Articles tagged with Controlled Trials
Researchers found a simple intervention involving monthly follow-up phone calls improved depression care in primary practice. The trial evaluated 626 patients with depression, highlighting the potential of practice-based health care assistants to recognize and react to deteriorating symptoms.
A study found discrepancies between primary trial outcomes registered and published, with 31% of adequately registered trials showing evidence. Most discrepancies favored statistically significant results or omitted nonsignificant outcomes.
Recent studies published by the American Society for Nutrition provide no evidence that consuming animal foods increases breast cancer risk. In fact, researchers suggest that moderate and mindful consumption of these foods can be important in attaining optimal nutrition, particularly for women who may not consume enough iron and calcium.
A randomized controlled trial found that low-dose imipramine improved global symptoms and quality of life in patients with IBS who had failed conventional therapy. The study, published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, is the largest ever conducted on the use of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in IBS patients.
A study published in BMC's open access journal Trials found that 93% of RCTs published in Chinese medical journals between 1994 and 2005 were flawed, casting doubt on their reliability. Researchers investigated clinical trials on 20 common diseases and found that only 7% met recognized standards for authentic randomization.
A new study by Dr. Thao Huynh analyzes the best way to treat patients with heart attacks, suggesting that reducing delays in providing primary PCI can maximize its effectiveness. The study also highlights the importance of optimal medical therapy after discharge to prevent repeat heart attacks.
Consuming a low-glycemic breakfast before exercise may boost fat oxidation during and after physical activity. A recent study found that this type of pre-exercise meal increased fat metabolism in sedentary individuals, potentially aiding in weight loss efforts.
A review of 146 prospective cohort studies and 43 randomized controlled trials found strong evidence for a causal relationship between protective dietary factors such as vegetable, nut, and monounsaturated fatty acid intake and lower heart disease risk. The Mediterranean diet was significantly associated with coronary heart disease.
Using a chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated sponge reduced major catheter-related infections by 61% in critically ill ICU patients. Changing dressing frequency from daily to every 7 days appears safe and may reduce unnecessary interventions.
A new review of randomized controlled trials has found that radiofrequency ablation significantly improves patient survival compared to percutaneous ethanol injection. Radiofrequency treatment offered a greater survival benefit due to improved local tumor response and more predictable tumor ablation.
Mortality rates for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have remained relatively stable since 1994, with a benchmark mortality of 40-45% according to a comprehensive review of major studies. The findings highlight the need for effective therapeutic interventions for this highly lethal syndrome.
A randomized controlled trial found that women taking vitamin C, E, or beta carotene had a similar risk of cancer as those not taking the supplements. Antioxidant supplements were previously thought to lower cancer risk due to high fruit and vegetable intake, but this study contradicts those findings.
People with mild sleep apnea may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease due to impaired endothelial function and increased arterial stiffness. A recent study found that minimally symptomatic obstructive sleep apnea can significantly increase cardiovascular risk, even in those without daytime sleepiness.
A randomized controlled trial found that high-dose vitamin K1 supplementation did not protect against age-related bone mineral density (BMD) decline in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. However, the study suggested that vitamin K1 may reduce fracture and cancer risk in these women.
A paper on stress urinary incontinence treatment has been retracted from publication after an investigation found critical deficiencies in patient consent and document authenticity. Senior author Georg Bartsch denied involvement, but the study's flaws have raised concerns about research integrity.
A meta-analysis of randomized trials found that tight glucose control in critically ill adults is not associated with a reduced risk of death, but does increase the risk of hypoglycemia. The study challenges common practice guidelines recommending tight glucose control for these patients.
A topical spray has been shown to reduce pain in children undergoing intravenous procedures by 34%, improving success rates and procedure times. The study's findings have significant clinical implications, particularly for busy office practices or emergency departments.
A systematic review found short-term medical cannabinoid use linked to higher rates of non-serious adverse events, particularly dizziness. However, longer-term effects in chronic illness remain unexplored.
Consuming cocoa flavanol-rich beverages daily can positively impact blood vessel dysfunction associated with type-2 diabetes. A 30-day trial found a 30% improvement in measured vessel function among participants who regularly consumed a flavanol-rich beverage.
A new TB treatment using Rifampin for four months is more effective than the current nine-month standard, saving healthcare systems $10,000 per patient. This shorter treatment also leads to better compliance rates and lower costs.
Researchers confirm long-term use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as effective treatment for depression. A 6-9 month course is recommended after recovery from an episode, especially in those without major comorbidities.
A new review of trials suggests fish oil supplements can help some cardiac patients by blocking cardiac ion channels and reducing fibrosis, while having a negative impact on others. However, high doses can increase the risk of bleeding.
A new protocol combining daily spontaneous awakening trials with spontaneous breathing trials results in better outcomes for mechanically ventilated patients, including shorter ventilation periods and earlier discharge. The study found that this approach improved clinical outcomes without increasing adverse events.
Two new studies found that treating Hepatitis C with peginterferon and ribavirin for shorter durations can yield similar success rates to longer treatments, with cost savings and reduced risk of serious side effects. Patients' HCV-RNA levels after 4 weeks may be an important factor in determining the best treatment length.
A randomized trial found that cardiac resynchronization therapy did not improve peak oxygen uptake in patients with Class III heart failure and mechanical problems. The study's results suggest that CRT may only benefit a smaller subgroup of patients with narrower QRS complexes.
A review of 13 randomized controlled trials found that only Bifantis showed significant improvement in IBS symptoms. The study evaluated the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of probiotics for IBS treatment.
The use of insecticide-treated bednets leads to a significant reduction in child mortality, with estimated protection rates ranging from 34% to 56%. ITN coverage has increased rapidly in Kenya, with an estimated averting seven deaths for every 1000 ITNs used.
Both aerobic and resistance exercise improved glycemic/blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, with the greatest improvements seen in those who performed both types of exercise. The study found that combining aerobic and resistance training resulted in a significant decrease in A1c value, indicating better blood sugar control.
A systematic review found ICDs to be safe and effective in reducing mortality among patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The devices reduced overall death from all causes by 20%, mostly due to a significant decrease in sudden cardiac deaths.
A new study published in JAMA found that intensively following a high-vegetable diet beyond recommended guidelines did not reduce breast cancer recurrence or death in early stage survivors. Despite significant changes in dietary patterns, the study observed no difference in outcomes between groups.
Researchers found that using portion-control dishes led to an average weight loss of 1.8% among participants, compared to 0.1% for those receiving usual care. Additionally, more patients using the dishes experienced a decrease in diabetes medication use after six months.
The company has completed enrollment in its pivotal FDA-approved IDE study, the Asthma Intervention Research 2 (AIR2) Trial, which aims to establish the safety and efficacy of the Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System. The trial has nearly 300 patients enrolled at over 30 medical centers worldwide.
An observational study published in The Lancet found that thrombolytic drug alteplase is safe and effective in routine clinical use when used within 3 hours of stroke onset. This suggests that intravenous treatment with alteplase could be considered as part of routine care for suitable stroke patients.
A new study found a significant drop in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for inappropriate reasons. The study, published in Neurology, credits the decline to randomized controlled trials that clarified the surgery's proper use.
Researchers found that cutting back on cigarettes led to quitting in 16 out of 19 studies. Smokers who reduced their smoking intake experienced similar cessation rates as those receiving smoking cessation advice.
A Phase 1 study of CERE-120, a gene therapy product, demonstrated significant symptom reduction in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, reducing UPDRS motor 'off' scores by approximately 40%. The treatment also showed promising results in improving 'on' time and reducing 'off' time.
A randomized controlled trial found that low-income Chinese-speaking patients were six times more likely to be screened for colorectal cancer when a clinic-based health educator provided culturally and linguistically appropriate counseling, educational materials, and screening test instructions. The intervention increased fecal occult ...
Researchers found that only 75% of studies met basic criteria for evaluation, highlighting the need for improved reporting in clinical trials. Meanwhile, a lung cancer risk model was found to underestimate actual rates over a 10-year period, while an enzyme-based approach shows promise in killing glioma cells.
A randomized trial found that high humidity does not improve symptoms of moderate to severe croup in children. The researchers suggest that the use of humidity is not warranted and may be attributed to factors such as comfort and temperature.
Researchers found that patients with partial small-bowel obstruction who received oral therapy had a higher success rate of treatment without surgery (91% vs. 76%) and shorter hospital stays compared to those receiving standard care alone. The study suggests a new management strategy for similar patients, leading to reduced surgical in...
The BASKET trial compares the costs and outcomes of drug-eluting stents (DES) and bare-metal stents (BMS) in 826 patients with PCI. The study aims to identify patient subgroups where DES are cost-effective, potentially impacting daily practice and preferences.
A randomized controlled trial found that liposomal lidocaine significantly improved cannulation success rates and reduced pain and procedure time in children. The study suggests that liposomal lidocaine can be recommended for cutaneous analgesia in children, providing a promising new approach to pediatric procedural care.
A recent study by Rochon and colleagues found that many conditions or diseases common internationally are underrepresented in randomized controlled trials published in leading medical journals. In a related commentary, Jha and Lavery highlight the importance of delivering treatments already available to improve population health in dev...
A randomized controlled trial found that sildenafil reduced pulmonary blood resistance, a key indicator of pulmonary hypertension. The study suggests sildenafil could be a promising candidate for long-term treatment of secondary pulmonary hypertension in lung fibrosis. Controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings.
A UK trial suggests that flexible sigmoidoscopy is a suitable tool for population screening of colorectal cancer, with high attendance rates and low perforation risks compared to colonoscopy. The study's findings highlight the need for tailored approaches to screening, taking into account individual risk factors and efficiency.
A UK study found that intensive 3-day training courses improve cancer doctors' communication skills, leading to better patient care and increased empathy. The training included structured feedback, role-play, and discussion, resulting in improved use of focused questions, open-ended questions, and expressions of empathy.
A randomized controlled trial found that peer support significantly increased breast-feeding rates among primiparous women. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks postpartum, mothers in the peer-support group had higher breast-feeding rates than those in regular care, with 92.4% vs. 83.9%, 84.8% vs. 75.0%, and 81.1% vs. 66.9%, respectively.
A meta-analysis of 2897 participants found short-acting methylphenidate effective for ADD, but with side effects such as decreased appetite and insomnia. Prescription rates in British Columbia increased rapidly compared to the US, with higher rates in lower socioeconomic quintiles.
A recent randomized controlled trial suggests that preventing falls among elderly people remains a challenging task. Despite improvements in adherence to interventions, injuries and subsequent harm persist. Researchers emphasize the need for continued research and practice to address this critical public health issue.
Researchers found that combining a long-acting AT1-receptor blocker with an ACE inhibitor reduces blood pressure and albumin excretion in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients. The study also showed that combined treatment is more effective than using either drug alone.
Two pivotal trials of Zevalin radioimmunotherapy show overall response rates of 80% and 74%, with patients achieving complete responses to therapy. Toxicity was primarily hematologic, transient and reversible.
A pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials found that zinc supplementation reduced the duration of diarrheal episodes in infants in developing countries by 16% overall. The study also showed a significant reduction in treatment failure or death rates, particularly among malnourished male children.
A controlled trial of a warfarin therapy control program demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing major bleeding and maintaining acceptable blood clotting levels in elderly patients. The study also found that immediate treatment for mild chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) would increase survival and reduce costs.
A new study published in Neurology demonstrates that oxcarbazepine is safe and effective enough to be used alone in patients with partial epilepsy who do not respond to other anti-epileptic drugs. The results show that 12% of patients were seizure-free during a four-month trial, offering new hope for those struggling with the condition.
Researchers found that a 200 milligram-per-day dose of the narcolepsy drug modafinil successfully controlled fatigue in patients with MS, a disease that attacks the nervous system. The study involved 72 patients with severe fatigue and MS, who reported significantly less fatigue when taking the 200 mg dose compared to the placebo.
A new study found that women taking lower-dose birth control pills experienced fewer side effects, such as bloating and breast tenderness, compared to those taking traditional 35 mcg pills. The study also showed that these lower-dose pills provided equally good contraceptive protection.
Researchers have identified three key brain areas - superior frontal, inferior parietal and superior temporal cortex - that show activity during attentional tasks. This mapping represents a crucial step towards understanding the detailed topography and function of these regions.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center analyzed over 3,000 patients in triple-drug combination trials and found that those taking fewer pills had better treatment outcomes. Patients on simpler regimens with as few as four pills per day had significantly higher success rates compared to those on complex regimens.
A new study published in Critical Care Medicine found that immune-enhancing therapy significantly reduces infection rates and shortens hospitalization length by nearly three days. The therapy was most beneficial for surgical patients, with no adverse effects observed.
Researchers have developed tiny implants, called BIONs, that can be injected into muscles to stimulate them and prevent wasting. The implants use radio signals to activate electrical stimuli, offering a potential breakthrough in treating stroke patients who are at risk of serious complications such as thrombosis and muscle dislocation.