Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Is Yoga An Effective Treatment For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd)?, Marissa Ionna

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is Yoga An Effective Treatment For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?”

Study Design: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer reviewed journals between 2010-2014, all English language.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials were found using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: All three studies measured improvement in PTSD symptoms through yoga therapy using self-reported patient questionnaires, visual analog scales, and vital signs.

Results: Studies by Telles et al. and van der Kolk et al. found that yoga therapy significantly improved symptoms in patients with Post-Traumatic …

Is Non-Nutritive Sucking An Effective Method Of Providing Analgesia To Newborns Undergoing Painful Procedures?, Eric B. Hooper

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: “The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not nonnutritive sucking is an effective method of providing analgesia to infants undergoing painful procedures.”

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three blinded randomized-controlled trials (RCT’s), published from 2011 to 2013. All were published in English, one of which was translated from its original Spanish version to an English publication. DATA

SOURCES: Three RCT’s were found using the PubMed database and all were published in peer-reviewed journals.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The incidence and severity of pain were measured during procedures using the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) and/or …

Is Botulinum Toxin A Safe And Effective For The Treatment Of Trigeminal Neuralgia In Adults?, Bryan Frank

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not Botulinum Toxin A is safe and effective for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia in adults.

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 NCBI and PubMed database.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Quality of Life (QoL), Patient Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC), Last Observation Carried Forward (LOCF), and detected …

Does Temporal Lobe Resection Cure Seizures In Epileptics?, Alyssa Hall

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not temporal lobe resection cures seizures in epileptics.

Study Design: Systematic review of three English language, peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials, published between 2001 and 2012

Data Sources: Two randomized controlled trials comparing temporal lobe resection surgery to antiepileptic drugs in the treatment of epileptic seizures, and one randomized controlled trial comparing 3.5 cm temporal lobe resection to 2.5 cm temporal lobe resection in the treatment of epileptic seizures. Studies were obtained by the author through the PubMed database.

Outcomes Measured: Primary outcome measured by the three studies was …

Is Desvenlafaxine Effective For Reducing Hot Flashes In Postmenopausal Females?, Maria Graziano

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not Desvenlafaxine is effective in reducing daily hot flashes in postmenopausal females.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three primary randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published after the year 2000 in the English language.

DATA SOURCES: Three double-blind, randomized controlled trials were found using PubMed and EBSCOhost Web. All trials selected compared treatment with Desvenlafaxine to a visually matched placebo.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Patients completed daily diary cards on which they recorded the number and severity of daily hot flashes from the screening period through the 12 weeks …

Is Aprepitant Effective In Preventing Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting?, Rebeccah M. Gomberg

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not aprepitant is effective in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled trials from 2012-2014.

DATA SOURCES: Three double-blind, randomized controlled trials comparing oral aprepitant with placebo. All articles were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The three studies measured nausea severity using a verbal rating system and number of episodes of nausea and vomiting recorded by a blinded study investigator.

RESULTS: Vallejo et al found that 29.7% of the patients in the placebo group vomited compared to 9.3% of …

Is Listening To Music While Exercising Effective In Reducing Stress?, Teresa Penetar

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not listening to music while exercising is effective in reducing stress.

Study Design: Review of three English language randomized control trials published in 2011 and 2013

Data Sources: The double-blind placebo-controlled randomized control trials were obtained via PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Pretest-posttest surveys included the SF-36 Health Survey to assess self-reported health-related quality of life, the Activation- Deactivation Adjective Check List (AD-ACL) to measure mood, and a 9-item measure to assess emotion.

Results: Listening to music while exercising increased pleasant emotions in all 3 studies. …

Is Polidocanol Foam Sclerotherapy Effective In Treating Varicose Veins As Compared To Conventional Treatments?, Sachi Patel

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Polidocanol foam sclerotherapy is effective in treating varicose veins as compared to conventional treatments.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials. All three studies are published in English between 2008 – 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized control trials were found using PubMED and Medline. The sources were selected based on the outcomes measured and how the studies and outcomes mattered to patients (POEMS).

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The patients’ assessment for quality of life analyzed by logistic regression model, Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CVIQ), EQ-5D model, Visual …

Is Enbrel (Etanercept) Safe And Effective In Treating Patients With Sciatic Nerve Pain Resulting From Lumbar Disc Herniation Or Spinal Stenosis?, Abigail Lee Ferry

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Enbrel (etanercept) is safe and effective in treating patients with sciatic nerve pain resulting from lumbar disc herniation or spinal stenosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled trials from 2012- 2013.

DATA SOURCES: One triple-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, one double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, and one prospective randomized clinical trial were found using PubMed. These studies compared treatment with etanercept to treatment with saline and steroids (dexamethasone or methylprednisolone).

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Clinical outcomes of leg and back pain were measured using …

Do Botulinum Toxin Injections Improve The Freezing Of Gait (Fog) Episodes Experienced By Parkinson’S Disease (Pd) Patients?, Caroline R. Poole

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not botulinum toxin injections improve the freezing of gait (FOG) episodes experienced by patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

STUDY DESIGN: This review is based on three randomized controlled trials published in 2004, 2005, and 2007. All of the studies compared the efficacy as well as safety of using botulin toxin injections to treat FOG episodes experienced by PD patients.

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

OUTCOMES MEASURED: For all studies, the safety and efficacy …

Does Cognitive Remediation Therapy (Crt) Improve The Neuropsychological Function In Patients With Anorexia Nervosa?, Lindsay M. Padden

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) improves the neuropsychological function in patients with anorexia nervosa.

STUDY DESIGNS: Review of two randomized controlled trials and one non-randomized case series, published in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

DATA SOURCES: The three studies used in this review were published in English and found in PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: For all studies, neuropsychological function, such as memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility, were measured using pre- and post-treatment questionnaires. One study used a computerized task-shifting paradigm to determine cognitive flexibility.

RESULTS: Brockmeyer et al. and …

Is Acupuncture An Effective Treatment For Women With Chronic Migraine?, Elham Oumer

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not acupuncture is effective in treating chronic migraine in women between the ages of 18-65.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two randomized controlled trials and one prospective controlled trial published in English language between 2009 and 2014.

DATA SOURCES: Two PCTs and one prospective CT published in peer reviewed journals, searched through PubMed, EBSCOhost.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome measured included improvement in quality of life, reduction in intensity and number of headache days. This were measured using 50% responders analysis, self reporting by participants, short form 36 (SF-36) …

Is Juvederm Ultra Plus Effective For Treatment Of Nasolabial Fold Wrinkles Over A One Year Period?, Meghan M. Maloney

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not Juvederm Ultra Plus is effective in treating nasolabial fold wrinkles over a one year period.

Study Design: Three blinded, 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, PubMed databases, and product package insert.

Outcome Measured: The outcomes measured were improvement in NLF wrinkle on a five point Wrinkle Assessment Scale compared to baseline.

Results: The studies by Lupo et al, Goodman …

Does Yoga Decrease Self-Report Of Antenatal Depression Among Healthy Pregnant Women Aged 18-40 Years Old In The 2nd And 3rd Trimesters?, Emily J. Moore

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not yoga decreases self-report of antenatal depression among healthy pregnant women aged 18-40 years old in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

Study Design: Review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer reviewed journals in 2013 and one RCT published in a peer reviewed journal in 2012 were used.

Data Source: Data sources included articles published in English in peer reviewed journals found using PubMed. Articles were selected based on their relevance to my clinical question.

Outcomes Measured: All four studies measured self-report of symptoms of …

Does Resistance Training Improve Mobility In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease?, F. Joe Yorio

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM is to determine whether or not resistance training is effective in improving mobility for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Study Design: Review of four English language randomized control trials (RCT) published between 2012-2013.

Data Sources: Articles used were RCTs and published in peer reviewed journals and found using Pubmed, JAMA, and NCBI.

Outcomes Measured: Effectiveness was measured by comparing a sham, or non-resistance based exercise group, to a resistance based group. Improvement in mobility was measured using UPDRS-III scores.

Results: Patients with Parkinson’s have slow and weak movements which should be improved with resistance …

Does Exogenous Melatonin Improve Quality Of Sleep In Patients Experiencing Sleep Disturbances Secondary To Chronic Diseases?, Blessen B. Thomas

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does exogenous melatonin improve quality of sleep in patients experiencing sleep disturbances secondary to chronic diseases?”

Study Design: Three Randomized, placebo-controlled studies (RCT) published in 2010, 2013 and 2008. Data Sources: All RCTs searched and located using PubMed database.

Outcomes Measured: Clinical outcome for all three articles using quality of sleep or quality of life questionnaires such as the Leeds Sleep Evaluation. All of which evaluated POEMs, and were self reported by participants.

Results: In a randomized control study (RCT) by Serfaty et al, sleep quality …

Is Vitamin D Supplementation Effective At Reducing Idiopathic Musculoskeletal (Mss) Pain?, Darra O. Markland

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine “Is Vitamin D supplementation effective at reducing idiopathic musculoskeletal (MSS) pain?”

Study Design: Review of primary studies published between the years 2012-2014.

Data Sources: One double blind randomized controlled trial (RCT), one semi-crossover RCT, and one before and after observational study. These were found using Cochrane Review and PubMed databases.

Outcomes Measured: Clinical outcomes were measured in these studies utilizing the Visual Analogue Scale for Pain, the 5-point Likert Pain Scale, the Standard Nordic Questionnaires and numerical grading of pain level, and number of pain sites before and after …

Does The Use Of Oral Amphetamines Reduce Cocaine Use In Cocaine-Dependent Individuals?, Kevin M. Strate

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of oral amphetamines reduces cocaine use in cocaine-dependent individuals.

Study Design: Review of three English language randomized control trials (RCTs) published in 2001, 2003 and 2004.

Data Sources: 3 randomized controlled trials published after 1999 were obtained using PubMed, OVID, and Medline.

Outcomes Measured: The efficacy of using d-amphetamine to promote cocaine use cessation in cocaine-dependent individuals, determined using immunoassay and mass spectrometric analysis to identify cocaine metabolites in the participant’s urine.

Results: Grabowski et al (2004) found a significant reduction in the use …

Is Tetrahydrocannabinol (Thc)/Cannabidiol (Cbd) Oromucosal Spray An Effective Adjuvant Therapy For Multiple Sclerosis Patients Who Suffer From Central Neuropathic Pain?, Evan Taxin

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/Cannabidiol (CBD) oromucosal spray an effective adjuvant therapy for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients who suffer from central neuropathic pain (CNP)?”

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials published between 2005-2013, all English language.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled studies were obtained using PubMed and MedLine.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome of each study was the subject’s incidence and severity of central neuropathic pain compared to their baseline at the beginning of the study. Outcomes were measured using an 11-point pain scale at various …

Is Pancrelipase Delayed Release Capsule (Creon) Safe For Use In Patients’ ≥7 Years Old Who Suffer From Pancreatic Insufficiency Due To Cystic Fibrosis?, Iman Shamloul

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Pancrelipase Delayed Release Capsule (Creon) is safe for use in patients’ ≥7 years old who suffer from pancreatic insufficiency due to cystic fibrosis.

Study Design: Systemic review of 3 English language primary studies, published between 2000-2010.

Data Sources: Two double blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as well as an open label phase study with a double blind phase comparing the safety of Pancrelipase Delayed Release Capsule (Creon) in treating pancreatic insufficiency in those suffering from Cystic Fibrosis. These studies were found using Cochrane Systematic Reviews and …

Is The Addition Of Vitamin D In Treatment For Asthma Effective In Children Less Than 18 Years Old?, Danielle M. Read

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the addition of vitamin D in treatment for asthma is effective in children less than 18 years old.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language, randomized, controlled, double blind studies after 1999.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized, controlled double blind studies comparing the addition of vitamin D with an inhaled corticosteroid in treatment of asthma with a control group of inhaled corticosteroid alone. All articles were found in PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each study assessed the number of asthma exacerbations or symptoms in the control group and in the …

Do Epidural Injections With Local Anesthetic With Steroids Have Superiority Over Injections With Local Anesthetic Alone When Treating Chronic Back Pain Due To An Intervertebral Disc Herniation In Men And Women Over 18 Years Old?, Julia S. Ross

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not, “Do epidural injections with local anesthetic with steroids have superiority over injections with local anesthetic alone when treating chronic back pain due to an intervertebral disc herniation in men and women over 18 years old?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three, double blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2011-2014, all in English language. The articles compared epidural injections containing local anesthetic with steroids to epidural injections containing local anesthetics alone.

DATA SOURCES: Three Randomized controlled trials found using PubMed. All articles were published in peer-reviewed journals …

Does Physical Activity, When Combined With Androgen Deprivation Therapy, Yield A Better Quality Of Life In Prostate Cancer Survivors?, Nicholas J. Ridolfi

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not physical activity, when combined with androgen deprivation therapy, yields a better quality of life in survivors of prostate cancer.

STUDY DESIGN: Three randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) were found using the PubMed and Cochrane databases. The studies compared regular physical activity in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured were self-reported quality of life surveys at different time intervals.

RESULTS: Two out of the three studies demonstrated statistically significant improvement in reported quality of life during the exercise programs. The third …

Does Cooling Therapy Improve Functional Mobility In Heat-Sensitive Adults Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis?, Jordan Robinaugh

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not cooling therapy improves functional mobility in heat-sensitive adults diagnosed with MS.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials published between 2007 and 2011, all in the English language.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials were found using the PubMed/MEDLINE database.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Functional mobility as measured by the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), postural control, exercise duration, walking speed, and timed up and go examinations.

RESULTS: In one study, MeyerHeim, et al. demonstrated significant improvements with the experimental intervention on the 25-foot walk, 9-hole …

Is Dance/Movement Therapy An Effective Treatment For Depression In Students?, Jillian R. Ranker

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence-based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is an effective treatment for depression in students.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three published, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between 2005 and 2013, all English language

DATA SOURCES: Three RCTs analyzing DMT use in depression were found using PudMed

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Decrease in depressive symptoms, measured by the Beck Depression Scale, a self-rated health questionnaire, and Symptom Check List-90-Revision (SCL- 90-R)

RESULTS: DMT resulted in lessened depressive symptoms for students in all three RCTs. Jeong et al. observed a significant decrease …

Is Narrowband Uvb Phototherapy In Combination With Nonsteroidal Topical Medications More Effective At Repigmentation Of Vitiligo Lesions When Compared To Narrowband Uvb Therapy Alone In Healthy Men And Women Between The Ages Of 11 And 69?, Cassandra Baier

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy in combination with nonsteroidal topical medications is more effective at repigmentation of vitiligo lesions when compared to NB-UVB therapy alone in healthy men and women between the ages of 11 and 69.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials written in English, two of which were published in 2014, and one in 2011.

DATA SOURCES: Studies were selected based on the method of study, the randomized- control structure of the studies, and the relevance to the clinical question, and all …

Is Topical Phenytoin Effective In Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers In Patients Over Age 18?, Jordan Byrd

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not topical phenytoin is effective in healing diabetic foot ulcers in patients over age 18.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials, published in 2011, 2013 and 2014.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of topical phenytoin to placebo in healing diabetic foot ulcers. Data sources found using PubMed and Google Scholar.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Greater than 50% reduction in ulcer area measured via graph paper tracings and area reduction calculations, discontinuation of slough and discharge from ulcers via blind observer decision, complete …

Does Oral Gabapentin Administered Prior To Scheduled Cesarean Delivery Decrease Pain With Movement In Adult Women At 24 Hours As Compared To Placebo?, Ashley E. Boller

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not oral gabapentin administered prior to scheduled cesarean delivery decreases pain with movement in adult women at 24 hours postpartum as compared to placebo.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language, peer-reviewed, primary studies published after 2000.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized, placebo-controlled trials comparing the efficacy of oral gabapentin to a lactose placebo in adult women undergoing elective cesarean delivery. Sources were selected from PubMed, Medline, Ovid, and the Cochrane Database to include all studies matching the keywords that were published in peer-reviewed, English language …

Does Nebulized Hypertonic Saline Solution Decrease Hospital Admission Rates When Compared To Nebulized Normal Saline In Children Less Than Or Equal To 24 Months Old With Bronchiolitis?, Korie Alecxih

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not nebulized hypertonic saline solution reduces hospital admission rates when compared to nebulized normal saline solution in children less than or equal to 24 months of age diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis in the emergency department setting.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trials in the English language all published in 2014.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources obtained for this review were articles published in peerreviewed journals found using PubMed Database.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome measured was hospital admission rate. Hospital admission rate is calculated …

Is Laser Therapy An Effective Alternative Treatment For Women With Fibromyalgia?, Michelle B. Astrove

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not, “Is the use of laser therapy an effective alternative treatment for women with fibromyalgia?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, published between 2002 and 2013.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found using Cochrane Systematic Reviews. These studies analyzed the effectiveness of laser therapy in women with fibromyalgia.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Main outcomes measured were improvement in pain, number of tender points, muscular spasm, skinfold tenderness, sleep disturbance, fatigue and morning stiffness measured by an ordinal likert scale, Pain and FM impact …