Biomedical subjects

M Haugh

Publications and source records attributed to M Haugh.

21 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

[The problem of therapeutic efficacy indices. 2. Description of the indices].

The four indices for a binary outcome or therapeutic objective are: the odds ratio, the relative risk, the absolute benefit and the number of patients to treat. For a continuous outcome, the effect size is the best choice. The odds ratio approximates the relative risk. The difference may be large in some instances. The number of patients to treat is the reciprocal of the absolute benefit. Although they are built on the same two quantities, they are not interchangeable and should not be considered in the same way. Moreover, their meaning is not straightforward and they can be misused.

Clinical Protocols↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Outline of the problem of indices of therapeutic efficacy. 4. Expression of efficacy when the underlying illness is incurable. Study Group for the Indices of Efficacy].

In chronic illness, when death or a non-fatal event can occur at any time, the current efficacy indices are no longer appropriate to express the effect of the treatment on the potential therapeutic objectives. The inappropriateness is not dependent on the effect model. Clues for solutions are proposed.

Chronic Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The problem of therapeutic efficacy indices. 3. Comparison of the indices and their use].

Efficacy indices do not contain the same information although they are all combinations of the same two quantities. Therefore, one should choose the proper index. Actually, none is entirely appropriate. Each more or less meets the specifications, depending on the underlying effect model for the therapy considered. However, one can say that the absolute benefit is more appropriate from the patient's point of view, the relative from the scientific point of view and the number of patients to treat from the policy maker's point of view. Nevertheless, this classification needs to be considered with caution. Finally, it emerges from the review that none is fully relevant to express the efficacy of a therapy, even in the most suitable condition, the acute illness.

Drug Evaluation↗