Randomized Trials
RCT: Among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission, tapering conventional DMARDs using half-dose resulted in disease flares in 25% of patients compared with 6% of patients in the stable-dose group.
7 May, 2021 | 08:26h | UTCEffect of Half-Dose vs Stable-Dose Conventional Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs on Disease Flares in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Remission: The ARCTIC REWIND Randomized Clinical Trial – JAMA (free for a limited period)
Editorial: Treatment Strategies for Patients With Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases – JAMA (free for a limited period)
Commentary: Mixed Results with Refined Treatment Strategies for Rheumatic Diseases – Physician’s Weekly
COVID has pushed medical research into remote trials, benefiting patients and scientists
5 May, 2021 | 08:38h | UTC
RCT: Closure vs. non-closure of mesenteric defects during laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery – In this single-center trial, routine closure of the mesenteric defects in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with clips was associated with a lower rate of internal herniation
28 Apr, 2021 | 08:04h | UTCRandomized clinical trial on closure versus non-closure of mesenteric defects during laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery – British Journal of Surgery (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentary on Twitter
Free in February's BJS: Randomized clinical trial on closure versus non-closure of mesenteric defects during laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery https://t.co/rFl0WdZI6v @AmyLightnerMD @bplwijn @des_winter @ksoreide @MalinASund @evanscolorectal @nfmkok @robhinchliffe1 @young_bjs pic.twitter.com/YnwUwDCWhB
— BJS (@BJSurgery) April 10, 2021
RCT: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection vs. conventional in-vitro fertilization in couples with infertility in whom the male partner has normal total sperm count and motility – no difference in livebirth rates between the strategies
25 Apr, 2021 | 21:14h | UTCIntracytoplasmic sperm injection versus conventional in-vitro fertilisation in couples with infertility in whom the male partner has normal total sperm count and motility: an open-label, randomised controlled trial – The Lancet (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentary on Twitter
🔴New RCT in @TheLancet
⭐In couples with infertility + normal total sperm count and motility ➡️ ICSI did not improve the livebirth rate compared with conventional IVF.
No excuses left to do ICSI for all.
Full text ⬇️https://t.co/6FYX7TeDRN— Rita Vassena (@RitaVassena) April 23, 2021
RCT: Promising results with vagus nerve stimulation paired with rehabilitation for upper limb motor function after ischemic stroke
25 Apr, 2021 | 21:10h | UTCCommentary: Vagus nerve stimulation: a potential new treatment for ischaemic stroke – The Lancet
Commentary on Twitter
Very important @TheLancet study showing #vagus nerve stimulation improves rehabilitation ischemic #stroke.
Kudos Prof Jesse Dawson @UofGlasgow at colleagues!https://t.co/DsIH3wMuAp pic.twitter.com/QtzBBDVnso
— Prof. Kevin J. Tracey, MD (@KevinJTraceyMD) April 23, 2021
New studies in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis show greater skin clearance with Bimekizumab, a monoclonal IgG1 antibody that selectively inhibits both interleukin-17A and interleukin-17F
25 Apr, 2021 | 21:08h | UTCStudy 1: Bimekizumab versus Secukinumab in Plaque Psoriasis – New England Journal of Medicine
Study 2: Bimekizumab versus Adalimumab in Plaque Psoriasis – New England Journal of Medicine
Related studies: Bimekizumab efficacy and safety in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (BE READY): a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised withdrawal phase trial – The Lancet AND Bimekizumab versus ustekinumab for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (BE VIVID): efficacy and safety from a 52-week, multicentre, double-blind, active comparator and placebo controlled phase 3 trial – The Lancet
RCT: Metformin vs. insulin in gestational diabetes – metformin was associated better glycemic control, lower risk of hypoglycemia, and less maternal weight gain
25 Apr, 2021 | 21:03h | UTCMeDiGes Study. Metformin versus insulin in gestational diabetes: Glycemic control, and obstetrical and perinatal outcomes. Randomized prospective trial. – American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Related: Randomized trial tests metformin in women with type 2 diabetes in pregnancy AND Neonatal, infant, and childhood growth following metformin versus insulin treatment for gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis – PLOS Medicine AND Case-Control Study: Metformin Exposure in First Trimester of Pregnancy is Not Associated with Congenital Anomalies
RCT: Induction of Labor at Term with Vaginal Misoprostol or a PGE2 Pessary – little difference in outcomes, the clinical risk-benefit ratio justifies the use of both drugs
25 Apr, 2021 | 20:59h | UTCInduction of Labor at Term With Vaginal Misoprostol or a PGE2 Pessary: a Noninferiority RCT – American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
RCT: No benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors in newly diagnosed stage III or IV ovarian cancer
25 Apr, 2021 | 20:57h | UTC
Viewpoint | Remote Research and Clinical Trial Integrity During and After the Coronavirus Pandemic
23 Apr, 2021 | 08:34h | UTCRemote Research and Clinical Trial Integrity During and After the Coronavirus Pandemic – JAMA
RCT: Effect of infusion set replacement intervals on catheter-related bloodstream infections – “Infusion set use can be safely extended to 7 days with resultant cost and workload reductions”
20 Apr, 2021 | 05:37h | UTCEffect of infusion set replacement intervals on catheter-related bloodstream infections (RSVP): a randomised, controlled, equivalence (central venous access device)–non-inferiority (peripheral arterial catheter) trial – The Lancet (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentaries on Twitter
If you're an #RN👩⚕️or #infection preventer & it makes you crazy🤯that different hospitals🏥use infusion sets for different durations⏰- READ this massive #RCT in @TheLancet from @AVATAR_grp @UQHealth @UQMedicine @MetroNorthHHS @MenziesHealth & large team https://t.co/lpz1C6ceM2
— Prof Claire Rickard (@Claire_AVATAR) April 18, 2021
Use for 7 vs. 4 days = similar outcomes. Effect of infusion set replacement intervals on catheter-related bloodstream infections (RSVP): a randomised, controlled, equivalence (CV access device)–non-inferiority (peripheral arterial catheter) trial https://t.co/6qaJczu1Cr
— Skeptical Scalpel (@Skepticscalpel) April 16, 2021
Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) account for around 70% of all health care associated bloodstream infections. New trial indicates that 7-day replacement of infusion sets is safe, with resultant cost and workload reductions. https://t.co/ua633FkA3K pic.twitter.com/LfaC6lZYMv
— The Lancet (@TheLancet) April 19, 2021
RCT: No benefit from second intravenous immunoglobulin dose in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome with poor prognosis
18 Apr, 2021 | 21:21h | UTCSecond intravenous immunoglobulin dose in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome with poor prognosis (SID-GBS): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial – The Lancet Neurology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
RCT: Ravidasvir plus sofosbuvir are effective and well tolerated in patients with chronic HCV infection, with potential as an affordable treatment for these patients
18 Apr, 2021 | 21:19h | UTC
Commentary on Twitter
https://twitter.com/DNDi/status/1382961979074183168
RCT: Better continence after 3 months with robotic-assisted compared with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
18 Apr, 2021 | 21:11h | UTCRobotic-assisted Versus Laparoscopic Surgery: Outcomes from the First Multicentre, Randomised, Patient-blinded Controlled Trial in Radical Prostatectomy (LAP-01) – European Urology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentary on Twitter
Robotic-assisted Versus Laparoscopic Surgery: Outcomes from the First Multicentre, Randomised, Patient-blinded Controlled Trial in Radical Prostatectomy (LAP-01)https://t.co/YenifaBnfe@doguteber @Hohenfellner pic.twitter.com/kfpQc1u0xf
— European Urology (@EUplatinum) February 11, 2021
RCT: Continued versus discontinued oxytocin stimulation in the active phase of labor
16 Apr, 2021 | 06:18h | UTCCommentaries: Study sheds more light on use of oxytocin during labour – The BMJ AND Study Explores Oxytocin Use in Active Phase of Induced Labor – HealthDay
Commentary on Twitter
#BMJInfographic #VisualAbstract Routine discontinuation of oxytocin stimulation in the active phase of labour may lead to a small increase in caesarean section rate but a reduced risk of uterine hyperstimulation and abnormal fetal heart rate patterns https://t.co/LbCxUf1MSx pic.twitter.com/BSQ5rrwQb5
— The BMJ (@bmj_latest) April 15, 2021
Phase 2 RCT: Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, shows promise for the treatment of depression in a study with 59 patients
16 Apr, 2021 | 06:17h | UTCTrial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression – New England Journal of Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentaries: Magic mushroom compound performs as well as antidepressant in small study – Imperial College London AND First-of-its-kind study pits psilocybin against a common antidepressan – STAT AND Psilocybin Not Significantly Different from Escitalopram for Depression – NEJM Journal Watch AND Expert reaction to phase 2 trial comparing psilocybin and escitalopram for depression – Science Media Centre
RCT: An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy provided a faster recovery, a shorter postoperative hospitalization length, and lower medical costs without increasing complication and readmission rates
16 Apr, 2021 | 06:16h | UTCRelated: Consensus guidelines for enhanced recovery after gastrectomy – British Journal of Surgery AND Current status of the “enhanced recovery after surgery” program in gastric cancer surgery – Annals of Gastroenterological Surgery
See also: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Guidelines
RCT: Comparison of Levetiracetam vs. Zonisamide vs. Lamotrigine for newly diagnosed focal epilepsy shows Lamotrigine should remain the first-line treatment option
12 Apr, 2021 | 00:51h | UTCCommentary: Clinical trials assess best first-line drugs for epilepsy – University of Liverpool
RCT: Comparison of Valproate vs. Levetiracetam for newly diagnosed generalized and unclassifiable epilepsy shows Valproate should remain the first-line treatment option
12 Apr, 2021 | 00:52h | UTCCommentary: Clinical trials assess best first-line drugs for epilepsy – University of Liverpool
RCT: New shorter regimens of benznidazole monotherapy and in combination with fosravuconazole for treatment of Chagas disease
8 Apr, 2021 | 08:47h | UTC
RCT: Among patients with peripheral artery disease, low-intensity exercise was significantly less effective than high-intensity exercise for improving 6-minute walk distance
7 Apr, 2021 | 01:31h | UTCEffect of Low-Intensity vs High-Intensity Home-Based Walking Exercise on Walk Distance in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: The LITE Randomized Clinical Trial – JAMA (free for a limited period)
Commentary on Twitter
In this RCT of patients with PAD, low-intensity home-based exercise was less effective than high-intensity home-based exercise, and similar to the nonexercise control, for improving 6-min walk distance https://t.co/dVWCDx5hLM @NUFeinbergMed @StanfordMed @UChicagoMed @wakehealth
— JAMA (@JAMA_current) April 6, 2021
RCT: Effect of intravitreous anti–vascular endothelial growth factor vs. sham treatment for prevention of vision-threatening complications of diabetic retinopathy
6 Apr, 2021 | 01:02h | UTCCommentaries: Preventive treatment reduces diabetic retinopathy complications – NIH News Releases AND Prevention of Severe Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Progression With More at Stake Than Visual Acuity – JAMA Ophthalmology AND Practicality of Prophylactic Aflibercept to Reduce Diabetic Retinopathy Progression – JAMA Ophthalmology
Author interview: Randomized Trial of Anti-VEGF to Prevent Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – JAMA
Commentary on Twitter
In this study, aflibercept injections reduced the development of vision-threating complications; however, through 2 years, preventive treatment did not confer visual acuity benefit compared with observation plus aflibercept if complications developed https://t.co/q4ABSKOMVj
— JAMA Ophthalmology (@JAMAOphth) March 30, 2021
RCT: Postoperative pain control is improved with Methadone + Ketamine vs. Methadone alone in spinal surgical patients
5 Apr, 2021 | 00:49h | UTCPerioperative Methadone and Ketamine for Postoperative Pain Control in Spinal Surgical Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial – Anesthesiology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentary on Twitter
In a randomized trial of 130 spinal surgery patients, adding ketamine to methadone reduced pain scores from 4 to 2 points on an 11-point Likert scale and roughly halved postoperative opioid use https://t.co/vGVuQ7z7HV
— Anesthesiology (@_Anesthesiology) March 19, 2021
RCT: Upadacitinib vs. Adalimumab for Psoriatic Arthritis
5 Apr, 2021 | 00:57h | UTCTrial of Upadacitinib and Adalimumab for Psoriatic Arthritis – New England Journal of Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
RCT: Efficacy and safety of a dexamethasone intracanalicular insert in patients with allergic conjunctivitis
5 Apr, 2021 | 00:54h | UTCPhase 3 Randomized Study of Efficacy and Safety of a Dexamethasone Intracanalicular Insert in Patients With Allergic Conjunctivitis – American Journal of Ophthalmology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)