RE: Annals of Intern Med Jan 16th, 2001, vol 134(2):88-95.
Hello Colleagues,
The study is cross-sectional. 59 pts with Ulc Colitis who get surveillance
colonoscopies. Analysis was done based upon dividing this group into those
with vs. without use of Ursodiol (41/59). Use of Ursodiol was assessed 1)
by chart records and 2) by direct patient contact if not found in records.
Association of interest was Colonic dysplasia assessed by biopsy (26/59).
Ursodiol was strongly associated with decreased prevalence of colonic
dyplasia (32% vs. 72%, OR=0.18).
Questions:
It seems this study could have been done in a case-control format, dividing
groups on the basis of dysplasia.
1. What would have been the BEST methodology?
2. Which methodology would be most conservative/least biased?
3.Does it matter?
Brent W. Beasley, M.D.
St. Luke's Hospital, Dept. of Medical Education
4401 Wornall Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 932-3409
Fax: (816) 932-5179
Pager: (816) 440-3968
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