Medical Specialties Commons^™

Is Honey, As Adjunctive Therapy, Effective In Alleviating Nasal Allergy Symptoms?, Arielle N. Ditzel

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether honey used as adjunctive therapy is effective in alleviating nasal allergy symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a systematic review of three randomized controlled trials published between 2010-2013, all in the English language.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials, which studied the effects of honey used as adjunctive therapy for the relief of nasal allergy symptoms, these were obtained using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome of each study was a patient reported decrease in the number of days and the severity of nasal allergy symptoms including: sneezing, itching, nasal …

Does Adjuvant Therapy With Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) Improve Joint Tenderness In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis?, Eileen Fauteux

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not adjuvant therapy with Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) improves joint tenderness in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of 3 double-blind, randomized controlled trials from 2010- 2017.

DATA SOURCES: Three peer-reviewed journal articles written in English were found using PubMed. Articles were selected based on their relevance to the question and whether the outcome measured was patient-oriented evidence that matters.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: All articles analyzed the effectiveness of adjunctive treatment with omega-3 fatty acids on the improvement of joint tenderness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. …

Are Probiotics Effective In Reducing Symptoms Of Atopic Dermatitis?, Samuel H. Kim

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not probiotics are effective in reducing symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

STUDY DESIGN: Selective EBM review of three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials published after 2009, all English language.

DATA SOURCES: All three studies were published in peer-reviewed journals found on PubMed and selected based on relevance to the proposed clinical question.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The main outcome measured was the percentage change in SCORAD index to determine severity of atopic dermatitis before and after trial through objective and subjective findings. Additional outcomes included DLQ index which was evaluated via …

Does Sertraline Decrease Depression In Patients Who Suffered A Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi)?, Christina Costantino

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does sertraline decrease depression in patients who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English between 2009-2016.

DATA SOURCES: One RCT and two double-blind, placebo-controlled, RCTs found via PubMed evaluated the benefit of the antidepressant drug, sertraline (Zoloft), in decreasing depression in patients who suffered a TBI.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Main outcomes were measured using the DSM-IV, Hamilton Rating Score for Depression (HAM-D)6 , Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)6 , and the Life-3 quality of life (QOL)6 , …

Is Hyaluronic Acid Intra-Articular Injection Better Than Corticosteroid Intra Articular Injection At Reducing Pain In Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis?, Madison Cohen

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Hyaluronic Acid intra articular injection is better than Corticosteroid intra articular injection at reducing pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three double-blind, randomized control trials published between 2014 and 2016. All studies were published in English language in peer reviewed journals.

DATA SOURCES: All three randomized control trials were found via PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The primary outcomes measured by the patient and investigator being improvement of knee pain severity, knee function, and range of motion after hyaluronic acid intra articular (IA) injection …

Are Plasma Rich Platelets More Effective In Decreasing Chronic Lower Back Pain As Compared To Epidural Injections In Young Adults?, Linda M. Leones

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not PRP injections are more effective in decreasing chronic lower back pain as compared to epidural injections in young adults.

Study Design: Systematic review of three English language randomized controlled trials (RCTs), all published after 2012.

Data Sources: Two double-blind RCTs and one randomized open blinded end point (PROBE), which analyzed the effectiveness of PRP and epidural injections in young adults with chronic lower back pain. All studies were found using PubMed.

Outcome(s) Measured: Each of the articles analyzed the pain relief and function ability stated by …

Is Amitriptyline Effective In Reducing Headache Days In Pediatric Patients With Migraines And Chronic Headaches Compared To Topiramate, Propranolol, Or No Treatment?, Megan N. Hall

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is amitriptyline effective in reducing headache days in pediatric patients with migraines and chronic headaches compared to topiramate, propranolol, or no treatment?”

Study design: Systematic review of two randomized control trials (RCTs) and one case series published in peer-reviewed journals in English after 2007.

Data Sources: Two RCTs and one case series were found using PubMed.

Outcome(s) Measured: Headache frequency was measured using a headache diary or calendar. A secondary objective included headache severity that was measured using a ten-point scale or …

Is Intranasal Ketorolac Both Safe And Effective In Reducing Acute Postoperative Pain For Patients Over 18 Years Of Age That Require Inpatient Hospitalization?, Courtney Koukal

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not intranasal ketorolac is both safe and effective in reducing acute postoperative pain for patients over 18 years of age that require inpatient hospitalization.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were used, all are from 2008 to present and all are in the English language.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources include articles that were published on both PubMed and Cochrane databases and were selected based on their relevance to the research question as well as patient measured outcomes.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Outcomes measured include efficacy …

Does Early Physical Therapy And Vestibular Rehabilitation After A Sports-Related Concussion Decrease The Amount Of Time For Symptom Resolution When Compared To The Standard Of Care?, Anna Inserra

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not early physical therapy and vestibular rehabilitation after a sports-related concussion (SRC) decreases the amount of time for symptom resolution compared to the standard of care.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of two randomized controlled trials published in 2014 and 2017, and one case series published in 2010.

DATA SOURCES: All articles, which analyzed the effect of vestibular therapy on treatment of concussive symptoms, were presented in English and were taken from peer-reviewed sources using PubMed and EBSCOhost.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Days from onset of vestibular rehabilitation for persisting …

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 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 …

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 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. …

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, …

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 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 …