Diseases Commons^™

Is Yoga Effective In Reducing Fibromyalgia-­Related Symptoms In Women With Fibromyalgia?, Molly R. Beckmann

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not yoga is effective in reducing fibromyalgia-related symptoms in women with fibromyalgia.

Study Design: Review of two published double blind, randomized controlled trials published in 2010 and one before-after study published in 2012 were used for this review and selected based on their relevance to the clinical question

Data Source: Studies were found using PubMed, AMED, and CINAHL Plus.

Outcomes Measured: All three studies measured improvement of fibromyalgia symptoms based on a variety of well-validated measures, most notably the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Quality of Life Profile …

Does Far Infrared Therapy Reduce The Incidence Of Arteriovenous Fistula Malfunction In Patients With Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis?, Parker Barrett

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not far infrared therapy reduces the incidence of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) malfunction in patients with renal disease undergoing hemodialysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three primary randomized controlled trial studies published from 2007-2013.

DATA SOURCES: Three peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials studying the effectiveness of far infrared therapy in the preservation of native arteriovenous fistula function in patients with chronic kidney disease requiring hemodialysis. Data searches done in PubMed, CINAHL Plus and EBSCOhost.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Primary outcome measured was episodes of AVF malfunction due to stenotic complication. …

Is Treatment With Topical Glyceryl Trinitrate Effective In Reducing Elbow Pain In Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis?, Benjamin Chartier

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not treatment with topical glyceryl trinitrate is effective in reducing elbow pain in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Study Design: Review of two English language randomized controlled trials and one primary study published 2003, 2009, 2011.

Data Sources: Two double blind randomized controlled and one prospective comparison study comparing the effectiveness of gylceryl trinitrate to placebo in the treatment of pain related to lateral epicondylitis, found using PubMed, EBSCOhost, and CINAHL Plus.

Outcome(s) Measured: The outcome studied was patient self-rated elbow pain at rest, pain with activity, pain …

Will The Addition Of Oxaliplatin To 5-Fluorouracil (5fu), And Leucovorin Improve Disease Free Survival Of Patients With Stage Iii Colon Cancer Who Had Surgical Resection Of The Tumor?, Sarah Cotter

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the addition of oxaliplatin to 5FU and leucovorin will improve disease free survival of patients with stage III colon cancer who had surgical resection of the tumor.

Study Design: Review of three published, double blind randomized control trials in the English language in 2004, 2007, and 2009.

Outcomes Measured: The outcome is disease free survival of colon cancer. It is measured using periodic patient follow-up. History and PE, neuro assessment, liver and kidney function tests, CEA test, CBC, and imaging studies such as colonoscopy or barium …

Is Bevacizumab Effective In Inhibiting The Growth Of Recurrent Pterygium?, Sharon L. De La Cruz

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Bevacizumab is an effective treatment in inhibiting the growth of recurrent pterygium.

Study Design: Review of three published, English language randomized controlled trials published in 2010, 2012, and 2013.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials measuring the efficacy of Bevacizumab to inhibit the growth of recurrent pterygium were found using PubMed and OVID databases.

Outcome(s) Measured: The severity and progression of pterygium recurrence as well as corneal neovascularization were the main outcomes measured. Conjunctival injection, thickness, and size of the fibrovascular tissue were examined in subjects …

Is Ginger An Effective Treatment For Moderate Or Severe Dysmenorrhea In Females Over The Age Of 18?, Katy N. Degraw

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not ginger is a safe and effective treatment for moderate or severe dysmenorrhea in females over the age of 18.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled studies. All three studies are published in English between 2009-2013.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized placebo controlled studies found using PubMed and Medline.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes that were measured were severity of pain, duration of pain, change in symptoms, and change in severity. This was done by using a visual analogue scale, 5-point Likert scale, Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test, and verbal …

In Adult Patients With Pc-Bppv, Is The Semont Maneuver Effective In Reducing Symptoms Of Vertigo?, Gabriel D. Frampton

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not in adult patients with PC-BPPV, is the Semont Maneuver effective in reducing symptoms of vertigo?

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three published, randomized controlled trials (two double-blind and one single blinded), all English language.

DATA SOURCES: The three randomized controlled trials that were used for this review were found using PubMed and Medline. Articles were selected based on relevance and that the outcomes were patient oriented.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: Dix-Hallpike Test performed before and after the Semont Maneuver to asses nystagmus and questionnaires/self reported symptom status after the …

Is Tamoxifen Prophylaxis Effective In Reducing The Incidence Of Breast Cancer In Women Who Are At High Risk?, Maria Deveau

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this EBM review is to determine whether or not Tamoxifen prophylaxis is effective in reducing the incidence of breast cancer in woman who are at high risk.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published from 2005 to 2007.

DATA SOURCE: Three double-blind randomized control trials found using the PubMed and Cochrane database.

OUTCOME MEASURED: The primary outcome by all three studies included incidence of breast cancer.

RESULTS: Three double- blind randomized controlled trials were included in this review. Study by Powles et al showed statistically significant reduction in the incidents of breast cancer …

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 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 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 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 …

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 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 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 …

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 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 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 …

Are Probiotics Effective At Reducing The Symptoms Of Asthma In Children From Birth To Twelve-Years Old?, Rachel Sulat

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not probiotics are effective at reducing the symptoms of asthma in children ages birth to twelve-years old.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English-language, double-blinded randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 2010 and 2011.

DATA SOURCES: Three peer-reviewed RCTs were found using PubMed database. These studies compared probiotics to placebos in patients with episodes of wheezing.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Reduction in symptoms of asthma (particularly wheezing) measured with the use of diary cards and symptom scores.

RESULTS: Chen et al. demonstrated statistically significant improvement in daytime asthma symptoms in probiotic treated …

Is Temozolomide In Combination With Interferon Alpha-2b A Safe And Effective Treatment For Malignant Melanoma?, Kathleen Vincento

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not temozolomide in combination with interferon alpha-2b a safe and effective treatment for malignant melanoma.

Study Design: Review of three randomized controlled trials published in the United States and Britain between 2003 and 2005.

Data Sources: Three non-blind randomized controlled trials were found via Cochrane library and PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Efficacy was measured by survival greater than or equal to 12 months, with one (experimental) group receiving treatment with oral temozolomide (TMZ) and subcutaneous interferon alpha-2b (IFN-∝2b) and the other (control) group receiving oral TMZ alone. Safety …

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 …

Is Pomalidomide Plus Low Dose Dexamethasone An Effective And Safe Treatment For Patients With Relapsed Or Refractory Multiple Myeloma?, Matthew Westervelt

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not pomalidomide plus low dose Dexamethasone is an effective and safe treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

Study Design: Review of three open-label clinical trials with one published in 2012 and two published in 2013.

Data Sources: Two randomized, open-label, phase 2 clinical trials and one open-label phase 3 clinical trial evaluating efficacy of pomalidomide plus low dose dexamethasone and its safety were found using the PubMed database.

Outcomes Measured: Efficacy of pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone was measured by overall response rates (ORR) …

Does Exercise Reduce The Risk Of Falling In Parkinson’S Patients?, Michael J. Tansey

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not exercise reduces the risk of falls in Parkinson’s patients

Study Design: Review of three English language randomized control trials (RCTs) published in 2003, 2007 and 2010.

Data Sources: 3 randomized controlled trials published after 1999 were obtained using Pubmed.

Outcomes Measured: The Allen study used a Parkinson’s disease fall risk scoring. The Ashburn study used patient dairies to record incidence of falls. The Hirsch study used Sensory Orientation testing assessing the trials resulting in falls.

Results: Allen et al and Ashburn et al found no significant …