Bias against negative studies in newspaper reports of medical research

Article Abstract:

Newspapers often report the findings of medical studies that are deemed to have relevance to the general public. For the public at large, this is often their only source for such information and it is from this information that many health-related beliefs and practices are derived. In the research community, a general bias against negative studies (that is, studies that find no significant effect or association) has been observed. This can lead to unbalanced information regarding a specific subject, because the consumer may never see research conclusions that contradict more positive findings. This study examined whether such a bias existed in newspaper reports. Two studies regarding cancer and radiation exposure were published in the March 20, 1991 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association. The studies were presented back to back, were of equal length, and received equal treatment in all other respects. One study showed positive results, while the other showed negative results regarding an hypothesized link between low levels of radiation exposure and cancer. A search of 168 newspapers was performed to see how much exposure each article received and to see if one received more exposure than the other. Nineteen reports on either or both articles were found in 17 newspapers. Of the 19 reports, 10 covered both studies and 9 covered only the positive study. In the 10 reports covering both studies, the positive study received much greater attention. These results suggest that newspapers reporting on results of medical studies are biased against negative studies. This could skew the public's knowledge and awareness of important medical topics. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Publishing industry, Ethical aspects, Medical research, Journalism

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Administration of measles, mumps, and rubella virus vaccine (live) to egg-allergic children

Article Abstract:

The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) is grown in chick embryo cell cultures. It is not uncommon for children under one year to be allergic to eggs. The American Academy of Pediatric has recommended that children have a egg skin test prior to receiving this vaccine if an allergic condition is suspected. The MMR vaccine was diluted and used in a skin test for children with a recent history of egg allergy and a positive reaction to the egg skin test. A total of 114 children ranging from 13 to 36 months old were evaluated. Their reactions to the diluted vaccine were compared with reactions to the egg skin test. The prevalence of positive reactions, along with the safety and the efficacy of the vaccine were examined. Of the 114 children, 24 (21.1 percent) reacted positively to the skin test with the diluted MMR vaccine. The probability and severity of the reactions to the egg test were comparable to the degree of reaction to the diluted MMR vaccine skin test. Although a relationship was detected between these two reactions, observations revealed that clinical evidence may not be sufficient to predict the safety of the MMR vaccine. Eleven of the children who previously exhibited respiratory allergy symptoms to egg had negative reactions to the diluted MMR vaccine skin tests; they were successfully vaccinated. Of the total group, 90 children had negative reactions to the diluted MMR vaccine skin test and were safely vaccinated. It was concluded that there exists a specific group of highly sensitive children who react positively to the diluted MMR vaccine. To screen out children with severe allergy it is recommended that the diluted MMR vaccine skin test be given to all children who are egg sensitive.

Complications and side effects, Dosage and administration, Immunization, Skin tests, Food allergy in children, Pediatric food hypersensitivity

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Antibody response to measles-mumps-rubella vaccine of children with mild illness at the time of vaccination

Article Abstract:

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine appears to be safe and effective when given to children with mild illnesses. Previous studies have raised concern that the vaccine is more likely to fail or cause side effects when given to children with mild illnesses. A total of 386 children between the ages of 15 and 23 months received MMR vaccinations. Of these children, 229 were healthy and 157 had an ear infection, diarrhea, or an upper respiratory infection indicated by a cough or excessively runny nose. Antibodies to measles were produced by 98% of the children, antibodies to mumps by 83% of the children, and antibodies to rubella by 98% of the children. These rates of seroconversion were slightly but not significantly lower in well children as opposed to ill children. The levels of antibodies produced in each group were also similar. Minor side effects occurred at similar rates in mildly ill and well children.

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