Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Does Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation (T-Vns) Reduce Seizure Frequency In Adult Patients With Pharmacoresistent Epilepsy?, Scott Poirier

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation is an effective measure in reducing seizure frequency in adult patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy.

Study Design This systematic review comprises a randomized controlled trial and an observational pilot study, both published in 2014, as well as a double-blind randomized control trial published in 2016.

Data Sources All articles were published and displayed in English. The articles were obtained via the PubMed database.

Outcomes Measured Reductions in average seizure frequency were analyzed based on data from patient seizure diaries. Secondary outcomes, including quality …

Is Metoclopramide Effective In Treating Symptoms In Diabetic Gastroparesis?, Prachi Patel

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not is metoclopramide effective in treating symptoms in diabetic gastroparesis?

Study Design: Systematic review of 1 controlled randomized double blinded study, 1 controlled randomized open label study, and 1 controlled open label case analysis published in peer reviewed journals between 2012-2014, all in English language.

Data Sources: 1 randomized double blinded study, 1 randomized open label study, and 1 case analysis comparing symptom reduction of gastroparesis after the intervention of nasal and oral metoclopramide compared to placebo controls. These sources were found using PubMed and OVID.

Outcomes …

Is Curcumin An Effective Treatment For Major Depressive Disorder?, Virginia Hoptman

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not curcumin is an effective treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2017.

DATA SOURCES: Two of the studies were randomized, double-blind, and placebo controlled. The third study was a randomized controlled trial. All three studies were chosen due to relevance to the clinical question and if they included patient oriented outcomes. The studies were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes of the studies were measured using self-report scales on each patient’s mood. The …

Is The Use Of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids As Adjunctive Therapy Effective In Reducing Symptom Severity In Adult Schizophrenia Patients?, Desiree Goenaga

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) as adjunctive therapy is effective in reducing symptom severity in adult schizophrenia patients.

STUDY DESIGN: A selective review of three peer-reviewed, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials published between the years of 2008 and 2016.

DATA SOURCES: All three randomized control trials were published in English and were selected from peer-reviewed journals via EmBase and PubMed based on relevance to the clinical question posed above and that the outcomes measured in the studies mattered to patients, or were “patient oriented.” …

Is Postoperative Consumption Of Coffee Effective In Reducing Postoperative Ileus?, Samantha L. Moran

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is postoperative consumption of coffee effective in reducing postoperative ileus?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials written in the English language and were published in 2017, 2015, and 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized control trials were found via PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Time in days from the end of surgery until the first passage of stool recorded by patient, or time measured in hours reported by nursing staff.

RESULTS: Dulkskas, et al. (2015) found that the time until the first bowel movement (measured in days) …

Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (Prp) A More Effective Treatment In Reducing Pain Than Corticosteroid (Cs) Injections In Musculoskeletal Injuries?, Nicole Gazzola

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not, “Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) a more effective treatment in reducing pain than corticosteroid (CS) injections in musculoskeletal injuries?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three, double blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published between 2013 and 2016, all in the English language were included. The articles compared platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroid (CS) injections to a visually matched placebo of saline in regard to reduction of pain from baseline in varying different musculoskeletal injuries.

DATA SOURCES: Three RCTs were found using PubMed and Google Scholar. All articles were published …

Is Sildenafil Citrate Effective In Treating Erectile Dysfunction Secondary To Upper Motor Neuron Spinal Cord Injury?, Mackayla R. Probasco

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is sildenafil citrate effective in treating erectile dysfunction secondary to upper motor neuron spinal cord injury?”

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three peer-reviewed primary studies published in English between the years of 2008 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials and one open, before-after study, evaluating if sildenafil citrate is effective in treating erectile dysfunction secondary to upper motor neuron (UMN) spinal cord injury (SCI). Data sources collected using Alt HealthWatch, CINAHL Plus and PubMed.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: The clinical outcome of erectile function …

Is Pitolisant Effective In Reducing Excessive Daytime Sleepiness And Cataplexy In Adults With Narcolepsy?, Christina M. Michael

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not pitolisant is effective in reducing excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in adults with narcolepsy.

Study Design: Review of two randomized control trials (RCTs) published in 2013 and 2017, and one prospective, placebo-controlled, single-blind study published in 2008.

Data Sources: All articles were published in English and taken from peer-reviewed journals, which were found using the PubMed database.

Outcomes Measured: The outcomes of investigation measured include excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) assessed by change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, and cataplexy rate calculated from recorded cataplexy attacks …

Are D-Mannose Pills An Effective Form Of Prophylaxis For Women Prone To Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections?, Kasey L. O'Leary

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not are D-mannose pills an effective form of prophylaxis for women prone to recurrent urinary tract infections?

Study Design: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2014-2016, all in the English language.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the effectiveness of D-mannose as prophylaxis against recurrent UTI in women as compared to control groups either given no prophylaxis and or antibiotic prophylaxis. All studies were found using PubMed and the Cochrane library.

Outcomes Measured: All three studies measured the number of …

Is Treadmill Training Effective In Improving Postural Instability, Balance, And Gait In Patients With Parkinson Disease?, Katelyn A. Matekovic

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not treadmill training is effective in improving postural instability, balance, and gait in patients with Parkinson disease.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three peer-reviewed primary studies published between the years of 2013 and 2017.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of treadmill training for improving postural instability, balance, and gait for patients with Parkinson Disease. Sources were selected from PubMed based off of the relevance to the clinical question and if they include patient oriented outcome measures.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured in …

Can Yoga Therapy Help To Decrease Osteoarthritis-Related Pain In Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis?, Justin Mahr

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not yoga therapy can help to decrease osteoarthritis-related pain in adults with knee osteoarthritis.

Study Design: A review of two randomized controlled trials and one randomized control trial pilot study that were published in English in peer-reviewed journals after 2007.

Data Sources: All articles were selected from peer-reviewed journals and found via PubMed.

Outcome(s) Measured: Patient perception of pain using either a Walking Numerical Rating Scale (WNRS) and/or a Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index scale (WOMAC).

Results: All three studies …

Is Gabapentin Effective In Reducing Heavy Drinking And Alcohol Related Insomnia In Alcohol Dependent Patients?, Benjamin Michalsky

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is gabapentin effective in reducing heavy drinking and alcohol related insomnia in alcohol dependent patients?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, one published in 2008 and two others in 2013.

DATA STUDIES: Three double blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) analyzing the effects of gabapentin therapy in attempting to reduce heavy drinking and alcohol related insomnia in alcohol dependent patients were found via PubMed and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The reduction in alcohol consumption and improvement in alcohol related insomnia were measured through the …

Is Tildrakizumab Monotherapy Effective In Treating Moderate To Severe Plaque Psoriasis?, April L. Wiseman

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not tildrakizumab monotherapy is effective in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Study Design: Systemic review of three randomized placebo controlled clinical trials published in 2015 and 2017.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals comparing the effects of IV or subcutaneous tildrakizumab to a visually matched placebo for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Data sources were found using the PubMed database.

Outcomes Measured: The reduction of psoriatic lesions following treatment was measured using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75 …

Is Bosutinib Effective And Safe Enough To Be Used As A First Line Treatment Option For Patients Who Suffer From Chronic Myeloid Leukemia?, Alison Mcgoldrick

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not bosutinib is effective and safe enough to be used as a fist line treatment option for patients who suffer from chronic myeloid leukemia.

STUDY DESIGN: This review consists of two randomized control trials and one cohort study.

DATA SOURCES: All articles were written in English and selected from peer reviewed articles published in PubMed or OVID. All articles were published between 2016 and 2018. Inclusion criteria that was used for the selection of studies for this review paper involved patients over the age of 18 who …

Is Virtual Reality An Effective Tool For Reducing Procedural Pain In Pediatric Patients?, Rachel M. Wiegand

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence-based medicine review is to determine whether or not, “Is virtual reality an effective tool for reducing procedural pain in pediatric patients?”

STUDY DESIGN: Included the review of three English language primary studies, published between 2014 and 2018. Articles were selected based on outcomes measured and relevance to the objective.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed was utilized to find two randomized controlled trials and one quasiexperimental study. The selected studies analyzed how the use of virtual reality impacted the amount of pain experienced by the pediatric patient undergoing either a venipuncture or burn wound care procedure. …

Is Acupuncture A Beneficial Therapy For The Treatment Of Alcohol Dependence?, Jamie E. Mcginn

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not acupuncture is a beneficial therapy for the treatment of alcohol dependence.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trails (RCTs) which were published in 2007, 2015, and 2016.

DATA SOURCES: All articles were presented in English and taken from peer reviewed journals found on PubMed.

OUTCOMES: The various symptoms of alcohol dependence; from withdrawal, cravings, and use were assessed through various methods. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms were assed using the alcohol-withdrawal syndrome scale, alcohol craving was assed using a Visual Analogue Scale, and alcohol use was measured …

Are Substances Found In Green Tea Effective In Reducing Inflammatory And Noninflammatory Lesion Counts In Men And Women With Acne Vulgaris?, Kimberly I. Ward

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the substances found in green tea are effective in reducing noninflammatory and inflammatory lesion counts in men and women with acne vulgaris.

STUDY DESIGN: Systemic review of two double-blind RCTs and one case study published after 2008, all in the English language.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources obtained for this review were found using PubMed, published in peer-reviewed journals and selected based on relevance to the clinical question, outcomes measured and date published.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes were measured based off of reduction in total lesion counts, …

Does Grounding To The Earth Reduce Subjective Experience Of Pain?, Adam Umbro

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not grounding to the earth reduces subjective experience of pain.

STUDY DESIGN: This paper evaluates one double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial, one randomized placebo-controlled trial, and one prospective cohort trial investigating the efficacy of grounding in reducing subjects’ experience of pain.

DATA SOURCES: All articles were published in English language peer-reviewed journals and accessed through PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome measured in this review is the subjective experience of pain by study participants. Pain levels are measured using a visual-analog pain scale or pain survey.

RESULTS: Two studies …

Is Bovine Lactoferrin Effective In Preventing Diarrhea In Infants And Toddlers?, Kateryna Toganov

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective evidence-based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether bovine lactoferrin is effective in preventing diarrhea in infants and toddlers.

Study design: Review of three English-language primary randomized controlled trials published between 2007 and 2016.

Data sources: Three double-blind controlled trials comparing bovine lactoferrin to placebo were found using PubMed.

Outcomes measured: Incidence and incidence rate of diarrhea in episodes/child/year were measured using the information provided by the caregivers and the healthcare records obtained from a hospital or clinic.

Results: King et al. found that there was no statistically significant difference in incidence of diarrhea …

Is Ginger An Effective Treatment For Reducing The Severity Of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea In Breast Cancer Patients?, Julina Taurino

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is ginger an effective treatment for reducing the severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea in breast cancer patients?”

Study Design: The systematic review of three English language, peer reviewed, randomized control trials have been published between 2015 and 2016.

Data Sources: Three randomized control trials were obtained using the PubMed database. One single-blind randomized control trial, one double-blinded randomized control trial, and one double-blind Phase II-III randomized control trial.

Outcomes Measured: The participants of the trials graded the severity of nausea after the intervention of ginger or the …

Is Frozen Fecal Microbiota Transplantation As Effective As Fresh Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Via Colonoscopic Versus Nasogastric Tube Administration In Treating Adults With Clostridium Difficile Infection?, Baylee D. Summers

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “is frozen fecal microbiota transplantation as effective as fresh fecal microbiota transplantation via colonoscopic versus nasogastric tube administration in treating adults with Clostridium difficile infection?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) and one randomized, open-label, controlled pilot study published between 2014 and 2017. Each included study was published in a peer reviewed journal in English language.

DATA SOURCES: Two RCTs and one pilot study were researched via PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Resolution of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) was measured via written subject diaries of …

Is Craniosacral Therapy Effective In The Reduction Of Pain Intensity In Individuals With Non-Specific Neck And/Or Back Pain?, Melissa A. Stefanosky

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not craniosacral therapy is effective in the reduction of pain intensity in individuals with non-specific neck and/or back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A systemic review of three peer reviewed journal articles published in 2014 and 2016.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials comparing craniosacral therapy to sham treatment, classic massage and/or trigger point therapy. These data sources were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Pain intensity in the neck and/or back, measured by using a 10- point numeric pain rating scale and the visual analogue scale.

RESULTS: …

Is Sublingual Buprenorphine Treatment Effective And Efficient When Compared To Traditional Neonatal Opium Solution (Morphine) In Treating Newborns With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?, Abigail G. Stefanides

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether sublingual buprenorphine treatment is effective and efficient when compared to traditional neonatal opium solution (morphine) in treating newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

Study Design: Review of one randomized active-control clinical trial, one randomized doubleblind, double-dummy clinical trial, and one retrospective cohort analysis.

Data Sources: All articles were published in English between the years of 2011 and 2017. Articles were obtained from peer-reviewed journals and databases using PubMed and Embase.

Outcomes: Outcomes measured were length of stay using the neonates birth date and hospital discharge date as well …

Does Lavender Oil Improve Sleep Quality In Adults Ages 18 To 65 Years Old?, Staci Sommerfeld

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not lavender oil is an effective therapy in improving the overall sleep quality in patients ages 18 to 65 years old.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of one double-blind two-stage randomized control trial (RCT), one double-blind RCT, and one single-blind RCT.

DATA SOURCES: All articles were published in English and were taken from peer reviewed sources using CINAHL Plus and Alt HealthWatch. All articles used were published between 2010-2015.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Two of the article’s outcomes were based on the patient selfreporting improved sleep quality using the Pittsburgh …

Does Probiotic Supplementation Help Decrease Pain And Number Of Tender Joints In Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis?, Brittany Snyder

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “probiotic supplementation helps decrease pain and number of tender joints in adults with rheumatoid arthritis?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three double-blind, randomized control trials published between 2008 and 2018. All studies were published in English in peer reviewed journals.

DATA SOURCES: Three double-blind, randomized control trials were found via PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured included number of tender joints from baseline to end of study counted by an investigator, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain severity, and a Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire visual analog scale …

Does Yoga Improve Symptoms In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease?, Victoria L. Starner

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not yoga improved symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three peer-reviewed primary studies published between 2014 and 2018.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials and one before and after case study evaluating if yoga can improve symptoms for patients who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

OUTCOMES MEASURES: The outcomes that were measured were balance and movement speed. Balance was measured using single leg balance test, single leg stance, and Berg Balance Scale. Movement speed, bradykinesia, was measured using the Unified Parkinson’s …

Is Methylphenidate Effective In Reducing Apathy Among Alzheimer’S Disease Patients?, Jeremy Rinaldi

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is methylphenidate effective in reducing apathy among Alzheimer’s disease patients?”

STUDY DESIGN Systematic review of two randomized controlled trials published in 2008 and 2013 and one open label study published in 2010.

DATA SOURCES Two randomized controlled trials and one open label study were obtained using PubMed and Medline.

OUTCOMES MEASURED The focus of this review is to determine the efficacy of methylphenidate in decreasing symptoms of apathy in Alzheimer’s disease patients. The efficacy of methylphenidate was assessed in all three studies by using the Apathy …

Is Virtual Reality For Acute Pain Reduction In Adolescents Undergoing Burn Wound Care Effective?, Michelle Wood

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of virtual reality (VR) is an effective method of pain reduction in adolescents undergoing burn wound care.

STUDY DESIGN: Includes a review of two English based randomized controlled trials, and one English based descriptive exploratory study. These studies were published in 2007-2014.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials (RCT’s) and one exploratory study were found searching PubMed database. Both the random control trials and the exploratory study compare the use of virtual reality interventions against either medical management only or a combination of medical …

Is Radioembolization A Safer Treatment Than Chemoembolization In Patients With Primary Liver Cancer (Hcc)?, Tram Vu

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not radioembolization is safer treatment comparing to chemoembolization in patients with primary liver cancer (HCC)

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled studies published between 2014 and 2016.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials (RCT) were found using PubMed and Medline database.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Eligible patients were randomly selected and divided into two groups: one group received radioembolization with Y-90 (TARE Y-90) while the other group received chemoembolization (TACE). Adverse events after post treatment were recorded and compared between TARE Y-90 and TACE.

RESULTS: …

Does Secukinumab Improve Self-Reported Quality Of Life In Patients With Moderate-To-Severe Ankylosing Spondylitis When Taken Regularly?, Ryan Yenovkian

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not secukinumab improves self-reported quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe ankylosing spondylitis when taken regularly.

Study design: A systematic review of three randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs), published in peer-reviewed journals between 2013 and 2015, all in the English language. Data sources: All three studies were found and accessed on PubMed.

Outcomes measured: Patient quality of life was assessed in all three studies using the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) questionnaire and reported as mean change from baseline. ASQoL is scored from 0-18 with a higher …