Diseases Commons^™

Are Berberine-Based Treatments Effective In Reducing Hemoglobin A1c (Hba1c%) In Adults With Type Ii Diabetes?, Queenie Douangpraseuth

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Are berberine-based treatments effective in reducing Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c%) in adults with type 2 diabetes?”

STUDY DESIGN: A review of 3 randomized control trials (RCTs) published between 2015 to 2020 DATA SOURCES: Articles were found on PubMed and Google scholar. Selected articles were published in peer-reviewed journals in English and were chosen based on applicability to clinical questions posed in the objective and meeting inclusion criteria.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: All three RCTs measured the mean HbA1c% over time. A blood sample is taken and laboratory tests are …

Is Acupuncture Effective In Reducing The Pain Intensity Due To Primary Dysmenorrhea?, Allison Eichenlaub

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: the objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not acupuncture is effective in reducing the pain intensity due to primary dysmenorrhea in women ages 15 to 35.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized control trials (RCTs) written in English, one of which was published in 2011 and two in 2013.

DATA SOURCES: Three non-blind randomized control trials published in peer reviewed journals found via PubMed.

OUTCOME MEASURED: Pain intensity due to primary dysmenorrhea was measured using visual analog scale (VAS), Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale (CMSS), and Cox Retrospective Symptom Scale (RSS COX2 – average …

Is Acupuncture, Including Electroacupuncture, Effective In Treating Pain In Plantar Fasciitis?, Alicia Campiglia

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether the use of acupuncture, including electroacupuncture, is effective in treating pain in patients with plantar fasciitis.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of 3 RCTs published between 2011-current, all in the English language.

DATA SOURCES: Three RCTs analyzed the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy compared to a control group using alternate analgesic therapies. All studies were found using EBSCOhost and PubMed and were selected based on relevance to the proposed clinical question.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the 3 articles analyzed the effectiveness of treating pain with acupuncture treatment in patients diagnosed with …

Are Statins An Effective Treatment In Men With Erectile Dysfunction?, Kelsey Caton

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not HMG-CoA Inhibitors (Statins) are an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language randomized controlled trials published between 2011-2013.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals comparing the effects of statins on erectile function found using the PubMed database.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured included erectile function, assessed using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction Questionnaire (IIEF) in all three studies and Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT) in one study, and male ED-quality of life using the MED-QoL …

Does Ivabradine Improve Quality Of Life In Cardiovascular Disease Patients?, Daniel E. Lynch

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this review is to determine whether ivabradine therapy can improve the quality of life in cardiovascular disease patients.

Study Design: The studies included in this review are one randomized control study and two double blind randomized control studies from 2008, 2010, and 2012.

Data Source: The three studies in this review were obtained by performing a PubMed search using the keywords “ivabradine” and random control trial.” All articles were published in English and in peer-reviewed journals.

Outcomes Measured: The three studies ascertained whether there was a decrease in hospitalization events within coronary artery disease and heart …

Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Relieve Post-Concussion Symptoms And Improve Quality Of Life?, Kevin (Sung Min) Lee

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not hyperbaric oxygen therapy relieves post-concussion symptoms and improve quality of life.

Study Design: Review of three randomized controlled trials published in English in peer review journals.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials which evaluated the therapeutic benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy compared to control group that did not receive any treatment. All studies were found in PubMed database.

Outcomes Measured: All three studies analyzed the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on quality of life. Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) and EQ-VAS questionnaire were used to measure …

Does Music Therapy Reduce Anxiety Levels In End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis?, Andrew C. Konopacki

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not music therapy reduces anxiety levels in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic Review of two randomized controlled trials and one crossover study published in English in 2008, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

DATA SOURCES: Two non-blind randomized controlled trials and one cross-over study were found via PubMed and EBSCOhost databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Subjective Anxiety Levels were measured in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis pre and posttest via patient self-reporting. An anxiety level survey graded on a scale of 1-10 was used in the study by …

Is Safinamide Effective As An Add-On Medication In Treating Parkinson's Disease Motor Symptoms?, Erin E. Kilonsky

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not “Is safinamide effective as an add-on medication in treating Parkinson's disease motor symptoms?”

Study Design: Review of three randomized, controlled studies published in peer reviewed journals in English between 2012-2014.

Data Sources: The three randomized, double-blind clinical trials were found via PubMed and EBSCOhost Web. Articles were selected based on relevance, the date of publication, and whether or not they included patient outcomes.

Outcomes Measured: Among other measures, each trial measured improvement in motor symptoms using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III (motor) scores, …

How Effective Is Acupuncture In Treating Cancer-Related Fatigue In Adult Cancer Patients?, Anita Elizabeth Kurian

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not acupuncture is an effective course of treatment for improving cancer-related fatigue in adult cancer patients.

DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled studies published from 2006-2012.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials studying the effects of acupuncture therapy on cancer-related fatigue were found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three trials assessed the efficacy and clinical improvement of cancer-related fatigue after acupuncture therapy. Results were measured on the Functional Assessment of Chronic-Illness Therapy-Fatigue Subscale (FACIT-F) or the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory …

Is Laser Therapy Effective At Relieving Pain In Adult Patients With Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis?, Kevin Jackson

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not laser therapy is effective at relieving pain in adult patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials published in 2009, 2009, and 2013.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials were obtained using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The symptom of pain was measured for improvement by patient survey of visual analog pain scales.

RESULTS: Prasad et al. (2013), Tezel et al. (2009), and Zand et al. (2009) all demonstrated improvement in a majority of the subjects’ pain relief from treatment with laser …

Is A Vitamin Supplement Effective In Treatment Of Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers?, Annalyse Grayson

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this EBM review is to determine whether or not a daily vitamin supplement is effective treatment for recurrent aphthous ulcers.

STUDY DESIGN: A review of 3 randomized control trials. All three trials are in English between 2009-2014.

DATA SOURCES: 3 randomized double blind placebo-controlled parallel-arm single center trials were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the RCTs measured the efficacy of treatment for RAU in patients with aphthous ulcer outbreaks for at least a year or at least one to three outbreaks a month. This was performed by subjects of the study reporting on efficacy …

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 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 …

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) …

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 …

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 …

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 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 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 …