Medical Specialties Commons^™

Are Ceramide Containing Creams A Safe And Effective Treatment For Patients With Atopic Dermatitis?, Jennifer M. Francis

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not ceramide containing creams are a safe and effective treatment for patients with atopic dermatitis.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled studies published in English between 2009-2016.

DATA SOURCES: Three assessor blind randomized controlled trials found using PubMed and EbscoHOST databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three trials assessed safety and efficacy of a ceramide containing cream compared with another method in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Outcomes were measured by Eczema Severity Score (ESS), rating of skin dryness on a 0-4 …

Does Using Music Therapy Improve Levels Of Perceived Dyspnea In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd)?, Jessica Duong

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective systematic review is to determine whether or not “Does using music therapy improve levels of perceived dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three studies published in English between 2003 to 2009. Studies included two randomized controlled trials and one controlled crossover design trial.

DATA SOURCES: Three trials analyzing the utilization of music therapy and the effects on dyspnea in COPD were found via PubMed.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: The outcome measured was level of perceived dyspnea via Visual Analogue Dyspnea Scales (VADS), Basal Dyspnea Index, …

Is Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Safe And Effective In Reducing Adhd Symptoms?, Jordan A. Drelich

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The purpose of this careful EBM review is to determine whether lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) is safe and effective in reducing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Study Design: A systematic review of two randomized controlled studies and one double-blind, 2-arm, parallel-group placebo-controlled RWP published between 2011-2014, all in the English language.

Data Sources: Two randomized controlled trials and one double-blind, 2-arm, parallel-group placebo-controlled RWP published between 2011 and 2014 which were found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

Outcomes Measured: ADHD global symptomatic improvement was measured using Clinical Global Impressions – Severity of Illness (CGI-S), Clinical Global Impression-Improvement …

Do Pcsk9 Monoclonal Antibodies Plus Soc Prevent Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events In Adults With Hypercholesterolemia Compared To Placebo Plus Soc?, Amy Doyle

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies plus SOC prevent major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with hypercholesterolemia compared to placebo plus SOC.

Study Design: This review is using one double-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) and two open-label RCTs investigating alirocumab and evolocumab, published in 2014 and 2015.

Data sources: Articles were found on PubMed, and were published in peer-reviewed journals in English.

Outcome Measured: The outcome measured was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which included death, MI, hospitalization for unstable angina, revascularization, or cerebrovascular event. …

Is Rolapitant Effective In Reducing The Incidence Of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea And Vomiting (Cinv) In Patients Receiving Emetogenic Chemotherapy?, Brandon E. Eberts

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not rolapitant is safe and effective in reducing the incidence of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy.

Study Design: This review is based on three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) all published in 2015. The studies compared the safety and efficacy of rolapitant in decreasing the incidence of CINV.

Data Sources: All articles used were published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, and found using PubMed and the Cochrane Review database.

Outcomes Measured: All included studies measured the safety and …

In Patients Over Sixty Years Old With A Primary Hip Fracture, Is Home Based Therapy Effective For Restoring Functional Abilities?, Florence M. Fournier

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not homebased therapy is effective for restoring functional abilities in patients over sixty with a primary hip fracture.

STUDY DESIGN: This review consists of two RCTs and one randomized clinical trial published in the English language between the years 2014 and 20 15.

DATA SOURCES: Articles were published in peer reviewed journals and compared home-based therapy as an intervention following a primary hip fracture to individuals solely documentation of post-surgical care using Cochrane and PubMed databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The specific outcomes measured varied …

Is Mindfulness-Based Therapy Effective In Increasing Total Sleep Time In Adults?, Johanna F. Detwiler

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not mindfulness-based therapy is effective in increasing total sleep time in adults.

Study design: Review of three randomized controlled trials published in 2011, 2014 and 2015, all English language.

Data source-The three randomized controlled trials that were used in this review were found using PubMed.

Outcomes measured: Total sleep time, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, number of awakenings, time in bed, subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medications, and daytime dysfunction were …

Do Submental Deoxycholic Acid Injections Reduce Submental Fat In Adult Patients Enough To Create A Significant Increase In Patient Satisfaction?, Alec W. Curry

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Submental deoxycholic acid injections reduce submental fat in adult patients enough to create a significant increase in patient satisfaction”

Study Design: Review of 3 double blind, randomized control trials that were selected based on their relevance to the clinical question.

Data Sources: All three peer-reviewed articles were found using PubMed and Cochrane Database. The keywords “ATX-101”, “submental fat”, and “deoxycholic acid” were used.

Outcomes Measured: Satisfaction with appearance in association with face and chin evaluated by a patient reported subject self-rating scale …

Is Botox A Safe And Effective Treatment To Reduce Symptoms Of Depression?, Bradin T. Carter

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Botox is a safe and effective treatment to reduce symptoms of depression?

Study Design: The review is based on three Randomized Control Trials that were double-blind and placebo controlled clinical trials.

Data Source: All articles were researched and found using PubMed and Medline. The articles were selected based on the relevance to my clinical question and if the articles included patient oriented outcomes (POEMS).

Outcomes Measured: The outcomes were measured by the improvement of depressive symptoms (sleep disturbances, suicide ideations, change in …

Is The Use Of Kinesio Tape (Kt) Effective In Improving Gross Motor Functionality Throughout The Sit-To-Stand Transfer Activity In Children With Cerebral Palsy (Cp)?, Rachel L. Dodies

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Kinesio tape (KT) is effective in improving gross motor functionality throughout the sit-to-stand transfer activity in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Study Design: Review of three English language primary studies published between 2011 and 2015.

Data Sources: One not-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT), one single-blind RCT, and one cross-sectional study were found using the PubMed database.

Outcomes Measured: The outcomes that were measured were improvement in gross motor function, sitting posture, functional independence, balance, ambulation, and agility from sitting to standing. This …

Is L-Theanine An Effective Treatment For Reducing Anxiety In Patients Ages 18-25?, Nicole Bubes

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not L-theanine, an amino acid analogue found in green tea leaves, is an effective treatment for reducing anxiety in patients ages 18-25.

Study design: Review of two double-blind, randomized controlled studies and one single-blind, randomized controlled study published in 2007, 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Data sources: PubMed

Outcome(s) measured: Each study measured L-theanine’s ability to reduce acute anxiety with a series of self-report measures assessing acute anxiety and stress, including the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the visual analogue scales (VAS), State-Trait Anxiety …

Is Oral Vitamin D Supplementation Safe And Effective For Adults As Therapy To Improve Symptoms Associated With Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad) During Wintertime?, James Berking

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not oral vitamin D supplementation is safe and effective for adults as therapy to improve symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during wintertime.

Study Design: This review is based on three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which were published in 2006, 2012, 2014. Two of the studies were double blind and placebo controlled. The studies evaluated the efficacy of oral vitamin D supplementation for improvement of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms. One of the studies also evaluated safety.

Data Sources: All articles used were …

Is The Use Of Triamcinolone (Tac) In Combination With 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) More Effective Than Tac Alone In The Treatment Of Keloid Scars?, Jenna A. Barreto

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of the selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is the use of triamcinolone (TAC) in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is more effective than TAC alone in the treatment of keloid scars?”

Study Design: Review of two (2) published, randomized control trials (RCT) and one (1) published, observational case control study (OCCS) in 2009 and 2014. All are in English.

Data Sources: The two (2) RCTs and the OCCS. Both were found using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Reduction in scar height and evolution of symptoms, specifically pain and pruritus. Other outcomes measured …

Does Adalimumab Effectively Treat Moderate To Severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis In Adults?, Anthony J. Audia

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does adalimumab effectively treat moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adults?”

STUDY DESIGN: This review is based on two randomized controlled trials and one retrospective study. The studies compared the efficacy of adalimumab in reducing the body surface area affected by plaque psoriasis.

DATA SOURCES: All articles used in this review are peer reviewed journals, published in English, and found using PubMed and Ebscohost.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: For all studies, the effectiveness of adalimumab on moderate to severe plaque psoriasis was evaluated using …

Is Ginkgo Biloba Effective In Managing The Symptoms Of Adhd And Does It Exhibit Lower Adverse Side Effects As Compared To The Current Standard Of Treatment?, Joshua Meir Alge

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not ginkgo biloba is effective in managing the symptoms of ADHD and if it exhibits lower adverse side effects as compared to the current standard of treatment.

Study Design: Systematic review of three English language studies, two of which were randomized, double blind, controlled trials (one positive controlled, one placebo controlled), and one open prospective cohort study, published between 2009-2015.

Data Source: Two randomized, double blind, controlled trials (one positive controlled, one placebo controlled), and one open prospective cohort study. In one …

Is Combination Nivolumab And Ipilimumab Safe And Effective In Patients With Melanoma?, Jacob L. Toscano

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not combination nivolumab and ipilimumab is safe and effective in patients with melanoma.

Study design: Review of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2015, and one cohort study published in 2013.

Data Sources: All of the articles were published in English language, peer reviewed journals and were found using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

Outcomes Measured: The safety of combination nivolumab and ipilimumab was measured by treatment-related grade 3 or 4 adverse effects. The effectiveness was measured by progression-free survival, which is based …

Is Oral Isotretinoin More Effective Than Antibiotics In The Treatment Of Severe Acne In Adults?, Eric Thomas

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of oral isotretinoin is more effective than oral antibiotics in the treatment of severe acne.

Study Design: Review of all English language primary studies published after year 2000.

Data Sources: Three randomized control trials all found using PubMed. Outcomes Measured: Total number and percentage change in total acne lesions from baseline at various intervals.

Results: A randomized control trial (RCT) by Gollnick et al. (2001) found that oral isotretinoin was more effective than combination therapy involving minocycline in treating severe …

Is Pharmacologic Therapy For Blood Pressure Control Effective At Reducing Symptoms And Improving Quality Of Life In Patients With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (Pots)?, Christopher S. Sokalski

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not pharmacologic therapy for blood pressure control effective at reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

Study Design Systematic review of two single blind crossover randomized control trials published in 2009 and 2012 and one retrospective case control study published in 2009.

Data Sources Three studies were obtained using PubMed. Outcomes Measured Self reported symptoms of POTS and the Vanderbilt POTS symptom scoring system as well as quality of life in patients.

Results Raj et al. (2009), Coffin et …

Do Minimalist Running Shoes Cause Harm To Runners?, Alex R. Tabone

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Is Radiofrequency Energy A Safe And Effective Treatment For Reducing Symptoms Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease In Patients 18 Years Or Older?, Kristen L. Schaffer

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not “Is radiofrequency energy a safe and effective treatment for reducing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients 18 years or older?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two double-blind, randomized control trials and one double-blind, randomized cross-over study published between 2003 and 2012. All studies were published in the English language in peer reviewed journals.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials and one randomized cross-over study were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured include changes in GERD symptom scores for …

Is Platelet Rich Plasma Injection An Effective Treatment For Hair Loss In Androgenic Alopecia And Alopecia Areata?, Maciej Stanczak

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Platelet Rich Plasma is efficacious in regrowth of hair in both androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.

Study Design: Review of two blinded randomized controlled trials and one prospective cohort study. Populations studied were Adults over 18 with hair loss. All articles published in peer-reviewed journals in English.

Data Source: 3 articles found via PubMed and NCBI

Outcomes Measured: One prospective cohort study, and two randomized control trials evaluating hair regrowth after PRP scalp injections. Outcomes were reported by patient satisfaction, mean hair …

Is Cariprazine Effective And Safe In Treating Acute Mania In Bipolar I Disorder?, Evan A. Reaume

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is cariprazine effective and safe in treating acute mania in bipolar I disorder?”

Study Design: This review is based on three double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English, in 2015. These studies compared both the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of cariprazine in the treatment of acute mania in bipolar I disorder.

Data sources: Three double-blind, placebo-controlled, RCTs published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, and found using Medline, Pubmed, and Cochrane Review databases.

Outcomes Measured: The primary efficacy scale used in all …

Are Cams Safe And Effective In Improving Symptoms Of Adult Patients Over The Age Of 18 With Active Crohn Disease?, Amy Pellerito

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not complimentary and alternative medicines are safe and effective in improving symptoms of adult patients over the age of 18 with active Crohn disease.

Study design: A review of three published, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one published in 2010, and the second and third in 2014. All English language.

Data source: All 3 RCT’s were found using PubMed.

Outcomes measured: All three studies measured improvement of Crohn disease symptoms through the Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Hamilton’s Depression Scale (HAMD), the Inflammatory Bowel …

Is The Use Of The Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ningdong Granule, A Safe And Effective Alternative To Haloperidol For The Treatment Of Tic Symptoms In Pediatric Patients With Tourette Syndrome (Ts)?, Vincent Russell

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether the Chinese herbal supplement, Ningdong granule, is a safe and effective alternative to haloperidol for the treatment of tic symptoms in pediatric patients with Tourette Syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials published in 2009, 2010, and 2012.

DATA SOURCES Three randomized controlled trials were obtained using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED Efficacy of Ningdong granule (NDG) as compared to control groups based on decrease in tic severity and frequency as reported by Yale Global Tic Severity Scale as well as safety, as evidenced by prevalence of …

Is Povidone-Iodine Safe And Effective In The Treatment Of Children And Adults With Viral Conjunctivitis?, Danielle M. Mazzuca

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not, “Is povidone-iodine safe and effective in the treatment of children and adults with viral conjunctivitis?” STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, published between 2002 and 2015. DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one non-randomized, prospective, interventional pilot study were found using PubMed and the Cochrane database. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each study evaluated the efficacy of povidone-iodine for the treatment of viral conjunctivitis measured by days until cured as determined by patient rating of symptom strength and ophthalmological grading of ocular signs. …

Is Intravenous Peramivir 300mg Effective And Safe In Treating Seasonal Influenza?, Michael P. Phytides

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

A. Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not intravenous Peramivir 300mg is effective and safe in treating seasonal influenza.

B. Study Design: Review of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one randomized open-label study, all published in 2010, 2011, and 2014, respectively.

C. Data sources: Two randomized controlled trials and one randomized open- label study were all researched through the use of PubMed and belonged to peer reviewed journals.

D. Outcome(s) Measured: Primary efficacy endpoint analyzed was time to alleviation of symptoms measured by influenza symptom severity scale (ISS), …

Is Droxidopa Safe And Effective In Reducing Symptoms Of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension?, Nicholas W. Longo

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not droxidopa is safe and effective in reducing the symptoms of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.

Study Design: Systemic review of three English-language primary studies, conducted in 2014 or later.

Data Sources: Three double-blind, randomized trials comparing the safety and efficacy of droxidopa to placebo in patients with diagnosed neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, found via PubMed in peer-reviewed journals.

Outcomes Measured: Improvement of symptoms was measured utilizing patient responses to the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ), which consists of a six item Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment (OSHA) …

Does Increasing Speech Production And Language Acquisition Through Therapies Aimed At Emphasizing Speech Therapy Improve The Verbal Communication Capabilities In Autistic Children?, Jessica Olejnik

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this EBM review was to determine if increasing speech production & language acquisition through therapies which emphasized speech therapy, would improve verbal communication skills in autistic individuals.

Study Design: Three RCTs selected due to relevance to the proposed question and fulfillment of the requirement of measuring POEMs.

Data Sources: All articles were published in peer-reviewed journals via PubMed.

Outcome Measures: The Preschool Language Scale 4 and Comprehensive Assessment of Spoken Language was measured pre-intervention and 12 months later. The verbal production evaluation scale which measured phonology, pragmatics, prosody, and sematic features. The …

Does Lactobacillus Reuteri Dsm 17938 Reduce Daily Crying Times In Infants With Colic?, Taylor Kolle

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 reduce daily crying times in infants with colic?”

Study Design: Review of all English language primary studies published in 2010, 2013, 2015.

Data Sources: Three randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trials found using PubMed.

Outcomes Measured: Daily average crying times were measured by parents who documented these in a journal.

Results: In all three randomized control studies by Chaeu et al. (2015), Savino et al, (2010), and Szajewska et al. (2013), they found that infants …

Is Phototherapy An Effective Treatment For Herpes Simplex Labialis?, Sarah Landis

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this evidence based medicine review is to determine if laser phototherapy is an effective treatment for herpes simplex labialis.

Study Design: Review of one case study published in 2009, and two randomized controlled trials published in 2010 and 2013. All studies were published in English.

Data Source: One case study and two randomized controlled trials were retrieved from PubMed database to write this EBM review

Outcomes measured: Decreases in healing time or size based on patient reporting, scoring systems, or photo documentation.

Results: The study conducted by Marotti et al determined …