.e. >38.0 °C) were collected. A specific score, ranging from 1 to 9, was computed to define the "quality of TTM". RESULTS On a total of 352 patients, most had a moderate quality of TTM (n = 217; 62% - score 4-6), while 80 (23%) patients had a low quality of TTM (score 1-3) and only 52 (16%) a high quality of TTM (score 7-9). The proportion of patients with unfavorable neurological outcome (UO; Cerebral Performance Category of 3-5 at 6 months) was similar between the different quality of TTM groups (p = 0.90). Although a shorter time from arrest to target temperature and a lower proportion of time outside the target ranges in the TTM 48-h than in the TTM 24-h group, quality of TTM was similar between groups. Also, the proportion of patients with UO was similar between the different quality of TTM groups when TTM 48-h and TTM 24-h were compared. CONCLUSIONS In this study, high quality of TTM was provided to a small proportion of patients. However, quality of TTM was not associated with patients' outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara De Fazio
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Markus B Skrifvars
- Department of Emergency Care and Services, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eldar Søreide
- Critical Care and Anaesthesiology Research Group, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anders M Grejs
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Eugenio Di Bernardini
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anni Nørgaard Jeppesen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Christian Storm
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jesper Kjaergaard
- Department of Cardiology, The Heart Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Timo Laitio
- Division of Perioperative Services, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Management, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Bodil Sten Rasmussen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, and Clinical Institute, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Marjaana Tianen
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hans Kirkegaard
- Research Center for Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Fabio Silvio Taccone
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
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Lopes-Pereira J, Costa A, Ayres-De-Campos D, Costa-Santos C, Amaral J, Bernardes J. Computerized analysis of cardiotocograms and ST signals is associated with significant reductions in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and cesarean delivery: an observational study in 38,466 deliveries. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 220:269.e1-269.e8. [PMID: 30594567 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrapartum cardiotocography is widely used in high-resource countries and remains at the center of fetal monitoring and the decision to intervene, but there is ample evidence of poor reliability in visual interpretation as well as limited accuracy in identifying fetal hypoxia. Combined monitoring of intrapartum cardiotocography and ST segment signals was developed to increase specificity, but analysis relies heavily on intrapartum cardiotocography interpretation and is therefore also affected by the previously referred problems. Computerized analysis was developed to overcome these limitations, aiding in the quantification of parameters that are difficult to evaluate visually, such as variability, integrating the complex guidelines of combined intrapartum cardiotocography and ST analysis, and using visual and sound alerts to prompt health care professionals to reevaluate features associated with fetal hypoxia. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of introducing a central fetal monitoring system with computerized analysis of intrapartum cardiotocography and ST signals into the labor ward of a tertiary care university hospital in which all women are continuously monitored with intrapartum cardiotocography. The incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes and intervention rates was evaluated over time. STUDY DESIGN In this retrospective cohort study, yearly rates of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, instrumental vaginal delivery, overall cesarean delivery, and urgent cesarean delivery were obtained from the hospital's clinical databases. The rates occurring in the period from January 2001 to December 2003, before the introduction of the central monitoring system with computerized analysis of intrapartum cardiotocography and ST signals (Omniview-SisPorto), were compared with those occurring from January 2004 to December 2014, after the introduction of the system. All rates were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS A total of 38,466 deliveries occurred during this period. After introduction of the system, there was a significant decrease in the number of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy cases per 1000 births (5.3%, 95% confidence interval [4.0-7.0] vs 2.2%, 95% confidence interval [1.7-2.8]; relative risk, 0.42, 95% confidence interval [0.29-0.61]), overall cesarean delivery rates (29.9%, 95% confidence interval [28.9-30.8] vs 28.3%, 95% confidence interval [27.8-28.8]; relative risk, 0.96, 95% confidence interval [0.92-0.99]), and urgent cesarean deliveries (21.6%, 95% confidence interval [20.7-22.4] vs 19.2%, 95% confidence interval [18.8-19.7]; relative risk, 0.91, 95% confidence interval [0.87-0.95]). The instrumental vaginal delivery rate increased (19.5%, 95% confidence interval [18.7-20.3] vs 21.4%, 95% confidence interval [21.0-21.9; relative risk, 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.13]. CONCLUSION Introduction of computerized analysis of intrapartum cardiotocography and ST signals in a tertiary care hospital was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and a modest reduction in cesarean deliveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Lopes-Pereira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Porto School of Medicine, and Centro Hospitalar, S. João, Portugal.
| | - Antónia Costa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Porto School of Medicine, and Centro Hospitalar, S. João, Portugal; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Porto School of Medicine, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Diogo Ayres-De-Campos
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Porto School of Medicine, Porto, Portugal; Department of Health Information and Decision Sciences and Center for Research in Health Technology and Services, University of Porto School of Medicine, Porto, Portugal; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, Santa Maria Hospital, University of Lisbon School of Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Costa-Santos
- Department of Health Information and Decision Sciences and Center for Research in Health Technology and Services, University of Porto School of Medicine, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Amaral
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Porto School of Medicine, and Centro Hospitalar, S. João, Portugal
| | - João Bernardes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Porto School of Medicine, and Centro Hospitalar, S. João, Portugal; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Porto School of Medicine, Porto, Portugal
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Tania N, Williams B. The hepatology research nurse: an academic but patient-focused role. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 28:200-201. [PMID: 30746971 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2019.28.3.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nurun Tania
- Hepatology Research Nurse, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
| | - Bronwen Williams
- Hepatology Research Nurse, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
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Koo KC, Lee JS, Kim JW, Han KS, Lee KS, Kim DK, Ha YS, Rha KH, Hong SJ, Chung BH. Impact of clinical trial participation on survival in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer: a multi-center analysis. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:468. [PMID: 29695228 PMCID: PMC5922318 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trial (CT) participation may confer access to new, potentially active agents before their general availability. This study aimed to investigate the potential survival benefit of participation in investigational CTs of novel hormonal, chemotherapeutic, and radiopharmaceutical agents in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). METHODS This multi-center, retrospective analysis included 299 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed, non-metastatic or metastatic CRPC between September 2009 and March 2017. Of these, 65 (21.7%) patients participated in CTs pertaining to systemic treatment targeting CRPC and 234 (78.3%) patients received pre-established, standard systemic treatment outside of a CT setting. The survival advantage of CT participation regarding cancer-specific survival (CSS) was investigated. RESULTS An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥2 at CRPC diagnosis was found in a lower proportion CT participants than in non-participants (4.6% vs. 14.9%; p = 0.033). During the median follow-up period of 16.0 months, CT participants exhibited significantly higher 2-year CSS survival rates (61.3% vs. 42.4%; p = 0.003) than did non-participants. Multivariate analysis identified prostate-specific antigen and alkaline phosphatase levels at CRPC onset, Gleason score ≥ 8, ECOG PS ≥2, less number of docetaxel cycles administered, and non-participation in CTs as independent predictors for a lower risk of CSS. CONCLUSIONS Patients diagnosed with CRPC who participated in CTs exhibited longer CSS durations than non-participants who received pre-established, standard systemic therapy outside of a CT setting. Our findings imply that CT participation is associated with CSS, and that CT participation should be offered to patients with CRPC whenever indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyo Chul Koo
- Department of Urology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-720, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Soo Lee
- Department of Urology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Won Kim
- Department of Urology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Suk Han
- Department of Urology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Suk Lee
- Department of Urology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-720, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Kyung Kim
- Department of Urology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-720, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Soo Ha
- Department of Urology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-720, Republic of Korea
| | - Koon Ho Rha
- Department of Urology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Joon Hong
- Department of Urology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Ha Chung
- Department of Urology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-720, Republic of Korea.
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de Oliveira NI, Paula MI, Felipe CR, Tedesco-Silva H, Medina-Pestana JO. Limitations of the interpretation and extrapolation of clinical trial data in kidney transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2017; 31. [PMID: 28665496 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The risks and benefits of the participation of kidney transplant recipients in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating new immunosuppressive therapies are unknown. DESIGN AND SETTING We included patients from 12 prospective phase II/III RCTs randomized to the experimental (G1, n=319) or standard-of-care internal control group (G2, n=118). We constructed two additional external control groups with (G3, n=319) or without (G4, n=319) matching inclusion/exclusion criteria based on transplant date. The primary outcome analysis was the composite clinical efficacy failure, defined as biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss, death, or loss to follow-up 12 months after kidney transplantation. RESULTS Survival free of composite clinical efficacy failure was higher among participants in RCT, without difference between experimental or standard-of-care therapy (80∙3 vs 78∙0 vs 69∙9 vs 66∙1%, P<.001), respectively. Patient (98.1 vs 99.2 vs 96.9 vs 91.8 P<.001) and graft (94.0 vs 98.3 vs 90.9 vs 82.4) survivals were also higher in G1 compared to G4, but no differences in survival free of BPAR were observed (85.3 vs 78.8 vs 82.8 vs 81.2 P>.05), respectively. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that new treatments investigated in kidney transplant recipients are not associated with detectable harm compared to standard of care.
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Webster J, Bucknall T, Wallis M, McInnes E, Roberts S, Chaboyer W. Does participating in a clinical trial affect subsequent nursing management? Post-trial care for participants recruited to the INTACT pressure ulcer prevention trial: A follow-up study. Int J Nurs Stud 2017; 71:34-38. [PMID: 28301799 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participation in a clinical trial is believed to benefit patients but little is known about the post-trial effects on routine hospital-based care. OBJECTIVES To describe (1) hospital-based, pressure ulcer care-processes after patients were discharged from a pressure ulcer prevention, cluster randomised controlled trial; and (2) to investigate if the trial intervention had any impact on subsequent hospital-based care. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of 133 trial participants who developed a pressure ulcer during the clinical trial. We compared outcomes and care processes between participants who received the pressure ulcer prevention intervention and those in the usual care, control group. We also compared care processes according to the pressure ulcer stage. RESULTS A repositioning schedule was reported for 19 (14.3%) patients; 33 (24.8%) had a dressing applied to the pressure ulcer; 17 (12.8) patients were assessed by a wound care team; and 20 (15.0%) were seen by an occupational therapist. Patients in the trial's intervention group were more likely to have the presence of a pressure ulcer documented in their chart (odds ratio (OR) 8.18, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 3.64-18.36); to be referred to an occupational therapist OR 0.92 (95% CI 0.07; 0.54); to receive a pressure relieving device OR 0.31 (95% CI 0.14; 0.69); or a pressure relieving mattress OR 0.44 (95% CI 0.20; 0.96). Participants with Stage 2 or unstageable ulcers were more likely than others to have dressings applied to their wounds (p=<0.001) and to be referred to an occupational therapist for protective devices (p=0.022). CONCLUSION Participants in the intervention group of a clinical trial were more likely to receive additional post trial care and improved documentation compared with those in the control group but documentation of pressure ulcer status and care is poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Webster
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Australia; NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Griffith University, Australia.
| | - Tracey Bucknall
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Griffith University, Australia; Alfred Health, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Australia
| | - Marianne Wallis
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Griffith University, Australia; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
| | - Elizabeth McInnes
- St Vincent's Health Australia, Sydney, Australia; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Australia
| | - Shelley Roberts
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Griffith University, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Wendy Chaboyer
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Griffith University, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia
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Bucur A, van Leeuwen J, Christodoulou N, Sigdel K, Argyri K, Koumakis L, Graf N, Stamatakos G. Workflow-driven clinical decision support for personalized oncology. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2016; 16 Suppl 2:87. [PMID: 27460182 PMCID: PMC4965727 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-016-0314-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adoption in oncology of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) may help clinical users to efficiently deal with the high complexity of the domain, lead to improved patient outcomes, and reduce the current knowledge gap between clinical research and practice. While significant effort has been invested in the implementation of CDS, the uptake in the clinic has been limited. The barriers to adoption have been extensively discussed in the literature. In oncology, current CDS solutions are not able to support the complex decisions required for stratification and personalized treatment of patients and to keep up with the high rate of change in therapeutic options and knowledge. RESULTS To address these challenges, we propose a framework enabling efficient implementation of meaningful CDS that incorporates a large variety of clinical knowledge models to bring to the clinic comprehensive solutions leveraging the latest domain knowledge. We use both literature-based models and models built within the p-medicine project using the rich datasets from clinical trials and care provided by the clinical partners. The framework is open to the biomedical community, enabling reuse of deployed models by third-party CDS implementations and supporting collaboration among modelers, CDS implementers, biomedical researchers and clinicians. To increase adoption and cope with the complexity of patient management in oncology, we also support and leverage the clinical processes adhered to by healthcare organizations. We design an architecture that extends the CDS framework with workflow functionality. The clinical models are embedded in the workflow models and executed at the right time, when and where the recommendations are needed in the clinical process. CONCLUSIONS In this paper we present our CDS framework developed in p-medicine and the CDS implementation leveraging the framework. To support complex decisions, the framework relies on clinical models that encapsulate relevant clinical knowledge. Next to assisting the decisions, this solution supports by default (through modeling and implementation of workflows) the decision processes as well and exploits the knowledge embedded in those processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Bucur
- Precision and Decentralized Diagnostics, Philips Research, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Jasper van Leeuwen
- Precision and Decentralized Diagnostics, Philips Research, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kamana Sigdel
- Precision and Decentralized Diagnostics, Philips Research, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Katerina Argyri
- National Technical University of Athens, ICCS, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Norbert Graf
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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Abstract
The Province of Ontario recognized the pressing need to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of brain disorders. It also recognized that maximizing the existing strengths through a province-wide integrated approach was a pivotal mechanism. To achieve this, the Province established the Ontario Brain Institute. The goal of this article is to introduce the elements of the Ontario Brain Institute to the neuroscience community: the motivation for establishing it, the philosophy behind its creation, the principles guiding its development, the rapid evolution of its functional structure, the tools available to achieve its vision, and the management structure to ensure success. The singular goal of the Province and the Ontario Brain Institute is a comprehensive system that assures that basic research is embedded in the clinical system and is facilitating product development to accelerate benefits to both health and the economy of health: science with impact.
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Purvis T, Hill K, Kilkenny M, Andrew N, Cadilhac D. Improved in-hospital outcomes and care for patients in stroke research: An observational study. Neurology 2016; 87:206-13. [PMID: 27306625 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe stroke research activity in Australian acute public hospitals and determine if participation in research provides better quality of care and outcomes for patients with stroke. METHODS This was an observational study using data from hospitals that participated in the National Stroke Foundation (Australia) acute services audit program in 2009, 2011, and 2013. This included self-reported organizational features and a retrospective clinical audit of up to 40 medical records of patients with stroke from each hospital. Multilevel random effects logistic regression with level defined as hospital and adjustments for hospital, demographic, clinical, and stroke severity factors were undertaken. RESULTS A total of 240 hospitals submitted organizational data. Hospitals with a stroke unit (70% vs 7%, p < 0.001) and >200 stroke admissions per year (80% vs 17%, p < 0.001) reported greater involvement in research studies. Of 9,537 patients audited at 129 hospitals, 469 (5%) consented to participate in research. Patients who participated in research compared to nonparticipants were likely to be younger (median age 73 years; 25th percentile [Q1]: 63, 75th percentile [Q3]: 80, vs median age 76 years Q1: 64, Q3: 83; p < 0.001) and receive important clinical practices such as a swallow screen/assessment prior to oral intake (62% vs 56%; p < 0.01). An independent association with reduced in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.12, 0.76) was evident if participating in research regardless of access to stroke unit care. CONCLUSIONS Patients who participate in stroke research receive better in-hospital care and are more likely to survive compared to nonresearch participants. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class III evidence that patients with stroke who participate in research receive better quality of care and have reduced in-hospital mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Purvis
- From Stroke and Ageing Research (T.P., M.K., N.A., D.C.), School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University; Stroke Division (T.P., M.K., D.C.), Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; and National Stroke Foundation (K.H.), Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Kelvin Hill
- From Stroke and Ageing Research (T.P., M.K., N.A., D.C.), School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University; Stroke Division (T.P., M.K., D.C.), Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; and National Stroke Foundation (K.H.), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Monique Kilkenny
- From Stroke and Ageing Research (T.P., M.K., N.A., D.C.), School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University; Stroke Division (T.P., M.K., D.C.), Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; and National Stroke Foundation (K.H.), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nadine Andrew
- From Stroke and Ageing Research (T.P., M.K., N.A., D.C.), School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University; Stroke Division (T.P., M.K., D.C.), Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; and National Stroke Foundation (K.H.), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dominique Cadilhac
- From Stroke and Ageing Research (T.P., M.K., N.A., D.C.), School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University; Stroke Division (T.P., M.K., D.C.), Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; and National Stroke Foundation (K.H.), Melbourne, Australia
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Armstrong N, Shaw E, McColl E, Tincello DG, Hilton P. Trial participation as avoidance strategy: a qualitative study. Health Expect 2016; 19:1346-1354. [PMID: 26730890 PMCID: PMC5139059 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trial participation decisions are often influenced by expectations of potential benefit. Attention has focused on trial participation as a means of securing something seen as desirable, such as experimental treatment. In contrast, we consider a case in which one trial arm involved receiving less than usual care. We explore how this influenced participants' decisions to participate. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with 29 women participating in a pilot trial comparing invasive urodynamic testing (typically normal care) to basic clinical assessment with non-invasive tests, prior to surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Analysis was based on the constant comparative method. RESULTS Invasive tests were something many were aware of and worried about. Participants understood that trial participation meant they might avoid having these tests, and for about one-third, this was the primary factor motivating participation. A further third mentioned they were not looking forward to tests (if allocated to them) or were lucky to have missed them (if allocated to basic clinical assessment). None of the women appeared to have discussed their desire to avoid having invasive tests with their clinicians. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to cases in which trial participation is motivated by the wish to secure an intervention not otherwise available, this study reports the opposite - trial participation as an opportunity to avoid having something regarded as undesirable. The option to decline a particular intervention should always be available, and care must be taken to ensure that potential participants are aware that trial participation is not the only possible means of avoidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Armstrong
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Elizabeth Shaw
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Elaine McColl
- Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit and Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Paul Hilton
- Clinical Deanery, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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DEBAUN MICHAELR, GALADANCI NAJIBAHA, KASSIM ADETOLAA, JORDAN LORIC, PHILLIPS SHARON, ALIYU MUKTARH. PRIMARY STROKE PREVENTION IN CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA LIVING IN AFRICA: THE FALSE CHOICE BETWEEN PATIENT-ORIENTED RESEARCH AND HUMANITARIAN SERVICE. TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN CLINICAL AND CLIMATOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 2016; 127:17-33. [PMID: 28066035 PMCID: PMC5216496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, primary stroke prevention in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) is now the standard of care and includes annual transcranial Doppler ultrasound evaluation to detect elevated intracranial velocities; and for those at risk, monthly blood transfusion therapy for at least a year followed by the option of hydroxyurea therapy. This strategy has decreased stroke prevalence in children with SCA from approximately 11% to 1%. In Africa, where 80% of all children with SCA are born, no systematic approach exists for primary stroke prevention. The two main challenges for primary stroke prevention in children with SCA in Africa include: 1) identifying an alternative to blood transfusion therapy, because safe monthly blood transfusion therapy is not feasible; and 2) assembling a health care team to implement and expand this effort. We will emphasize early triumphs and challenges to decreasing the incidence of strokes in African children with SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- MICHAEL R. DEBAUN
- Correspondence and reprint requests: Michael R. DeBaun, MD, MPH,
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, 2200 Children’s Way, Room 11206 DOT, Nashville, TN 37232-9000615-936-2540
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Galadanci NA, Abdullahi SU, Tabari MA, Abubakar S, Belonwu R, Salihu A, Neville K, Kirkham F, Inusa B, Shyr Y, Phillips S, Kassim AA, Jordan LC, Aliyu MH, Covert BV, DeBaun MR. Primary stroke prevention in Nigerian children with sickle cell disease (SPIN): challenges of conducting a feasibility trial. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015; 62:395-401. [PMID: 25399822 PMCID: PMC4304992 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of children with sickle cell disease (SCD), approximately 75%, are born in sub-Saharan Africa. For children with elevated transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocity, regular blood transfusion therapy for primary stroke prevention is standard care in high income countries, but is not feasible in sub-Saharan Africa. PROCEDURE In the first U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) sponsored SCD clinical trial in sub-Saharan Africa, we describe the protocol and challenges unique to starting a clinical trial in this region. We are conducting a single arm pilot trial of hydroxyurea therapy in children with TCD velocity ≥200 cm/sec in the middle cerebral arteries. Eligible children will be placed on hydroxyurea (n = 40) and followed for 3 years at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Adherence will be measured via the Morisky Scale and adverse events will be determined based on hospitalization. RESULTS Originally, a randomized placebo trial was planned; however, placebo was not approved by the local Ethics Committee. Hence a single arm trial of hydroxyurea will be conducted and five controls per patient with normal TCD measurements will be followed to compare the rate of adverse events to those with abnormal TCD measurements taking hydroxyurea. Using non-NIH funding, over 9 months, multiple face-to-face investigator meetings were conducted to facilitate training. CONCLUSION A hydroxyurea trial (NCT01801423) for children with SCD is feasible in sub-Saharan Africa; however, extensive training and resources are needed to build a global patient oriented multi-disciplinary research team with a common purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najibah A. Galadanci
- Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Shehu U. Abdullahi
- Department of Pediatrics, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Musa A. Tabari
- Department of Radiology, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Shehi Abubakar
- Department of Radiology, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Raymond Belonwu
- Department of Pediatrics, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Auwal Salihu
- Department of Psychiatry, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Kathleen Neville
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, USA
| | - Fenella Kirkham
- Department of Pediatrics, University College of London Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Baba Inusa
- Department of Pediatrics, Evelina's Children's Hospital, Guy's and St. Thomas’, London, UK
| | - Yu Shyr
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine,Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sharon Phillips
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine,Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Adetola A. Kassim
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lori C. Jordan
- Department of Pediatrics, Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | | | - Brittany V. Covert
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt-Meharry-Matthew Walker Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael R. DeBaun
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt-Meharry-Matthew Walker Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Correspondence and reprint requests to: Michael R. DeBaun, MD, MPH, Vanderbilt-Meharry-Matthew Walker Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2200 Children's Way, Room 11206 DOT, Nashville, TN 37232-9000, USA, Phone: 615-875-3040, Fax: 615-875-3055,
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Fernandes N, Bryant D, Griffith L, El-Rabbany M, Fernandes NM, Kean C, Marsh J, Mathur S, Moyer R, Reade CJ, Riva JJ, Somerville L, Bhatnagar N. Outcomes for patients with the same disease treated inside and outside of randomized trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis. CMAJ 2014; 186:E596-609. [PMID: 25267774 PMCID: PMC4216275 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.131693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear whether participation in a randomized controlled trial (RCT), irrespective of assigned treatment, is harmful or beneficial to participants. We compared outcomes for patients with the same diagnoses who did ("insiders") and did not ("outsiders") enter RCTs, without regard to the specific therapies received for their respective diagnoses. METHODS By searching the MEDLINE (1966-2010), Embase (1980-2010), CENTRAL (1960-2010) and PsycINFO (1880-2010) databases, we identified 147 studies that reported the health outcomes of "insiders" and a group of parallel or consecutive "outsiders" within the same time period. We prepared a narrative review and, as appropriate, meta-analyses of patients' outcomes. RESULTS We found no clinically or statistically significant differences in outcomes between "insiders" and "outsiders" in the 23 studies in which the experimental intervention was ineffective (standard mean difference in continuous outcomes -0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.1 to 0.04) or in the 7 studies in which the experimental intervention was effective and was received by both "insiders" and "outsiders" (mean difference 0.04, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.13). However, in 9 studies in which an effective intervention was received only by "insiders," the "outsiders" experienced significantly worse health outcomes (mean difference -0.36, 95% CI -0.61 to -0.12). INTERPRETATION We found no evidence to support clinically important overall harm or benefit arising from participation in RCTs. This conclusion refutes earlier claims that trial participants are at increased risk of harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Fernandes
- Faculty of Medicine (Natasha Fernandes, Mathur), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Bryant, Marsh, Moyer) and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Bryant), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Bryant, Griffith), Department of Medicine (Nisha Fernandes), Health Sciences Library (Bhatnagar), Department of Family Medicine (Riva) and Division of Gynecologic Oncology (Reade), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Dentistry (El-Rabbany), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Medical and Applied Sciences (Kean), Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Somerville), London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont.
| | - Dianne Bryant
- Faculty of Medicine (Natasha Fernandes, Mathur), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Bryant, Marsh, Moyer) and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Bryant), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Bryant, Griffith), Department of Medicine (Nisha Fernandes), Health Sciences Library (Bhatnagar), Department of Family Medicine (Riva) and Division of Gynecologic Oncology (Reade), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Dentistry (El-Rabbany), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Medical and Applied Sciences (Kean), Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Somerville), London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont
| | - Lauren Griffith
- Faculty of Medicine (Natasha Fernandes, Mathur), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Bryant, Marsh, Moyer) and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Bryant), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Bryant, Griffith), Department of Medicine (Nisha Fernandes), Health Sciences Library (Bhatnagar), Department of Family Medicine (Riva) and Division of Gynecologic Oncology (Reade), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Dentistry (El-Rabbany), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Medical and Applied Sciences (Kean), Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Somerville), London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont
| | - Mohamed El-Rabbany
- Faculty of Medicine (Natasha Fernandes, Mathur), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Bryant, Marsh, Moyer) and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Bryant), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Bryant, Griffith), Department of Medicine (Nisha Fernandes), Health Sciences Library (Bhatnagar), Department of Family Medicine (Riva) and Division of Gynecologic Oncology (Reade), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Dentistry (El-Rabbany), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Medical and Applied Sciences (Kean), Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Somerville), London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont
| | - Nisha M Fernandes
- Faculty of Medicine (Natasha Fernandes, Mathur), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Bryant, Marsh, Moyer) and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Bryant), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Bryant, Griffith), Department of Medicine (Nisha Fernandes), Health Sciences Library (Bhatnagar), Department of Family Medicine (Riva) and Division of Gynecologic Oncology (Reade), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Dentistry (El-Rabbany), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Medical and Applied Sciences (Kean), Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Somerville), London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont
| | - Crystal Kean
- Faculty of Medicine (Natasha Fernandes, Mathur), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Bryant, Marsh, Moyer) and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Bryant), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Bryant, Griffith), Department of Medicine (Nisha Fernandes), Health Sciences Library (Bhatnagar), Department of Family Medicine (Riva) and Division of Gynecologic Oncology (Reade), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Dentistry (El-Rabbany), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Medical and Applied Sciences (Kean), Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Somerville), London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont
| | - Jacquelyn Marsh
- Faculty of Medicine (Natasha Fernandes, Mathur), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Bryant, Marsh, Moyer) and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Bryant), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Bryant, Griffith), Department of Medicine (Nisha Fernandes), Health Sciences Library (Bhatnagar), Department of Family Medicine (Riva) and Division of Gynecologic Oncology (Reade), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Dentistry (El-Rabbany), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Medical and Applied Sciences (Kean), Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Somerville), London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont
| | - Siddhi Mathur
- Faculty of Medicine (Natasha Fernandes, Mathur), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Bryant, Marsh, Moyer) and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Bryant), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Bryant, Griffith), Department of Medicine (Nisha Fernandes), Health Sciences Library (Bhatnagar), Department of Family Medicine (Riva) and Division of Gynecologic Oncology (Reade), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Dentistry (El-Rabbany), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Medical and Applied Sciences (Kean), Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Somerville), London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont
| | - Rebecca Moyer
- Faculty of Medicine (Natasha Fernandes, Mathur), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Bryant, Marsh, Moyer) and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Bryant), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Bryant, Griffith), Department of Medicine (Nisha Fernandes), Health Sciences Library (Bhatnagar), Department of Family Medicine (Riva) and Division of Gynecologic Oncology (Reade), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Dentistry (El-Rabbany), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Medical and Applied Sciences (Kean), Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Somerville), London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont
| | - Clare J Reade
- Faculty of Medicine (Natasha Fernandes, Mathur), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Bryant, Marsh, Moyer) and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Bryant), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Bryant, Griffith), Department of Medicine (Nisha Fernandes), Health Sciences Library (Bhatnagar), Department of Family Medicine (Riva) and Division of Gynecologic Oncology (Reade), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Dentistry (El-Rabbany), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Medical and Applied Sciences (Kean), Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Somerville), London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont
| | - John J Riva
- Faculty of Medicine (Natasha Fernandes, Mathur), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Bryant, Marsh, Moyer) and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Bryant), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Bryant, Griffith), Department of Medicine (Nisha Fernandes), Health Sciences Library (Bhatnagar), Department of Family Medicine (Riva) and Division of Gynecologic Oncology (Reade), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Dentistry (El-Rabbany), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Medical and Applied Sciences (Kean), Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Somerville), London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont
| | - Lyndsay Somerville
- Faculty of Medicine (Natasha Fernandes, Mathur), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Bryant, Marsh, Moyer) and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Bryant), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Bryant, Griffith), Department of Medicine (Nisha Fernandes), Health Sciences Library (Bhatnagar), Department of Family Medicine (Riva) and Division of Gynecologic Oncology (Reade), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Dentistry (El-Rabbany), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Medical and Applied Sciences (Kean), Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Somerville), London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont
| | - Neera Bhatnagar
- Faculty of Medicine (Natasha Fernandes, Mathur), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Bryant, Marsh, Moyer) and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Bryant), The University of Western Ontario, London, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Bryant, Griffith), Department of Medicine (Nisha Fernandes), Health Sciences Library (Bhatnagar), Department of Family Medicine (Riva) and Division of Gynecologic Oncology (Reade), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Dentistry (El-Rabbany), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; School of Medical and Applied Sciences (Kean), Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Somerville), London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont
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Rüegger CM, Kraus A, Koller B, Natalucci G, Latal B, Waldesbühl E, Fauchère JC, Held L, Bucher HU. Randomized controlled trials in very preterm infants: does inclusion in the study result in any long-term benefit? Neonatology 2014; 106:114-9. [PMID: 24969309 DOI: 10.1159/000362784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the introduction of randomized controlled trials (RCT) in clinical research, there has been discussion of whether enrolled patients have worse or better outcomes than comparable non-participants. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether very preterm infants randomized to a placebo group in an RCT have equivalent neurodevelopmental outcomes to infants who were eligible but not randomized (eligible NR). METHODS In the course of an RCT investigating the neuroprotective effect of early high-dose erythropoietin on the neurodevelopment of very preterm infants, the outcome data of 72 infants randomized to placebo were retrospectively compared with those of 108 eligible NR infants. Our primary outcome measures were the mental (MDI) and psychomotor (PDI) developmental indices of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II at 24 months of corrected age. The outcomes of the two groups were considered equivalent if the confidence intervals (CIs) of their mean differences fitted within our ±5-point margin of equivalence. RESULTS Except for a higher socioeconomic status of the trial participants, both groups were balanced for most perinatal variables. The mean difference (90% CI) between the eligible NR and the placebo group was -2.1 (-6.1 and 1.9) points for the MDI and -0.8 (-4.2 and 2.5) points for the PDI. After adjusting for the socioeconomic status, maternal age and child age at follow-up, the mean difference for the MDI was -0.5 (-4.3 and 3.4) points. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the participation of very preterm infants in an RCT is associated with equivalent long-term outcomes compared to non-participating infants.
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Tanai C, Nakajima TE, Nagashima K, Kato K, Hamaguchi T, Yamada Y, Muro K, Shirao K, Kunitoh H, Matsumura Y, Yamamoto S, Shimada Y. Characteristics and outcomes of patients with advanced gastric cancer who declined to participate in a randomized clinical chemotherapy trial. J Oncol Pract 2013; 7:148-53. [PMID: 21886493 DOI: 10.1200/jop.2010.000106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There is insufficient data to verify whether participation in clinical trials in itself can lead to better clinical outcomes. We have analyzed the characteristics and outcomes of patients who declined to participate in a randomized trial in comparison with those who participated in the trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS A randomized trial for naive advanced gastric cancer was offered to 286 patients. The trial investigated the superiority of irinotecan plus cisplatin and the noninferiority of S-1 compared with continuous fluorouracil infusion. We retrospectively reviewed the characteristics and outcomes for both participants and nonparticipants in this trial. RESULTS Of the 286 patients, 98 (34%) declined to participate in the trial. The rate of declining was significantly higher among younger patients (P = .003), and it varied significantly between attending physicians (range, 23% to 58%; P = .004). There were no other significant correlations between rate of declining and patient characteristics. No significant differences were observed in the clinical outcomes between the participants and nonparticipants, for whom the median survival times were 367 versus 347 days, respectively. The hazard ratio for overall survival, adjusted for other confounding variables, was 1.21 (95% CI, 0.91 to 1.60). No interaction was observed between participation and the various regimens. CONCLUSION There was no difference in clinical outcomes between participants and nonparticipants. However, the patient's age and the doctor-patient relationship may have an effect on patient accrual to randomized trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiharu Tanai
- Medical Oncology Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Josai University, Saitama; Medical Oncology Division, Aichi Cancer Central, Aichi; Medical Oncology Division, Oita University, Oita; Investigative Treatment Division, Research Center for Innovative Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba; Cancer Information Services and Surveillance Division, Center for Cancer Control and Information Services, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
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Thorne S, Taylor K, Stephens J, Kim-Sing C, Hislop T. Of Guinea pigs and gratitude: the difficult discourse of clinical trials from the cancer patient perspective. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2013; 22:663-72. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Thorne
- School of Nursing; University of British Columbia; Vancouver; British Columbia
| | - K. Taylor
- School of Nursing; University of British Columbia; Vancouver; British Columbia
| | | | - C. Kim-Sing
- British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver; British Columbia
| | - T.G. Hislop
- School of Population & Public Health; University of British Columbia; Vancouver; British Columbia; Canada
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23
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Chue CD, Moody WE, Steeds RP, Townend JN, Ferro CJ. Unexpected benefits of participation in a clinical trial: abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with chronic kidney disease. QJM 2012; 105:1213-6. [PMID: 21930664 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcr172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C D Chue
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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Knight M. Studies using routine data versus specific data collection: What can we learn about the epidemiology of eclampsia and the impact of changes in management of gestational hypertensive disorders? Pregnancy Hypertens 2010; 1:109-16. [PMID: 26104236 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Evidence-based changes in practice, services and policy may impact on the spectrum of pregnancy hypertensive disorders at many levels. Demonstration of clinical benefit relies on assessment of changes in disease incidence or complications. Two main alternative observational methodologies may be used to investigate changes in disease incidence; the first using routinely collected data and the second with specially designed prospective data collection. Routinely collected data have been shown to have limitations; the introduction of specific prospective data collection systems, such as the UK Obstetric Surveillance System, allow for an increased robustness and range of disease incidence and outcome studies, and thus enhance our ability to investigate the impact of changes in practice. The comparison of recent national studies using these systems shows that the incidence of eclampsia has declined in the UK, but that the incidence of eclampsia is higher in the Netherlands and Scandinavia. The decrease in the UK is clearly due to a fall in the number of women with diagnosed pre-eclampsia who go on to have an eclamptic fit; figures from the Netherlands and Scandinavia suggest that eclamptic fits in the group with prior diagnosed pre-eclampsia are less effectively prevented and this may be the reason for the observed higher incidence of eclampsia. This information may help to further inform management and preventive strategies, and illustrates the additional benefits of international comparisons of severe maternal morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Knight
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, UK
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25
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Characteristics and outcomes of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer who declined to participate in randomised clinical chemotherapy trials. Br J Cancer 2009; 100:1037-42. [PMID: 19293799 PMCID: PMC2669997 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6604982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There are inadequate data on the outcomes of patients who declined to participate in randomised clinical trials as compared with those of participants. We retrospectively reviewed the patient characteristics and treatment outcomes of both participants and non-participants in the two randomised trials for chemotherapy-naive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Trial 1 compared four platinum-based combination regimens. Trial 2 compared two sequences of carboplatin plus paclitaxel and gefitinib therapies. Nineteen of 119 (16%) and 153 (37%) patients declined to participate in Trials 1 and 2, respectively. Among the background patient characteristics, the only variable associated with trial participation or declining was the patients' attending physicians (P<0.001). Important differences were not observed in the clinical outcomes between participants and non-participants, for whom the response rates were 30.6 vs 34.2% and the median survival times were 489 vs 461 days, respectively. The hazard ratio for overall survival, adjusted for other confounding variables, was 0.965 (95% confidence interval: 0.73–1.28). In conclusion, there was no evidence to suggest any difference in the characteristics and clinical outcomes between participants and non-participants. Trial designs and the doctor–patient relationship may have an impact on the patient accrual to randomised trials.
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Wilson S, Draper H, Ives J. Ethical issues regarding recruitment to research studies within the primary care consultation. Fam Pract 2008; 25:456-61. [PMID: 18953068 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmn076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recruitment to primary care-based studies may occur within the consultation or in dedicated research clinics. For practical and logistic reasons, some patients are recruited to research studies by their family doctor during the consultation. However, this may preclude patients from discussing participation with others and some patients may not feel empowered to refuse participation. This may be a particular problem when patients have their own family doctor, whom they generally see, and the patient feels dependent on their practitioner's goodwill for ongoing care. Recruitment within the practice, therefore, raises ethical issues that warrant further exploration. This discussion article argues that there are reasons to suppose there may be problems associated with family doctors recruiting their own patients into research. Nevertheless, assumptions that patients feel undue pressure or obligation to participate in primary care research may not be justified. It is important that potential research participants have time to consider the implications of participation. However, the risks to patients of consenting to participate in research are, in many instances, less than the risks inherent in their routine treatment. We conclude that it is important that those responsible for the implementation of research ethics approvals and governance procedures are careful to avoid imposing inflexible rules that prevent patients from acting according to their own wishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Wilson
- Department of Primary Care and General Practice, Centre for Biomedical Ethics, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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Vist GE, Bryant D, Somerville L, Birminghem T, Oxman AD. Outcomes of patients who participate in randomized controlled trials compared to similar patients receiving similar interventions who do not participate. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008; 2008:MR000009. [PMID: 18677782 PMCID: PMC8276557 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.mr000009.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some people believe that patients who take part in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) face risks that they would not face if they opted for non-trial treatment. Others think that trial participation is beneficial and the best way to ensure access to the most up-to-date physicians and treatments. This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 1, 2005. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of patient participation in RCTs ('trial effects') independent both of the effects of the clinical treatments being compared ('treatment effects') and any differences between patients who participated in RCTs and those who did not. We aimed to compare similar patients receiving similar treatment inside and outside of RCTs. SEARCH STRATEGY In March 2007, we searched The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Methodology Register, SciSearch and PsycINFO for potentially relevant studies. Our search yielded 7586 new references. In addition, we reviewed the reference lists of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized studies and cohort studies with data on clinical outcomes of RCT participants and similar patients who received similar treatment outside of RCTs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, assessed study quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS We identified 30 new non-randomized cohort studies (45 comparisons): no new RCTs were found. This update now includes five RCTs (yielding 6 comparisons) and 80 non-randomized cohort studies (130 comparisons), with 86,640 patients treated in RCTs and 57,205 patients treated outside RCTs. In the randomised studies, patients were invited to participate in an RCT or not; these comparisons provided limited information because of small sample sizes (a total of 412 patients) and the nature of the questions they addressed. When the results of RCTs and non-randomized cohorts that reported dichotomous outcomes were combined, there were 98 comparisons; there was also heterogeneity (P < 0.00001, I(2) = 42.2%) between studies. No statistical significant differences were found for 85 of the 98 comparisons. Eight comparisons reported statistically significant better outcomes for patients treated within RCTs, and five comparisons reported statistically significant worse outcomes for patients treated within RCTs. There was significant heterogeneity (P < 0.00001, I(2) = 58.2%) among the 38 continuous outcome comparisons. No statistically significant differences were found for 30 of the 38 comparisons. Three comparisons reported statistically significant better outcomes for patients treated within RCTs, and five comparisons reported statistically significant worse outcomes for patients treated within RCTs. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review indicates that participation in RCTs is associated with similar outcomes to receiving the same treatment outside RCTs. These results challenge the assertion that the results of RCTs are not applicable to usual practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunn Elisabeth Vist
- Department of Evidence-Based Health Services, Norwegian Knowledge Centre for Health Services, PO Box 7004, St Olavs Plass, Oslo, Norway, 0130.
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