Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Do Topical Corticosteroids Improve The [Skin] Side Effects Of Radiation In Terms Of Radiation Dermatitis For Women Undergoing Radiation Treatment For Breast Cancer?, Rebekah R. Doenges

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not topical corticosteroids prevent and/or reduce symptoms and severity of radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy to the chest wall. Study Design: Review of three double blind randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) published in 2002, 2007, and 2011 Data Sources: Three peer-reviewed RCTs were found using PubMed. These studies compared topical corticosteroid use against various placebos in the treatment of radiation dermatitis Outcomes Measured: Severity of radiation dermatitis as reported using quality of life questionnaires, Skindex scores, and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scaling. …

In The Treatment Of Patients With Knee Joint Osteoarthritis, Are Platelet Rich Plasma Injections More Effective Than Hyaluronic Acid Injections?, Darshit Gandhi

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not "In the treatment of patients with knee joint osteoarthritis, are Platelet Rich Plasma injections more effective than Hyaluronic acid injections?"

Study Design: Review of one randomized double-blind trial, one randomized cohort study, and one randomized control trial published in the English language in the year 2012.

Data Sources: All studies were published in peer-reviewed journals found via the use of PubMed.

Outcome(s) Measured: Patients were divided into two groups: those who received platelet rich plasma injections (PRP) and those who received hyaluronic injections (HA). Efficacy of …

Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Effectively Decrease The Severity Of Chronic Pain In Patients With Motor Vehicle Accident (Mva) Associated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd)?, Reanna Gibbs

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not cognitive behavioral therapy effectively decreases the severity of chronic pain in patients with motor vehicle accident (MVA) associated post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of two randomized, controlled clinical trials published in 2009 and 2012, respectively, and one primary research case study published in 2003.

DATA SOURCES: Three published studies comparing patient reported reduction in pain severity following treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The extent of pain reduction experienced by the patient after receiving treatment. Recording …

Is Laser Therapy An Effective Alternative Treatment For Onychomycosis In Patients Where The Hepatotoxity Of Oral Antifungals Is Of Concern?, David S. Heath

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not, “Is laser therapy an effective alternative treatment for onychomycosis in patients where the hepatotoxicity of oral antifungals is of concern?” STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, published between 2010 and 2012. DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one prospective cohort study were found using Cochrane Systematic Reviews and PubMed. These studies analyzed the effectiveness of laser therapy in patients with onychomycosis. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Main outcomes measured were nail clearance and mycological assessment. Nail clearance was determined clinically using photographs taken at …

Is Yoga Effective In Reducing Fatigue In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis?, Melissa L. Hessler

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of yoga helps to improve fatigue in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Study Design: Review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2004-current, all in the English language.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), all of which evaluate the effectiveness of yoga compared to a control group that was asked not to change their exercise habits as they pertain to fatigue. All studies were found using PubMed and EBSCOhost.

Outcomes Measured: Each of the three articles analyzed the effects of yoga therapy …

Is Photodynamic Therapy With Topical 5-Aminolaevulinic Acid Effective For The Treatment Of Adults With Recalcitrant Hand And Foot Warts?, Nicole Hoffman

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not is photodynamic therapy with topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid effective for the treatment of adults with recalcitrant hand and foot warts.

Study Design: Systemic review of 3 English language primary studies, published between 1999- 2007.

Data Sources: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one prospective, single-arm, phase II study published on/after 1999 comparing treatment of recalcitrant hand and foot warts before and after use of photodynamic therapy with topical 5-ALA were obtained using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Incidence of disappearance of recalcitrant hand and foot warts was the primary …

Is Ayurvedic Effective In Reducing Osteoarthritis Pain In Adults?, Reja Khan

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Ayurvedic is effective in reducing osteoarthritis pain in adults.

Study Design: Review of three English language randomized controlled trials published between from 2004-2013.

Data Sources: Two double blind randomized controlled trials and one open label randomized controlled clinical trial were found using PubMed and Cochrane Library databases.

Outcomes Measured: To measure the effectiveness, the following parameters were utilized visual analog scale (VAS) reported by the patient to assess reduction in pain symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Results: Three randomized controlled studies results found that Ayurvedic medicine was beneficial …

Is Ginger Effective In Reducing Knee Pain In Adults With Osteoarthritis?, Joseph Heng

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this evidence based medicine review is to determine whether ginger is effective in reducing knee pain in adults with osteoarthritis.

Study Design: Three double blind, randomized controlled trials 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 Cochrane and PubMed database.

Outcomes Measured: The outcomes were measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) via Likert scale and Knee Pain rated via Knee injury and knee Osteoarthritis Outcome score (KOOS) questionnaire which is a …

Can A Vegetarian Diet Improve Quality Of Life In Type 2 Diabetics, Compared To Other Diabetic Diets?, Carly A. Kindbom

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine if a vegetarian diet is more effective in improving quality of life in Type 2 Diabetics compared to other diabetic diets.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two randomized control trials published in 2011 and 2013, and one prospective clinical intervention study published in 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources were articles published in peer review journals found using PubMed and Cochrane Databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Quality of life was measured by amount of weight loss from baseline and Obesity and Weight-Loss Quality of Life (OWLQOL) questionnaires.

RESULTS: Ferdowsian et al (2010) reported …

Is Acupuncture An Effective Treatment For Acute Migraine?, Meghan C. Knab

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not acupuncture is an effective treatment for acute migraines.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language randomized controlled trials, published between 2003 and 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials published in peer reviewed journals found using PubMed, Medline, and EBSCOhost.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured included complete absence of migraine pain, measured by Visual Analog Scale scores and a headache diary, and progression to a fully formed migraine, measured by the Validated Pain Scale by Heller.

RESULTS: The studies by Li et al and Wang et …

Does Treatment With Onabotulinumtoxina Improve The Quality Of Life In Patients With Urinary Incontinence Not Adequately Controlled With Anticholinergics?, Victoria J. Kopec

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA improves the quality of life in patients with urinary incontinence not adequately controlled with anticholinergics.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language, randomized controlled trials published in 2013.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials comparing onabotulinumtoxinA intradetrusor injections with saline placebo. All articles were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three trials assessed the patient’s quality of life after treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA using the following assessment tools: Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL), Modified Overactive Bladder Patient Satisfaction with Treatment …

Is Red Yeast Rice Tolerable In Treating Patients With Dyslipidemia Who Have Statin-Associated Myalgia?, Carie Lam

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not patients who have statin-associated myalgia have improved tolerability for red yeast rice (RYR) as an alternative treatment.

Study Design: This review consists of three double blinded randomized controlled trials published in English in 2009, 2010, 2013.

Data Sources: Three randomized, controlled, double blinded clinical trials on the tolerability of red yeast rice were found on PubMed and Ebsco Host. Two trials comparing red yeast rice to placebo and the third trial comparing red yeast rice to pravastatin.

Outcomes Measured: Each of the three articles analyzed whether …

Is Sofosbuvir Safer And More Effective Than Peginterferon For Treatment Of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection In Treatment-Naïve Patients?, Nicole L. Luongo

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Sofosbuvir plus Ribavirin is safer and more effective than Peginterferon plus Ribavirin for treatment of chronic Hepatitis C Virus infection in treatment-naïve patients.

Study Design: Systematic review of three English language primary studies, published in 2013.

Data Sources: Three randomized control trials, two of which are open-label, activecontrolled and one that is double-blind, placebo-controlled, comparing Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin versus other chronic HCV modalities found via PubMed in peer-reviewed journals.

Outcomes Measured: Safety was measured by self-reported adverse events, routine laboratory tests, physical exams, vital signs, and …

Is Avotermin Safe And Effective Treatment For Scar Improvement In Healthy Males And Females?, Maria Vera Leon

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not avotermin is a safe and effective treatment for scar improvement in healthy males and females.

STUDY DESIGN: Systemic review of three primary research studies published in the English language, one published in 2010 and the other two in 2011.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized placebo controlled phase II trials and one double blind within patient placebo controlled phase II clinical trial, analyzed and compared the effectiveness in the administration of avotermin against a placebo in the improvement and diminution of scars. All articles were found using Pubmed …

Is Caffeine Effective In Reducing Pain Perception During Exercise Performance In Healthy Adults?, Linda Lee

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not caffeine products are effective in reducing pain perception during exercise performance in healthy adults. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language, randomized controlled trials published in 2012 and 2013. DATA SOURCES: Three randomized control trials (two double-blind and one single-blind) which compare caffeine administration to placebo for reduction in pain perception during exercise performance in health adults were obtained using PubMed. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Clinical outcomes of leg pain perception experienced during exercise were measured according to a Pain Intensity Scale, ranged 0-10, developed by Cook …

Is Ablative Fractional Co2 Lasering Effective At Reducing The Appearance Of Moderate To Severe Atrophic Acne Scars As Per Patient Reports?, Katie N. Moses

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: Is ablative fractional CO2 lasering effective at reducing the appearance of moderate to severe atrophic acne scars?

Study Design: Review of published articles including one randomized controlled trial with blinded response evaluation, one randomized split-faced clinical study and one clinical trial were used for this review and were selected based on their relevance to the clinical question.

Data Source: The most recent trials examining ablative fractional CO2 lasering for the treatment of moderate to severe atrophic acne scars were found using PubMed.

Outcome Measured: Patient reported reduction in the appearance of atrophic acne scars was the outcome measured.

Results: …

Is Lubiprostone Effective In Treating Symptoms Of Chronic Constipation?, Christine M. Macdonald

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not lubiprostone is effective in treating symptoms of chronic constipation.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled trials from 2007- 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three double-blind, randomized, controlled trials were found using PubMed. These studies compared treatment with lubiprostone to a visually matched placebo.

OUTCOME MEASURED: The frequency of each patient’s spontaneous bowel movements within the first 24 hours after initial treatment was recorded from the data collected from the patient’s daily diary.

RESULTS: All three trails demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the rates …

Does The Addition Of Piracetam Safely And Effectively Improve Behavioral And Or Cognitive Functions In Schizophrenia?, Dieu Linh Nguyen

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not the addition of piracetam safely and effectively improve behavioral and or cognitive functions in schizophrenia.

STUDY DESIGN: The selected review from all English language, primary literature sources that were published between 1979 and 1999.

DATA SOURCES: Three double blind randomized controlled trials (RCT) and one case controlled clinical study that compared piracetam to a visually matched placebo was selected and found using Medline, PubMed, Ebscohost, and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the trials assessed the effect of Piracetam on behavioral and …

Is Pilates-Based Exercise Effective In Improving Balance In Healthy Adults Over The Age Of 18?, Abby Ott

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Pilates-based exercise is effective in improving balance in healthy adults over the age of 18.

Study Design: Review of three English language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2006, 2009 and 2012.

Data Sources: Three non-blind randomized controlled trials published in peer reviewed journals found via PubMed.

Outcome(s) Measured: Efficacy was measured with the experimental group participating in a predetermined number of Pilates classes and the control group refraining from any exercise or continuing their pre-study, non-Pilates exercise routines. Change in balance was measured using a …

Is Methylergometrine More Effective Than Other Uterotonic Agents For The Active Management Of The Third Stage Of Labor?, Victoria Nguyen

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not methylergometrine is more effective than other uterotonic agents in preventing postpartum hemorrhage during the third stage of labor. Study Design: Review of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2004 and 2009, and one prospective study published in 2006. Data Sources: Each article used was published in English and found using PubMed and Medline. The studies compared the efficacy of methylergometrine against uterotonic agents, specifically oxytocin and misoprostol. Outcomes Measured: The efficacy of methylergometrine was measured via the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage despite the use of …

Do Probiotics Provide Adequate Relief From Overall Symptoms, Including Abdominal Pain And Bloating, In Adults With Irritable Bowel Syndrome?, Brittany A. Ormsby

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not probiotics provide adequate relief from overall symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome including abdominal pain and bloating in adults with irritable bowel syndrome.

Study Design: Review of three published randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trials were used for this review. The articles were found on PubMed and EBSCOhost web, and were selected based on outcomes measured and relevance to the objective.

Outcomes Measured: The outcomes were measured by a 10-point visual analog scale for each symptom, or daily dairy entries addressing overall symptom relief, and a …

Are Topical Heat Patches More Effective At Relieving Pain Associated With Dysmenorrhea Than Otc Nsaids (Ibuprofen 400 Mg Po Q8h Or Acetaminophen 500 Mg Po Q6h) In Menstruating Women 18 And Over?, Samantha R. Murray

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not topical heat patches are more effective at relieving pain associated with dysmenorrhea than OTC NSAIDs (Ibuprofen 400 mg PO Q8h or Acetaminophen 500mg PO Q6h) in menstruating women 18 and over.

Study Design: Review of three English-language randomized control trials (RCTs) that were published in 2001, 2004, and 2012.

Data Sources: Three single-blinded randomized control trials that were found using PubMed

Outcome Measured: Dysmenorrhea and any associated pain relief was measured using patient-reported scales of NRS-10 Pain scale, 6-Point categorical scale, and patient reports of sensual, …

Is Crocus Sativus L. As Effective As Fluoxetine For The Treatment Of Mild To Moderate Depression In Adults Aged 18-55?, Mobina A. Noory

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this EBM review is to determine whether or not Crocus Sativus L. is as effective as Fluoxetine for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in adults aged 18-55.

Study Design: Systematic review of three English language, double-blind randomized controlled trials published between 2005-2007.

Data Source: Three double-blind randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals comparing the effectiveness of Crocus Sativus L. vs. Fluoxetine or placebo for the treatment of mild to moderate depression in adults were found using PubMed and Ebscohost.

Outcomes Measured: In all three articles the outcomes measured were improvement in depression symptoms …

Is The Use Of Itraconazole Effective In The Treatment Of Patients Diagnosed With Tinea Versicolor And If So, What Is The Optimal Dosage?, Ashley B. Pachutski

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not itraconazole is effective in the treatment of patients diagnosed with tinea versicolor and if so, what is the optimal dosage.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three peer-reviewed, randomized control trials (RCTs), two of which were published in 2002 and one in 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Studies were researched through PubMed and selected based on the type of study (RCT), their relevance to the clinical question, and if they were POEMS (patient oriented evidence that matters).

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: Patient’s subjective measurement of the severity of pruritis, erythema, scaling, and …

Does Black Cohosh Improve Anxiety/Depression Symptoms In Women Who Are Postmenopausal?, Priya Patel

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine is Black Cohosh effective for reducing anxiety/depression symptoms in postmenopausal women?

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

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trials comparing Black Cohosh to placebo or hormonal therapies were found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three trials assessed the efficacy and clinical improvement in anxiety symptoms with the use of Black Cohosh. Studies utilized to measure change in anxiety symptoms included Harrison Anxiety Rating (HAM), Symptom Rating Test (SRT), and Kupperman Test.

RESULTS: Two …

Can The Nintendo Wii Be Used As A More Effective Method Of Rehabilitation Than Traditional Physiotherapy Exercises For Patients With Knee Reconstruction Surgery?, Samantha Snyder

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the Nintendo Wii can be used as a more effective method of rehabilitation than traditional physiotherapy exercises for patients with knee reconstruction surgery?

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, published after 1999.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one case study with no comparison group were found using PubMed. These studies analyzed Nintendo Wii intervention in patients that underwent knee reconstructive surgery in need of rehabilitation.

OUTCOME MEASURED: The outcome measured was improvement in balance through use of the Activity-Specific Balance …

Is Stimulating Acupoints On The Skin In Addition To Standard Medication More Effective For The Improvement Of Breathlessness In Ambulatory Patients With Copd Over The Age Of 60 Than Standard Medication Alone?, Abigail D. Sbat

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not stimulating acupoints on the skin in addition to standard medication is more effective for the improvement of breathlessness in ambulatory patients with COPD over the age of 60 than standard medication alone.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials published in 2008, 2010, and 2012; selection was based on their relevance to the clinical question and if they contained patient oriented outcomes.

DATA SOURCES: Three peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials comparing the addition of acupuncture/Acu-Tens to standard treatment and standard treatment alone were found on PubMed. …

Is Lurasidone More Safe And Effective In The Treatment Ofschizoaffective Disorder And Schizophrenia Than Other Commonanti-Psychotic Medications?, Megan M. Sisbarro

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Lurasidone is more safe and effective in the treatment of schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia than other common anti-psychotic medications. Study Design: Review of two English language randomized double-blinded controlled comparisons and one English language Randomized open-label parallel-group comparison. Data Sources: The randomized double-blinded controlled comparison studies and the randomized open-label parallel-group comparison were all found using PubMed and EBSCOhost databases. All three articles were published in peer-reviewed journals. Outcomes Measured: Participant withdrawal due to adverse effects and treatment failure, patient responses to MATRICS consensus cognitive battery, …

Does Balneotherapy Effectively Reduce Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain In Adults?, Jenna Srebnik

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not balneotherapy effectively reduces non-specific chronic low back pain in adults.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three single blind, follow up randomized controlled trials (RCT), published in 2012 and 2005.

DATA SOURCES: Three peer reviewed RCTs were found using PubMed and all compared balneotherapy against various control groups.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Low back pain of patients was assessed using dose of analgesic consumed, visual analog pain scale (VAS) and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (OSWDQ). The tools used to assess significance of outcomes measured were Pvalues, change in …

Do Braf Inhibitors Improve Survival In Patients With Braf V600e Mutant Melanoma?, Sarah E. Stamm

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Do BRAF inhibitors improve survival in patients with BRAF V600E mutant melanoma?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of primary literature sources that examined survival rates in BRAF V600E mutant melanoma patients receiving treatment with a BRAF inhibitor.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials and one cohort study evaluating the use of BRAF inhibitors in patients with BRAF V600E mutant melanoma were found using OVID, Medline, and PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Overall survival and progression free survival were the outcomes measured to determine survival rates in patients with BRAF V600E …