Issues in comparisons between meta-analyses and large trials

Article Abstract:

Differences in definitions, patient populations, measured outcomes, and methods of analysis can influence agreement between large clinical trials and meta-analyses of smaller trials. Clinical trials of drugs or treatments utilizing large numbers of patients are the gold standard in medical research, but such trials can be expensive and complex. Smaller clinical trials may be combined by the technique of meta-analysis to synthesize the data and provide more reliable conclusions. Both methods of research can produce valid and useful results, but the conclusions may not always agree.

Methods, Clinical trials, Medical research, Meta-analysis

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Depressive symptoms and the cost of health services in HMO patients aged 65 years and older: a 4-year prospective study

Article Abstract:

Depression in elderly patients appears to result in a greater use of health care resources. Researchers studied 2,558 elderly members of a Seattle HMO. At the beginning of the study, 14% had depressive symptoms, which increased to 16% at two years and 18% at four years. Health care costs were approximately 50% greater in the patients with depressive symptoms and they were not limited to mental health services, which accounted for only 1% of costs. The increase in health care expenditures still persisted after adjusting for the presence of other chronic illnesses.

Psychological aspects, Aged, Elderly, Economic aspects, Depression, Mental, Depression (Mood disorder)

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PET Scans and Technology Assessment: Deja Vu?

Article Abstract:

Doctors must design high-quality studies of new diagnostic technology to determine if the technology can change the care of the patient and whether this change in care leads to better outcomes. Otherwise, billions of dollars could be spent on expensive diagnostic tests such as PET imaging without producing any benefit to patients.

Editorial, Evaluation, PET imaging, Positron emission tomography, Diagnostic imaging

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