Digital Commons Network^™

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 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.

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 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 …

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 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 …

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 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 …

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 …

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 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 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Does Autologous Conditioned Il-1 Antagonist (Acs) Reduce Pain In Patients With Oa Or Lumbar Radiculopathy?, Jonathan Mitchell

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether or not Autologous conditioned IL-1 antagonist (ACS) reduces pain in patients with OA or lumbar radiculopathy.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of 3 randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trials in 2007, 2008, and 2009, all in English.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, double-blinded controlled clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of intra-articular injections of an autologous IL-1 receptor antagonist solution versus a control in OA and one randomized, double-blinded controlled clinical trials comparing autologous IL-1 receptor antagonist epidural injection versus 5 and 10 mg triamcinolone in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes in this study …

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 …

The Affects Of Music Therapy On Management Of Pain And Anxiety During Burn Dressing Changes, Kush S. Patel

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not music therapy improves pain management and anxiety during burn dressing changes.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English languages primary randomized controlled trial studies published from 1992-2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials studying the affects of music therapy during burn dressing changes were found using PubMed, OVID and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Outcomes measured were level of pain and anxiety experienced by the patients. The severities of these symptoms were measured using a numeric scale system. An analyses of anxiety was measured …

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 …

Is Minoxidil Efficacious And Safe For The Treatment Of Androgenetic Alopecia (Aga) In Men, And If So, What Is The Optimal Strength And Means Of Delivery?, Anhthu P. Pickart

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not minoxidil is efficacious and safe for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men, and if so, what is the optimal strength and means of delivery.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three double-blind randomized controlled trials studying men (18-49 y/o) with androgenetic alopecia published in English from 2007-2009.

DATA SOURCES: Three articles of double-blind randomized controlled trials found via PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Outcomes measured included the efficacy and safety of minoxidil as well as the optimal strength and means of delivery of the …

Is 2% Pirenzephine Gel Effective In Slowing The Progression Of Myopia In Children Aged 7-12 Years Old?, Melissa J. Rivera

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not 2% pirenzepine gel is effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children aged 7-12 years old?

STUDY DESIGN: Systemic review of three primary randomized controlled trials, which were published in 2008, 2004, and 2005.

DATA SOURCES: Multicenter, randomized double masked, placebo controlled, randomized controlled trials (RCT) were found using PubMed, COCHRANE, and OVID databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome, slowing of myopia progression, was measured similarly in all three trials. Progression of myopia was measured via changes in refractory status and spherical …

Are Linoleic Acid Supplements Beneficial In Increasing Growth In Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Patients?, Sarah M. Saporito

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine “Are linoleic acid supplements beneficial in increasing growth in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English primary studies published between 1995 and 2000.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trial and one controlled clinical trial were used. Studies were found using PubMed and Cochrane Databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Primary outcomes measured include the taste, smell, and appearance of the supplement and the growth of the cystic fibrosis patients.

RESULTS: In Steinkamp G, Demmelmair et al., the treatment group grew in its weight-for-height; whereas, …

Is Polydextrose A Beneficial Supplement For Gastrointestinal Health And Maintenance Of A Healthy Body Weight?, Katharine Reilly

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine if polydextrose is a beneficial supplement for gastrointestinal health and maintenance of a healthy body weight

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled studies published from 2000-2011.

DATA SOURCES: All studies were double blind randomized control trials and found using one search+ and EBSCO host through the PCOM library webpage.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured in each study were based on subjective evaluations of ease of defecation, ease of stool passage, and feelings of fullness.

RESULTS: Only one of the three …

Is L-Carnitine Effective In Reducing Mortality After An Acute Myocardial Infarction?, Jeremiah Spearman

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not L-carnitine decreases mortality rates post MI.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials published in 1996, 2000, and 2012, all English language.

DATA SOURCES: Three double blind, randomized controlled clinical trials comparing mortality rates in patients post MI who were treated with L-carnitine or a placebo. All articles were found using PubMed and EBSCO.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: In the Singh et al. study the outcomes were total cardiac events that included death and nonfatal infarctions, cardiac enzymes activity, infarct size, and any …

Is Aztreonam Lysine For Inhalation Effective In The Treatment Of Patients With Cystic Fibrosis And Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Airway Infection?, Christine Shevchenko

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not aztreonam lysine for inhalation is effective in the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa airway infection.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled trials published in 2008, 2009, and 2011.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies using Cochrane and Pubmed databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Patient oriented outcomes measured included change in respiratory symptoms measured by the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised and need for additional anti-pseudomonal antibiotics indicative of pulmonary exacerbation.

RESULTS: In both cystic fibrosis (CF) …

Does The Injection Of Botulinum Toxin Improve Symptoms In Patients With Gastroparesis?, Jillian Solomon

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selected EBM review is to determine whether or not the injection of botulinum toxin improves symptoms in patients with gastroparesis.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two published, double blind randomized controlled trials and one published, open label pilot study were used for this review, which were found on PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome was the change in gastroparesis-associated symptoms, which was measured using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Scale Index (GCSI) and Gastroparesis Questionnaire. In the two double blind, randomized controlled trials by Arts et al. and Friendenberg et al., symptoms were quantified using the …

Is Dexamethasone Epidural Injection Effective In Relieving Radicular Pain In An Adult Population?, Christine M. Unger

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not dexamethasone epidural injections are effective in treating radicular pain in an adult population.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials, two of which were published in 2012 and one in 2010, all English language.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials comparing dexamethasone epidural injections to saline injections. All articles were found using PubMed, Medline, and OVID.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Researchers measured pain associated with radicular pain using the Short McGill Pain Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Scale, and Oswestry Disability Index.

RESULTS: All …