Articles tagged with Controlled Trials
A review of the available data concludes that there is very little evidence to recommend a low FODMAP diet as an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. While some studies suggest potential benefits, such as changes in gut bacteria profiles, more research is needed to establish its efficacy and long-term effects.
A computerized attention-control training program significantly reduced combat veterans' preoccupation with - or avoidance of -- threat and attendant PTSD symptoms. This approach balances moment-to-moment fluctuations in attention bias from threat vigilance to threat avoidance, correlating with the severity of PTSD symptoms.
A clinical trial funded by the NCI will test the effectiveness of SmartQuit, a smoking-cessation smartphone app developed by Dr. Jonathan Bricker, against traditional quit-smoking programs. The trial, which involves over 1,600 adult smokers, aims to determine whether an ACT-based app is effective for smoking cessation.
A randomized trial of nearly 400 children and adults with poorly controlled asthma found that supplementation with soy isoflavone did not improve lung function or clinical outcomes. The study suggests that this supplement should not be used for patients with poorly controlled asthma.
A systematic review of over 320,000 patients found digoxin associated with a 21% increased risk of death from any cause. High levels of digoxin in the blood correlate with an increased death rate in patients. The authors call for randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings.
Research concludes that historical dietary guidelines on fat consumption in the US and UK were not supported by solid trial evidence. The analysis of six relevant trials found no difference in deaths from coronary heart disease between treatment and comparison groups.
The DFG is funding four new clinical trials addressing urgent questions in patient-oriented research, including surgery for metastatic stomach cancer and individualised chemotherapy for certain breast cancers. Over 1,160 patients will participate in the trials, which will test efficacy of new procedures over a three-year period.
Researchers evaluated 39 screening tests for 19 major diseases and found that only a few tests showed a reduction in disease-specific mortality. Screening for asymptomatic adults has been met with controversy, particularly regarding breast cancer and prostate cancer screening. The study suggests that expectations of major benefits from...
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a moderate fat diet incorporating one fresh avocado daily improved certain blood lipid markers, including total cholesterol to HDL and LDL-cholesterol ratios. The avocado diet achieved greater reductions in bad cholesterol levels compared to low-fat diets.
A randomized clinical trial found intra-arterial treatment improved functional outcome by 71% over medical management with tPA alone. The study showed benefits for all ages, including the elderly, and demonstrated effectiveness up to 6 hours after stroke onset.
A new study by Clemson University researchers found that almost half of patients who participated in a trial withheld clinically sensitive information from their healthcare providers. Patients were given control over how and to whom their medical data was shared, but some still chose to hide certain information.
Researchers found that minimally invasive disc surgery does not support the routine use of the procedure, as it does not improve long-term outcomes. The study suggests that conventional open discectomy surgery often provides better results for carefully selected patients.
A randomized controlled trial found that using StopAdvisor increased the likelihood of quitting among lower-income smokers by 36%. The website was designed to mimic the support provided by NHS stop-smoking advisors and improved quit rates among those with lower socioeconomic status.
Research finds that growing up in poverty can lead to a lower sense of control and impulsive decision-making, particularly in uncertain situations. Adults from poorer backgrounds tend to perceive challenges as beyond their control, leading to more impulsive behavior.
A Penn Medicine research team found that recommendations supported by multiple randomized controlled trials were the most durable and least likely to change over time. The study analyzed over 600 Class I ACC/AHA recommendations, finding that 4 out of 5 remained valid across two guideline editions.
A daily 20-minute walk can significantly reduce the risk of mobility disability in older adults, with a 18% reduction observed in participants who engaged in physical activity. The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study found that maintaining mobility is key to functioning independently.
Researchers found no association between calcium and increased risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. The meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials suggests that calcium supplementation with or without vitamin D may be safe for cardiovascular health.
A large randomized trial found that renal denervation did not significantly lower systolic blood pressure in patients with severe resistant hypertension. Despite rigorous design and blinding, the treatment failed to meet primary efficacy goals, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers found that fewer than 30% of stroke survivors maintained consistent blood pressure control over time. Maintaining controlled blood pressure can reduce the rate of a second stroke by as much as 54% in individuals with elevated blood pressure at baseline.
A lack of evidence on effective de-escalation techniques has been identified by researchers, who are now calling for a randomized controlled trial to establish best methods. The NHS reports a rise in reported assaults, highlighting the need for research to identify the most successful approaches.
A randomized, double-blind trial of 621 adults found that Bevacizuman did not prolong survival for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients. The results contradict earlier studies showing the drug's effectiveness in other diseases.
A study found remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia to be less effective in managing pain relief during labor compared to epidural analgesia. The study, which involved 709 women, showed that patients who received remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia had lower pain appreciation scores and overall satisfaction with pain relief.
A major UK-wide study found that controlling blood sugar levels in critically ill children can reduce hospital stay length and save the NHS around £12 million a year. Tight glycaemic control resulted in an average length of hospital stay 13.5 days less for children who had not undergone heart surgery.
A randomized controlled trial found that early surgery for hip fractures in older adults can significantly reduce complications and improve outcomes. The study involved 60 patients aged 45 or older who received either accelerated care or standard care, with the former resulting in shorter wait times and improved surgical results.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that diabetic patients treated in the emergency department who received automated daily text messages improved their blood glucose levels and self-reported medication adherence. The program reduced the need for emergency department visits and was well-received by participants.
A trial comparing e-cigarettes with nicotine patches found they were comparable in helping smokers quit, with e-cigarettes showing higher reduction in cigarette consumption after six months. The study suggests e-cigarettes have potential as effective smoking cessation aids despite regulatory uncertainty and inconsistency.
A recent trial found that e-cigarettes were comparable to nicotine patches in helping smokers quit for at least six months. The study also showed that e-cigarette users had reduced cigarette consumption by half after six months compared to those using patches or placebo devices.
New research suggests healthcare professionals are not utilizing patient self-management support effectively, despite its potential to improve sustainability and reduce costs. The study found that while some patients benefited from the approach, it did not lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes or service usage.
Research argues that conventional wisdom on obesity causes may be incorrect and that a hormonal disorder could be the real culprit. The author of a new article calls for rigorous trials to determine the true cause of obesity.
A systematic review of 13 controlled studies found L-carnitine significantly reduces all-cause mortality, ventricular arrhythmias, and angina attacks following a heart attack. The therapy also improves cardiac health by improving free fatty acid levels and glucose oxidation.
Researchers are enrolling 4,000 participants in a 5-year trial to determine whether routine dementia screening reduces individual and societal burdens. The study aims to provide critical data on the effectiveness of routine screening for adults aged 65 and older.
A longitudinal cohort study of 1,310 women found that even three years after being declared free of cancer, women who had a false-positive result consistently reported greater negative psychosocial consequences compared to women with normal test findings. Researchers propose annual blood pressure screening instead of checking at every ...
A randomized controlled trial found that acupuncture with intense stimulation (de qi) improves facial muscle recovery, disability, and quality of life in patients with Bell palsy. The study suggests de qi is a key factor in achieving therapeutic effects in this condition.
Researchers analyzed 70 press releases and 41 associated news stories, finding that 33 contained 'spin' in press releases and 28 in study abstracts, potentially leading readers to overestimate treatment benefits.
A randomized controlled trial found that corticosteroids have no clinical benefit in treating acute sinusitis. Researchers from the Netherlands conducted a study involving 174 adults with clinically diagnosed acute rhinosinusitis and found that oral corticosteroids had no significant effect on facial pain or pressure.
A computer-software program, LOGIC-Insulin, effectively controlled blood-sugar levels in critically ill patients compared to nurse-directed care. The study showed improved blood-glucose control and reduced risk of hypoglycemia in the LOGIC-Insulin group.
Levine pioneered molecular approaches to develop live oral vaccines, including attenuated Salmonella Typhi and Shigella. He has made significant contributions to vaccine research, including epidemiologic field studies and large-scale controlled trials.
A paralyzed woman was able to sip from a drink on her own for the first time in nearly 15 years using a thought-controlled robotic arm. The BrainGate neural interface system, which records brain signals and turns them into digital commands, showed significant promise in clinical trials.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that treatment with levothyroxine reduced ischemic heart disease events and mortality in younger patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. However, the findings were not evident in older patients, highlighting the need for further research to confirm these results.
A new meta-analysis of LSD trials found that 59% of patients showed improvement in alcohol misuse, with lasting effects for at least six months. LSD interacts with serotonin receptors to stimulate new connections and open the mind, offering a promising treatment approach for alcoholism.
A simplified approach to preventing post-birth bleeding appears safe and effective, reducing the risk of severe bleeding by almost half. The study's findings suggest that a uterotonic agent like oxytocin can be used to prevent PPH, making it accessible to more women in areas with limited medical staff.
A large trial in Ethiopia found that self-epilation using clean forceps is an acceptable alternative to surgery for treating minor trachomatous trichiasis. This approach preserves vision and offers logistical advantages over traditional surgical methods, making it a promising solution for low-resource countries.
Researchers found that EVLT and HLS are effective treatments for varicose veins, with similar rates of clinical recurrence. However, EVLT was associated with more adverse effects and improved hemodynamics, while HLS had a lower rate of saphenofemoral vein recurrences.
A recent study published in PLoS Medicine found that ownership of at least one insecticide-treated bed net reduces malaria infections and child deaths by 20% and 23%, respectively. The study analyzed data from 29 health surveys in 22 sub-Saharan African countries, providing strong evidence for the effectiveness of bed nets.
New data from the Phase III study confirm linagliptin's efficacy in lowering blood glucose and reducing hypoglycemia risk when added to metformin. The medication also demonstrates cardiovascular safety, with a 54% relative risk reduction for cardiovascular events.
USDA scientists recommend controlling starch buildup in sugar factories by using an intermediate-temperature stable amylase to break down unwanted starch. The solution involves adding diluted concentrated amylase solutions to factory tanks, resulting in improved product quality and reduced costs.
A new study found that exercise improves mood and reduces cigarette cravings in women smokers, but the effects are short-lived lasting several hours to days. Researchers plan to conduct larger trials to determine how frequently exercise must be done to sustain its anti-craving benefits.
A new study suggests that systematic reviews should evaluate a broad range of study designs, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies, to build a complete picture of potential harm. This approach may improve the generalizability of the review without loss of validity.
A study published in Social Science and Medicine found that online peer support groups had a mixed effect on the well-being of participants with severe mental illnesses. While there was no significant improvement in their condition, participants reported feeling supported and benefited from online connections with peers.
A study published in BMC's Reproductive Health journal found that a pill containing essential oils significantly reduced premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Women taking the supplement reported eased PMS symptoms at 3 and 6 months, with few adverse events recorded.
A study analyzing the Infectious Diseases Society of America's practice guidelines found that more than half are based on opinion rather than evidence from clinical trials. The researchers recommend cautious use of current guidelines and prioritizing critical thinking in patient care.
Researchers developed a novel water method to reduce discomfort during unsedated colonoscopy, enhancing cecal intubation and patient willingness to repeat procedures. The study showed significant improvements in these outcomes compared to traditional air insufflation methods.
A randomized controlled trial found that cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen resulted in a 49% cure rate for common warts, compared to 15% for salicylic acid and 8% for the wait-and-see approach. Cryotherapy caused more side effects but patients were most satisfied with this treatment.
A randomized controlled trial found that routine resite of IV devices every 3 days did not reduce complications compared to clinically indicated resite. In fact, it increased patient discomfort and healthcare costs.
A new clinical trial confirms that drinking two 8-ounce glasses of water before meals helps people shed more pounds than those who do not drink water. The study found that water drinkers lost about 15.5 pounds over 12 weeks, while non-water drinkers lost about 11 pounds.
A recent investigation found that 125 out of 940 completed clinical trials for acute ischemic stroke were not published in full, with some trials involving fewer than 10 patients. The study highlights the importance of publishing trial results to ensure patient safety and inform clinical practice.
Two studies provide additional support for coffee's potential health benefits by linking it to reduced chronic inflammation and increased 'good' cholesterol. The findings add to growing literature suggesting that moderate coffee consumption may contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
A study found that gastric banding resulted in significant weight loss (84% vs. 12%) and improved health markers, including reduced metabolic syndrome, in severely obese adolescents. The procedure also led to better quality of life with no adverse events shortly after surgery.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that chamomile extract therapy significantly reduced the severity of GAD in patients with mild-moderate symptoms. The study's findings suggest that chamomile may be a potential treatment option for those who are averse to traditional pharmacotherapy.
Chronic illness patients supported by nurse-physician teams rate primary care as significantly higher than usual care recipients. Guided Care improves coordination with specialists, self-management support, and goal-setting assistance.