Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

In Adult Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema Are Intravetrial Bevacizumab Injections More Effective Than Laser Therapy At Improving Best-Corrected Visual Acuity?, Heather Bladek

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not in adult patients with diabetic macular edema intravetrial bevacizumab injections are more effective than laser therapy at improving best-corrected visual acuity.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language non-blinded randomized control trials from 2010 and 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Non-blinded randomized control trials comparing intravetrial bevacizumab injections to macular laser therapy found using Pubmed and EBSCOhost web databases. All articles were published in peer-reviewed journals.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The primary outcome of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured using the Early Treatment of Diabetic …

Is Magnetic Stimulation Effective In Treating Urinary Incontinence?, Sydney Brandtomies

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Magnetic stimulation is an effective treatment for women with urinary incontinence.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three published, randomized controlled trials (two double-blind and one single blinded), all English language.

DATA SOURCES: The three randomized controlled trials that were used for this review were found using PubMed and EBSCOhost. Articles were selected based on relevance and that the outcomes of the studies mattered to patients.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: Improvement of urinary incontinence measured by pad-tests and questionnaires.

RESULTS: The results of the But …

Is Topical Clonazepam More Effective Than Oral Clonazepam In Treatment Of Burning Mouth Syndrome (Bms)?, Sherley Casseus

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Abstract not available.

Does Vibration Training Increase Stability In Functionally Unstable Ankles?, Nicole Bryan

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not vibration training increases stability in functionally unstable ankles.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language randomized control trials (RCTs) published in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three non-blind randomized control trials found via PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Efficacy was measured with one (experimental) group receiving vibration training and the other (control) group using either non-vibration exercise techniques or no exercise. Increased stability was measured with electromyography (EMG), balance testing or an isokinetic dynamometer.

RESULTS: Vibration training is a useful tool to …

Do N3 Fatty Acid Supplements Effect Depressive Symptoms Post Cardiovascular Event In Men And Women Ages 40 And Older?, Lindsey G. Caton

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not n-3 fatty acids have an effect on depressive symptoms post cardiovascular event in men and women ages 40 and older.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language random controlled trials published between 2011-2012.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials published after 2011 comparing the effects of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on depressive symptoms post cardiovascular event and one randomized controlled trial comparing n-3 fatty acid supplementation effects on depressive symptoms in elderly patients with diagnosed depression. The studies were obtained using the …

Is 30 Ml Cerebrolysin A Safe And Effective Drug For Improving Global And Cognitive Function In Patients With Alzheimer's Disease Aged 50 Years And Older With No Significant Comorbidities?, Anthony Champion

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of 30 mL Cerebrolysin is a safe and effective drug for improving global and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease aged 50 years and older with no significant comorbidities.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials published between 2001-2006, all English language.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of cerebrolysin to placebo in the treatment of individuals ages 50 and over with AD related cognitive and global functioning decline. All articles found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED …

Is Arginine Oral Supplement Effective On Wound Healing In Adult Patients With Stage Ii, Iii And Iv Pressure Ulcers?, Camilla Chou

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the addition of arginine protein supplementation is effective in wound healing of adult patients with stage II, III and IV pressure ulcers.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language primary studies. One observation controlled study and two randomized controlled studies all published between 2010- 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Two double blind randomized controlled trials and one observational controlled trial comparing the efficacy of arginine supplementation in wound healing of adult patients with stage II, III and IV pressure ulcers. All research articles were …

Is Animal Assisted Therapy Using Dogs An Effective Treatment For Positive And Negative Symptoms For Adult Inpatient Schizophrenics?, Brian Davidson

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) using dogs is an effective treatment for positive and negative symptoms for adult inpatient schizophrenics.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of 3 articles published in English in peer reviewed journals between 2005-2009

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials and one allocation by minimization controlled trial comparing the effects of AAT using dogs on positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia to control groups. All articles were found using PubMed and PROQuest

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Focused questionnaires were given before and after …

Is Propranolol Administration Following A Traumatic Event Effective In Reducing Symptoms Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?, Timothy J. Goulet

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not propranolol administration following a traumatic event is effective in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials published in 2002, 2007, and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials found using PubMed and Cochrane Library databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The incidence of PTSD symptoms was measured in patients following traumatic events after the administration of propranolol. This was done using The Screening Tool for Early Predictors of PTSD, the Clinician …

Does Prophylacitc Medication Reduce Intrauterin Device (Iud) Insertion Pain In Women Of Childbearing Age?, Mariel M. Deshaies

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not prophylactic medication reduces intrauterine device (IUD) insertion pain in women of childbearing age.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of 3 English language trials: a randomized controlled trial, double-blinded randomized control trial, and a double-blinded randomized placebo controlled trial.

DATA SOURCES: A randomized controlled trial, double-blinded randomized control trial, and a double-blinded randomized placebo controlled trial comparing the prophylactic medications: lidocaine and mistoprostol or placebo group. All articles were found using Medline, PubMed, and OVID.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Reduction of pain with IUD insertion was compared …

Is Massage Therapy An Effective Treatment For Improving Sleep Quality In Women Age 50-80 Diagnosed With Cancer?, Alexander M. Chase

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not massage therapy is an effective treatment in improving sleep quality among women age 50-80 diagnosed with cancer.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two English language randomized control trials published in 2004 and 2011 and one English language quasiexperimental pretest-posttest comparison study publishEd in 2002.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources were articles published in peer reviewed journals found using PubMed and EBSCOhost.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Sleep quality was measured using the Verran and Snyder-Halpem Sleep Scale and the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire.

RESULTS: Soden et al …

Is Ramelteon Effective In Improving Sleep Quality In Adult Patients With Mild To Moderate Obstructive Breathing Disorders?, Alison L. Fife

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not ramelteon is effective in improving sleep quality in adult patients with mild to moderate obstructive breathing disorders.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English studies published from 2007 to 2010; two randomized controlled studies and one randomized crossover study.

DATA SOURCES: The double blind randomized placebo controlled crossover trial, randomized double blind placebo controlled two way crossover study and double blind placebo controlled randomized controlled trial were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the studies measured the sleep quality in patients with …

Is Bevacizumab (Avastin) Safe And Effective As Adjuvant Chemotherapy For Adult Patients With Stage Iiib Or Iv Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (Nsclc)?, Ashley R. De Kleine

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not bevacizumab (avastin) is safe and effective as adjuvant chemotherapy for adult patients with stage IIIb or IV non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials (RCT) published in 2006, 2009, and 2011, all English language.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials comparing bevacizumab to placebo as adjunctive chemotherapy, and one RCT comparing bevacizumab as adjunctive chemotherapy versus the use of no adjunctive chemotherapy. All articles were found using PubMed, Medline, and OVID.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Overall …

Is Famciclovir Superior To Valacyclovir As A Treatment For Recurrent Gential Herpes In Reducing Outbreak Duration And Frequency?, Snow Feng

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine “Is famciclovir superior to valacyclovir as a treatment for recurrent genital herpes in reducing outbreak duration and frequency?”

STUDY DESIGN: This review is based on three double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2006, 2008, and 2009. The studies compared the efficacy and safety of famciclovir (FCV) vs. valacyclovir (VCV) in the treatment of genital herpes.

DATA SOURCES: All articles used were published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, and found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The effectiveness of famciclovir and valacyclovir was evaluated based on the …

The Effects Of Cocoa Flavanol Consumption On Cognitive Function, Jessica Judge

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine the effect of cocoa flavanol consumption on cognitive behavior.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language randomized, double blind, controlled clinical trials published in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Three double blind randomized controlled trials comparing cognitive function after consumption of drinks with high cocoa flavanol level were found using PedMed and Ovid.

OUTCOME MEASURED: Cognitive function was measured by various tests: a Cognitive Demand Battery composed of two serial subtraction tasks, a Rapid Visual Information processing task, a mental fatigue scale over …

Is A Parent-Focused Intervention More Effective Than A Child-Focused Approach In Treating Childhood Obesity?, Jessica E. Jankowski

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not a parent-focused intervention is more effective than a child-focused approach in treating childhood obesity.

STUDY DESIGN: This review consists of three randomized controlled trials published in the English language between the years 2004 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources were articles published in peer reviewed journals comparing parent-focused intervention as a treatment of childhood obesity compared to a child-focused approach found using Cochrane and PubMed databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured were the child’s obesity status and quality of life. These outcomes …

Is Riboflavin Effective As Prophylaxis For Reducing The Frequency Of Migraine Headaches In The Pediatric Population?, Megan Haines

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not riboflavin is effective as prophylaxis for reducing the frequency of migraine headaches in the pediatric population.

Study Design: Systematic review of the three English language primary studies, published between 2008-2010.

Data Sources: Two randomized controlled trials and one retrospective study published after 1996 comparing migraine frequency before and after administration of riboflavin were obtained using PubMed and EBSCO databases.

Outcomes Measured: Reduction in migraine frequency, determined by child-parent collaborated headache diary while using prophylactic intervention, was the primary outcome measured. This outcome …

Is Oral Dexamethasone Safe And Effective For Treating Asthma Exacerbations In Pediatric Patients?, Benhamin J. Kunze

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not a one or two dose regimen of dexamethasone (DEX) is a safe and effective treatment for asthma exacerbations in the pediatric population.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language, primary randomized controlled trials (RCT) published from 2001-2008.

DATA SOURCES: Three RCTs examining the efficacy of DEX either in a single dose or one dose for two days, compared to a traditional five day regimen of prednisone (PRED).

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The studies examined the number of relapses within 10 days of …

Does Electroanalgesic Therapy Decrease Neuropathic Pain In Diabetic Patients?, Michelle A. Lee

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not use of electroanalgesic therapy decreases neuropathic pain symptoms in diabetic patients

STUDY DESIGN: Review of a 2 randomized control trial published in 2013 and 2011 published in the English language and an observational study published in 2010 in the German language translated into English.

DATA SOURCES: One randomized, double-blind control trial comparing frequency-modulated electromagnetic stimulation vs placebo in reduction of diabetic neuropathic pain, one randomized, control trial comparing microcurrent transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation vs placebo in reduction of painful diabetic neuropathy and a observational …

Is The Use Of The Drug Buprenorphine And Naloxone (Suboxone) As Effective In Suppressing Opioid Dependency And Its Withdrawal Symptoms, Or Is It Simply A Surrogate For The Opiate With The Addictive Results?, Christina T. Lekas

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of the drug Buprenorphine and Naloxone (Suboxone) is effective in suppressing opioid dependency and its withdrawal symptoms, or is it simply a surrogate for the opiate with the same addictive results.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three primary studies in the English language published in 2010 and 2011.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, controlled and double blind clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of Suboxone in signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal were found using the EBSCO Host and Lexi-Comp databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Likability …

Does Oral Dextromethorphan Provide Pain Relief In Patients With Diabetic Neuropathy?, Brittany L. Lundberg

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not oral dextromethorphan provides pain relief in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three peer-reviewed, double blind, randomized control trials published between 1995-2012.

DATA SOURCES: Studies were selected through Cochrane Library Collection and PubMed and chosen based on their relevance to the clinical question as well as their inclusion criteria; including adults over the age of 18; and those who were experiencing daily pain of moderate intensity, for at least half of the day, over a span of 3 months.

OUTCOMES MEASURED …

Does Male Circumcision Prevent Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 In Sexually Active Males Aged 18-50?, Mary K. Macon

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not male circumcision prevents herpes simplex virus type 2 (“HSV-2”) in sexually active males aged 18- 50.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published in 2009 and 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized control trials analyzing the intervention of circumcision to prevent HSV-2 in sexually active males found using Medline and PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The main clinical outcome in all studies measured the incidence of HSV-2 defined as a sexually transmitted infection with symptoms of visible genital ulceration. The outcomes were …

Does A Mobile-Bearing Vs. Fixed-Bearing Total Knee Replacement Affect Post-Operative Knee Pain At One Year?, Alison P. Mackey

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not a mobile-bearing vs. fixed-bearing total knee replacement affects post-operative knee pain at one year.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, published between 2008 and 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials published after 2008 comparing post-operative knee pain in mobile vs. fixed-bearing total knee replacements using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Knee pain, reported by patients post-operatively using various professional questionnaires, was the primary outcome measured. Subjects reported pain experienced during specific provoking activities on the EuroQol, Western …

Does The Use Of Fascial Manipulative Therapy Help To Improve Overall Asthma Quality Of Life By Descreasing Asthma Symptoms?, Christie Mecouch

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of fascial manipulative therapy helps to improve overall asthma quality of life by decreasing asthma symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one case study, published between 2005-current, all in the English language.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one case study, all of which evaluate the effectiveness of fascial manipulative therapy as it pertains to asthma quality of life. All studies were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured were an improvement …

Is The Combination Therapy Of Clopidogrel (Plavix) And Aspirin Compared To Antithrombotic Single Therapy Safe And Effective In The Prevention Of Stroke In Adults?, Tsitsi Masviba

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is the combination therapy of clopidogrel (Plavix) and aspirin compared to antithrombotic single therapy is safe and effective in the prevention of stroke in adults?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three, English language, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial studies with an intention-­‐to-­‐treat basis published in 2004-2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trial studying the safety and effectiveness of the combination therapy of clopidogrel (Plavix) and Aspirin compared to antithrombotic single therapy in the prevention of stroke in adults.

OUTCOME (S) MEASURED: Outcomes measured were …

Is Music Therapy Effective In Improving Emotional Health In Pediatric Cancer Patients?, Elizabeth F. Matesa

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this evidence based medicine review is to determine whether music therapy is effective in improving emotional health in pediatric cancer patients

STUDY DESIGN: Two randomized controlled trials and a prospective cohort study were reviewed and selected based on their relevance to the clinical question and their inclusion of patient oriented outcomes (POEMS).

DATA SOURCES: Each study was obtained by searching PubMed database.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured included pain scores measured using a NRS pain scoring scale, anxiety scores were measured using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)and visual analog score …

Is The Addition Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids To Other Treatment Methods Effective In Reducing Pain In Adult Patients With Osteoarthritis?, Lisa C. Martin

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: Is the addition of Omega-3 fatty acids to other treatment methods effective in reducing pain in adult patients with osteoarthritis?

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three published, double blind, randomized controlled trials were used for this review and were selected based on their relevance to the clinical question.

DATA SOURCE: The most recent randomized control trials examining the relief of osteoarthritic pain with intake of omega-3 fatty acids in addition to traditional medical therapies were found using Medline, PubMed, and OVID databases.

OUTCOME MEASURED: Relief of osteoarthritic pain with the addition of omega-3 fatty acids to …

Does Sildenafil Improve Physical Function In Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?, Tyler R. Mellinger

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not sildenafil improves physical function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of 3 primary research studies published in the English language between 2007 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trials, and one open label study analyzing the effect of sildenafil on patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were found using PubMed.

OUTCOME MEASURED: The primary tool used to assess physical function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, when treated with sildenafil, was a 6-minute walk distance. …

Is Apixaban Effective For The Prevention Of Stroke In Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation?, Amira Moore

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this EBM review is to determine whether or not Apixaban is effective for the prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published all published in 2011.

DATA SOUCRES: Three double-blind randomized control trials found using the Cochrane Database and PubMed.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: Outcomes measured were occurrence of stroke (TIA or CVA), systemic embolism, major bleeding or clinically relevant non-major bleeding, and incidence of death.

RESULTS: Apixaban 2.5mg and 5mg were both superior to Warfarin in the prevention of stroke or …

Is Acupuncture Effective In The Prophylaxis Of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In Adult Women?, Caitlin E. Mumford

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not acupuncture is effective in the prophylaxis of recurrent urinary infections in adult women.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language primary studies, published between 1998 and 2003.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized, controlled trials published after 1996, comparing acupuncture to placebo in the prophylaxis of urinary tract infections were obtained using EBSCOhost and PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: All three studies measured incidence or absence of urinary tract infections, as defined by distal urinary symptoms and/or bacteriuria of ≥ 105 cfu/ml.

RESULTS: Three …