Digital Commons Network^™

Is Intravenous Ramosetron 0.3 Mg Effective In The Prevention Of Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting In Women Undergoing Gynecologic Surgery?, Keith S. Elsner

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not intravenous ramosetron 0.3 mg is effective in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in women undergoing gynecologic surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary research articles published later than 1995.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trials comparing intravenous ramosetron to placebo or other control groups were identified using Ovid MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Measured outcomes include a complete response to the intervention within the first 24-48 hours, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, need for rescue antiemetic, …

Is Deep Brain Stimulation (Dbs) An Effective Treatment For Refractory Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Ocd) In Adults?, Kate M. Luczyszyn

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Abstract not available.

Does Pre-Hospital Therapeutic Hypothermia Improve The Functional And Survival Status Of Patients Post Cardiac Arrest?, Stephanie Corsi

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not prehospital therapeutic hypothermia improves the functional and survival status of post cardiac arrest patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, two of which were published in 2007 and one in 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, controlled, clinical trials and one cohort study comparing pre-hospital therapeutic hypothermia to induction of therapeutic hypothermia upon hospital admission, and to standard normothermic post cardiac arrest care. All were found using Medline, OVID, and Cochrane Systematic databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: An outcome measured was functional status at hospital discharge, …

Is Afrin (Oxymetazoline) A Safe And Effective Drug In Normal, Healthy Adults With Reference To Nasal Congestion And The Nasal Response?, Allie Rubinstein

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not, “Is Afrin (Oxymetazoline) a safe and effective drug in normal, healthy adults with reference to nasal congestion and the nasal response?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published in 1997, 1999, 2003.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, controlled studies (double-blind, placebo-controlled) testing the efficacy and safeness of Afrin in comparison to a placebo group, were found using the PubMed database.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Nasal patency, congestion, degree of nasal blockage, and symptoms (quantity, consistency, color of nasal secretions, turbinate size/color) were measured through patient diary card …

Does Levothyroxine Improve Exercise Capacity In Patients With Thyroid Disease?, Kathryn J. Hegener

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not levothyroxine improves exercise capacity in patients with thyroid disease.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published in peer-reviewed journals in 2000, 2005, and 2009

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials and one clinical trial comparing leveothyroxine to euthryroid were found using Medline, and PubMed databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three studies measured heart rate and blood pressure before during, and after exercise in patients to determine the effect levothyroxine has on both heart rate and blood pressure

RESULTS: One RCT found that …

Is Acupuncture Effective In Reducing Itch Intensity And Wheal Size In Patients With Dermatologic Conditions?, Melanie Schwer

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether acupuncture is effective in reducing itch intensity and wheal size in patients with dermatologic conditions.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of all English language primary randomized controlled trials published after 1984

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials were found using Pubmed database.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The three trials measured various outcomes: Visual Analog Scale (VAS); Eppendorf Itch Questionnaire; Cumulative Itch Index; Perimeter of wheal and flare size before, during, & after acupuncture; Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)

RESULTS: Belgrade et al. found statistically significant improvement in itch intensity and flare …

Does Exercise Alleviate The Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression?, Sioban L. Kane

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not exercise alleviates the symptoms of postpartum depression.

STUDY DESIGN: This review consists of 2 randomized control trials, published in 2009 and 2010, and one cohort study published in 2009.

DATA SOURCES: Sources were studies comparing aerobic exercise to groups who performed no exercise which were found via Pubmed, MEDLINE, Ovid and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The three articles measured various outcomes: Psychological well being, depressive symptoms and hospital admission or medication due to postpartum depressive symptoms which were measured through phone interviews and surveys. The Hamilton …

Is Fixed-Combination Prostaglandin Analog/Β-Blocker Therapy Safe And More Effective Than Β-Blocker Monotherapy In The Prevention Of Disease Progression In Adults With Open-Angle Glaucoma?, My-Hang Pham

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether fixed-combination prostaglandin analog/β-blocker therapy is safe and more effective than β-blocker monotherapy in the prevention of disease progression in adults with open-angle glaucoma.

Study Design: Review of three English language randomized controlled trials published in 2008 and 2010.

Data sources: 3 randomized, controlled, double-blind trials comparing fixed-combination prostaglandin analog/β-blocker therapy to β-blocker monotherapy were found using Pubmed, Medline, and Cochrane databases.

Outcome Measured: Disease progression/regression was assessed by post-baseline measurement of IOP during three follow-up visits throughout the trials. The safety profile of each therapy was …

Is Etanercept A Safe And Effective Treatment For Ankylosing Spondylitis?, Robyn M. Albert

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not etanercept is a safe and effective treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Study Design: Review of three English language randomized control trials published in 2007, 2008, and 2010.

Data Sources: Two double-blind placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials and one placebo-controlled randomized control trial comparing etanercept to placebo were found using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Work instability was measured through the Ankylosing Spondylitis Work Instability Scale (AS-WIS) based on scores of 1-20. Quality of life was measured through the EuroQOL-5D (EQ-5D), which assesses mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. …

Is Dabigatran Non-Inferior To Warfarin For The Prevention Of Stroke In Those With Atrial Fibrillation?, Brittany Burlakoff

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not dabigatran 150 mg twice daily is non-inferior to warfarin for the prevention of stroke in those with atrial fibrillation with similar rates of bleeding events.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of 3 English language primary studies. All three trials were randomized controlled trials which were blinded for those receiving dabigatran and un-blinded for those receiving warfarin.

DATA SOURCES: Articles were found using PUBMED and COCHRANE databases.

OUTCOME MEASURED: The primary outcomes of these studies were either incidence of stroke or systemic embolism and/or major bleeding events.

RESULTS:The RE-LY …

Is 1.25 Mg Oral Fingolimod Effective In Reducing Relapses In Adults With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis?, Caitlin M. Cook

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not is 1.25 mg oral fingolimod effective in reducing relapses in adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published between 2006 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials comparing daily 1.25 mg oral fingolimod to either identical placebo capsules or weekly intramuscular interferon beta-1a therapy were found using Pubmed and Cochrane Databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Annualized relapse rate was assessed in all studies. Relapses were confirmed by neurologists and assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to evaluate worsening …

Is Asenapine More Effective Than Other Interventions In The Treatment Of Adult Patients With Bipolar I Disorder?, Mary H. Tsakiris

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Asenapine is more effective than other interventions in the treatment of adult patients with bipolar I disorder.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled trial studies published from 2009-2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials studying the effectiveness of Asenapine in the treatment of mania in adult patients with bipolar I disorder in comparison to other interventions.

OUTCOME MEASURED: Outcomes measured were reduction in severity of manic symptoms and tolerability of the medication. The severity of manic symptoms was measured using the Young …

Is Aspirin Effective In Helping To Prevent Breast Cancer In Women Ages 45 Years And Older?, Kristen M. Quartuccio

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not aspirin is effective in helping to prevent breast cancer in women ages 45 years and older.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published in 2005, 2007, and 2008

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trials and one prospective, population based cohort study comparing aspirin to placebo were found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Breast cancer development was measured in several ways. Tumor characteristics were measured at diagnosis, including size, metastasis to lymph nodes, histology of the mass, histology …

Is Kava (Piper Methysticum) Safe And Effective For Reducing Anxiety In Adult Patients 18-65?, Tamara Mrnjavac

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine is Kava (piper methysticum) safe and effective for reducing anxiety in adult patients 18-65?

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled studies published from 2005-2009.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trials comparing Kava and placebo were found using OVID, PubMed, and CINAHL and COCHRANE databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three trials assessed the adverse event of hepatotoxicity and clinical improvement in anxiety symptoms. Studies utilized to measure change in anxiety symptoms included State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-state), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), the Hospital Anxiety and …

Is Ceftobiprole A Safe And Effective Treatment For Skin And Skin Structure Infections?, Laura Thompson

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not ceftobiprole is a safe and effective treatment for complicated skin and skin structure infections

STUDY DESIGN: Review of all English language primary randomized controlled trials from 1996-2010

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials were found using Pubmed and Cochrane databases

OUTCOMES MEASURES: Skin or skin-structure infection cure with ceftobiprole intervention and adverse effects of this new pharmaceutical. Cure or failure to cure skin infection was determined based on both clinical and microbiological assessment. Adverse events were measured based on patient reports, clinician reports, labs, and vital sign …

Is Ipilimumab An Effective Treatment In Patients Diagnosed With Metastatic Melanoma?, Melissa E. Hansen

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not ipilimumab is an effective treatment in patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma.

Study Design: Review of three English primary studies published between 2009 and 2010.

Data Sources: Randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical studies comparing ipilimumab +/-gp100 peptide to a placebo +/- gp100. Studies were found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

Outcomes Measured: Each of the studies measured outcomes of disease progression and overall survival. Response rate to treatment was also measured in two studies. Measurement of these outcomes was achieved utilizing the following classifications systems: [TNM] categorization, & …

Is High Dose Intramuscular Alefacept A More Effective And Safe Treatment Option In Visibly Reducing The Severity Of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis In Men And Women 16 Years And Older Compared To Standard Iv And Im Treatment Forms?, Andrew Foster

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not high dose intramuscular alefacept is a more effective and a safe treatment option in visibly reducing the severity of chronic plaque psoriasis in men and women 16 years and older compared to standard IV and IM treatment forms.

Study Design: Review of three dichotomous data, English language, and primary randomized controlled trials published 2003 – 2008.

Data Sources: Randomized, controlled clinical trials comparing alefacept to a control
group were found using PubMed database.

Outcome Measured: Disease improvement and the adverse effect of headache. Disease
improvement was …

Is Rivastigmine Effective In The Treatment Of Alzheimer’S Disease?, Beena Patel

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not rivastigmine is effective for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two trials in the English language published in 2007 and 2010, and an open-label, singlearm, multi-center study from 2008.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials comparing rivastigmine to a visually-matched capsule (placebo) was found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Overall global performance using the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog), ability to perform activities of daily living, cognitive function using the mini mental status exam (MMSE), and neuropsychiatric symptoms using BEHAVE-AD.

RESULTS: …

Is Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy An Effective Treatment For Chronic Plantar Fasciitis In Adults?, Lauren H. Rucker

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is an effective treatment in adults with chronic plantar fasciitis.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published between 2008 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials and one cohort study analyzing the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy on chronic plantar fasciitis were found using the OVID, Medline and Cochrane Databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three studies measured improvement in pain from baseline after patients were treated with ESWT. Pain levels were quantified using …

Is Tesamorelin A Safe And Effective Drug To Treat Lipodystrophy In Hiv Patients?, Jazmine A. Cole

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Tesamorelin is a safe and effective drug to treat lipodystrophy in HIV patients.

Study Design: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled trials published between 2005-2010.

Data Sources: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials comparing Tesamorelin to a visually matched placebo were found using PubMed.

Outcome(s) Measured: Each of the three clinical trials assessed the improvement of lipodystrophy (accumulation of visceral adipose tissue) in HIV patients. In addition, they noted how the improvement in lipodystrophy would impact patient's self body image and quality of life. Prior …

Is Music Therapy Effective In Improving The Quality Of Life In Dementia Patients?, Tricia Gilson

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not music therapy is effective in improving the quality of life in dementia patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published between 1996 and present.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, controlled clinical trials (RCTs) analyzing music therapy and dementia were found using PubMed and OVID.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The main outcome measured was quality of life, which included depression, anxiety and cognitive change.

RESULTS: Music therapy resulted in several beneficial effects for dementia patients including improvements in self-esteem, depressive symptoms, anxiety, depression, and cognitive change.
Participants who …

Is Sodium Oxybate A Safe And Effective Treatment For Patients With Fibromyalgia, Britanie A. Grandinette

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not Sodium Oxybate is a safe and effective treatment of pain and sleep-related symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Study design: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled trials published between 2003-2010.

Data Sources: Randomized, controlled clinical trials comparing Sodium Oxybate to a placebo group were found using PubMed and Cochrane database.

Outcome Measured: Disease improvement and adverse effects (nausea). Disease improvement was measure using Disease the Tender point index (TPI) (rated 0-4), subjective daily assessments of pain /fatigue, PVAS score (0= no pain, 100= worst possible pain), FVAS score …

Is Low-Level Laser Therapy An Effective Treatment For Patients With Primary Raynaud’S Phenomenon?, Adriana S. Ruiz

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not low-level laser therapy is an effective treatment for patients with primary Raynaud’s Phenomenon.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trials, published between 2002-2004.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, double blind clinical trials comparing low-level laser therapy with a placebo treatment were found using the Cochrane databases, and PubMed.

OUTCOME MEASURED: Reduction in frequency and severity of Raynaud’s attacks. Outcomes were measured and recorded with daily diaries of attacks before and after the intervention, and thermographic studies.

RESULTS: Three RCTs were included in this review. …

Is Methylphenidate Transdermal System (Daytrana®) Safe And Effective For Managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms In Children?, Pamela Cassidy

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not methylphenidate transdermal system (Daytrana®) is safe and effective for managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children.

STUDY DESIGN: A review of three English language studies published from 2006-2010. Includes two randomized, double-blind, controlled trials and one randomized, controlled crossover study.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, placebo-controlled studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS) for managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children were located using the PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The primary measures of effectiveness used were the …

What Is The Efficacy Of Finasteride Therapy In Reducing Or Reversing Hair Loss?, Olisa K. Obi

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Finasteride is effective in reducing/reversing the symptoms of androgenic alopecia.

STUDY DESIGN: Reviewed three English primary studies published in 2006, 2008, and 2009. DATA

SOURCES: All Studies were randomized controlled trials comparing Finasteride to placebo or other hair loss treatments were found using PubMED, EBSCO, MEDLINE, and Cochrane research databases.

OUTCOME MEASURED: Overall reduction in size of balding area based on measurements of total hair counts. Measurements were based on macrographical analysis of test subjects’ balding area, as well as global photographical analysis carried out …

Is Weight Lifting Effective In Reducing Lymphedema In Breast Cancer Survivors?, Diana Petrucello

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not weight lifting is effective in reducing lymphedema in breast cancer survivors.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language primary studies published in 2009 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three single blind, randomized controlled trials comparing progressive weight lifting and other treatments in breast cancer survivors were found using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Incidence of breast cancer-related lymphedema onset measured by blinded certified lymphedema therapists using a standardized clinical evaluation derived from the Common Toxicity Criteria version 3.0, comprising of interlimb …

Will The Use Of Fiber Be As Effective As Laxatives In Relieving Constipation In The Geriatric Population?, Saunders Batunkyi

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of fiber can be as effective as laxatives in relieving constipation in the geriatric population.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three journals published in English in peer-reviewed journals.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials and one parallel interventional trial investigating the effectiveness of supplemental dietary fiber in managing constipation in elderly populations that are presently reliant on prescription laxatives.

OUTCOMES (S) MEASURED: The outcomes were measured by the frequency of defecation, ease of bowel movement, patient discomfort, patient well being, and undesired effects …

Is Massage Effective As A Non-Pharmacologic Treatment For Individuals Suffering From Migraines?, Kristin J. Kirby

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not massage therapy is effective as a non-pharmacologic treatment for individuals suffering from migraines.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of all English language primary randomized controlled trials from 1996-2011.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials were found using Pubmed, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases. These compared massage therapy trials in patients suffering from migraine headaches.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each trial measured the outcomes in slightly different ways. The Hernandez et al study used the VITAS pain scale, symptom checklist, headache log, and a sleep log to record outcomes. The Lawler et …

Is There A Benefit To Suturing Vs. Stapling In Cesarean Section Closure When Comparing Postoperative Pain And Patient Satisfaction?, Jennifer Pilchman

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE:The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not there is a benefit to suturing vs stapling in cesarean section closure when comparing postoperative pain and patient satisfaction.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published in 2009 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing the surgical closures for cesarean section delivery. All RCTs were found by the author using MEDLINE, PUBMED, and COCHRANE databases. They are all published articles written in English.

OUTCOME MEASURED: Outcomes were measured by assessing patient satisfaction, postoperative pain, cosmetic appearance and wound complications. Rousseau …

Is The Use Of Apixaban Or Enoxaparin, More Effective In The Prophylaxis Of Venous Thromboembolism Post-Orthopedic Surgery?, Jolene Bohensky

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of Apixaban or Enoxaparin is more effective in the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism post-orthopedic surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials from 2009-2010.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, double-blind placebo controlled, clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of Apixaban and Enoxaparin in the prophylaxis of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) post-orthopedic surgery were found using PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Randomized Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Databases of Systematic Reviews.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) post-orthopedic surgery including Total …