Gastrointestinal surgery for severe obesity. Proceedings of a National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference. March 25-27, 1991, Bethesda, MD.
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The objective of this conference was to provide physicians with a responsible assessment of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology for body composition measurement. Participants were a non-Federal, nonadvocate, 13-member panel representing the fields of nutrition, pediatrics, surgery, public health, biomedical engineering, epidemiology, and biostatistics. In addition, 20 experts in nutrition, pediatrics, metabolism, biomedical engineering, physiology, and epidemiology presented data to the panel and a conference audience of 220. The literature was searched through Medline and an extensive bibliography of references was provided to the panel and the conference audience. Experts prepared abstracts with relevant citations from the literature. Scientific evidence was given precedence over clinical anecdotal experience. The panel, answering predefined questions, developed their conclusions based on the scientific evidence presented in open forum and the scientific literature. The panel composed a draft statement that was read in its entirety and circulated to the experts and the audience for comment. Thereafter, the panel resolved conflicting recommendations and released a revised statement at the end of the conference. The panel finalized the revisions within a few weeks after the conference. The panel concluded that BIA provides a reliable estimate of total body water under most conditions. It can be a useful technique for body composition analysis in healthy individuals and in those with a number of chronic conditions such as mild-to-moderate obesity, diabetes mellitus, and other medical conditions in which major disturbances of water distribution are not prominent. BIA values are affected by numerous variables including body position, hydration status, consumption of food and beverages, ambient air and skin temperature, recent physical activity, and conductance of the examining table. Reliable BIA requires standardization and control of these variables. A specific, well-defined procedure for performing routine BIA measurements is not practiced. Therefore, the panel recommends that a committee of appropriate scientific experts and instrument manufacturers be formed with the goal of setting instrument standards and procedural methods.
BACKGROUND: Over the last few days of a 5-day international workshop held in June 1993, a group of specialists in the field of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer tried to reach consensus on a number of issues with implications for standard practice and for research. METHODS: Five groups of experts considered several issues which included: biologic factors, prognostic factors, surgery, management recommendations, dose intensity, supportive care, drug resistance, second-line treatment, investigational drugs, and tumour markers. Discussing the management recommendations, the group attempted to arrive at answers to four questions: Is there in fact a cure rate for advanced ovarian carcinoma? Are there prognostic factors which help to identify patients who will not do well with current therapy? What is the current best therapy for advanced ovarian carcinoma? What directions should research take in advanced ovarian cancer? In a plenary meeting these issues were discussed. RESULTS: Consensus statements were achieved on all topics mentioned above. This article reports on the statements written by the chairmen and approved by the consensus group.
The National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on Diagnosis and Treatment of Early Melanoma brought together experts in dermatology, pathology, epidemiology, public education, surveillance techniques, and potential new technologies, as well as other health care professionals and the public, to address (a) the clinical and histological characteristics of early melanoma; (b) the appropriate diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients with early melanoma; (c) the role of dysplastic nevi and their significance; and (d) the role of education and screening in preventing melanoma morbidity and mortality. Following 2 days of presentations by experts and discussion by the audience, a consensus panel weighted the evidence and prepared a consensus statement. The panel agreed (a) that melanoma in situ is a distinct entity that can be treated effectively by surgery with 0.5-cm margins and that thin, invasive melanoma < 1 mm thick has the potential for long-term survival in < 90% of patients after surgical excision with a 1-cm margin; (b) that elective lymph node dissections and extensive staging evaluations should not be recommended in early melanoma; (c) that patients with early melanoma are at low risk for relapse but may be at high risk for development of subsequent melanomas and therefore should be followed closely; (d) that some family members of patients with melanoma are at increased risk for melanoma and therefore should be enrolled in surveillance programs; and (e) that education and screening programs have the potential to decrease morbidity and mortality from melanoma. The full text of the consensus panel's statement follows.
This position statement reviews several aspects of spirometric testing in the workplace, where spirometry is employed in the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of occupational lung disease. Primary prevention includes pre-placement and fitness-for-duty examinations as well as research and monitoring of health status in groups of exposed workers; secondary prevention includes periodic medical screening of individual workers for early effects of exposure to known occupational hazards; and tertiary prevention includes clinical evaluation and impairment/disability assessment. For all of these purposes, valid spirometry measurements are critical, requiring: documented spirometer accuracy and precision, a rigorous and standardized testing technique, standardized measurement of pulmonary function values from the spirogram, adequate initial and refresher training of spirometry technicians, and, ideally, quality assessment of samples of spirograms. Interpretation of spirometric results usually includes comparison with predicted values and should also evaluate changes in lung function over time. Response to inhaled bronchodilators and changes in relation to workplace exposure may also be assessed. Each of these interpretations should begin with an assessment of test quality and, based on the most recent ATS recommendations, should rely on a few reproducible indices of pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC.) The use of FEF rates (e.g., the FEF25-75%) in interpreting results for individuals is strongly discouraged except when confirming borderline airways obstruction. Finally, the use of serial PEF measurements is emerging as a method for confirming associations between reduced or variable pulmonary function and workplace exposures in the diagnosis of occupational asthma. Throughout this position statement, ACOEM makes detailed recommendations to ensure that each of these areas of test performance and interpretation follow current recommendations/standards in the pulmonary and regulatory fields. Submitted by the Occupational and Environmental Lung Disorder Committee on November 16,1999. Approved by the ACOEM Board of Directors on January 4,2000.
OBJECTIVES: (i) To document variation in management of hypertension in pregnancy; (ii) to determine whether this variation falls within current management guidelines; and (iii) to make recommendations for developing future guidelines. DESIGN: Questionnaire-based survey. SETTING: Australia and New Zealand. POPULATION: All specialist obstetricians. METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to 1198 obstetricians in Australia and New Zealand. Those returned by respondents currently in obstetric practice were analysed. Information was obtained on their current clinical practices relating to the diagnosis and management of hypertension in pregnancy. RESULTS: Of 1198 obstetricians surveyed, 973 (81%) replied. Of these, 686 (71%) were responsible for obstetric care. Considerable variation in practice was found, particularly in relation to the measurement of blood pressure, the determination of hypertension and significant proteinuria, and the decision to institute antihypertensive drug treatment. The recommendations of the Australasian 1993 Consensus Statement appeared to have had little influence on practice. There has been a striking increase in the use of magnesium sulphate for the prevention of convulsions in preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variation in management of hypertensive pregnancies that differs from current guidelines. It is not known whether this diversity adversely affects clinical outcomes. Until further outcome evidence is available, consensus statements may be better confined to basic aspects of management for which there is high level evidence.
This report summarizes the discussions of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) 2004 Consensus Workshop on Prevention of Progression of Renal Disease, which was held in Hong Kong on June 29, 2004. Three key areas were discussed during the workshop: (1) screening for chronic kidney disease; (2) evaluation and estimating progression of chronic kidney disease; and (3) measures to prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease. Fifteen consensus statements were made in these three areas, as endorsed by the participants of the workshop. The ISN can make use of and take reference to these statements in formulating its policy for tackling chronic kidney disease, a disease with significant global impact.
The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound convened a panel of specialists from a variety of medical disciplines to come to a consensus on the management of thyroid nodules identified with thyroid ultrasonography (US), with particular focus on which nodules should be subjected to US-guided fine needle aspiration and which thyroid nodules need not be subjected to fine-needle aspiration. The panel met in Washington, DC, October 26-27, 2004, and created this consensus statement. The recommendations in this consensus statement, which are based on analysis of the current literature and common practice strategies, are thought to represent a reasonable approach to thyroid nodular disease.
UNLABELLED: A Roundtable of Experts in Surgery Blood Management was held 7 to 9 April 1995, in Vienna, where all the available published and unpublished epoetin alfa clinical data was thoroughly discussed and where the following CONSENSUS STATEMENT was developed to give the clinician some practical guidelines for the administration of epoetin alfa in elective surgery patients. CONSENSUS STATEMENT: For elective surgery patients it is important to facilitate, via blood conservation methods, the elimination or reduction of exposure to allogeneic blood transfusion and its associated risks. Adjunctive use of epoetin alpha therapy in specific patients is one method to accomplish this goal. Patients with small body size, predicted low blood volume (< or = 51), and/or a hematocrit too low to be enrolled in or to complete their prescribed ABD (autologous blood donation) program especially benefit from epoetin alfa therapy. Generally, epoetin alfa therapy is well tolerated, with an acceptable risk-to-benefit ratio.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality for women in the United States. Coronary heart disease, which includes coronary atherosclerotic disease, myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndromes, and angina, is the largest subset of this mortality, with >240,000 women dying annually from the disease. Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) is the focus of this consensus statement. Research continues to report underrecognition and underdiagnosis of CAD as contributory to high mortality rates in women. Timely and accurate diagnosis can significantly reduce CAD mortality for women; indeed, once the diagnosis is made, it does appear that current treatments are equally effective at reducing risk in both women and men. As such, noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic testing offers the potential to identify women at increased CAD risk as the basis for instituting preventive and therapeutic interventions. Nevertheless, the recent evidence-based practice program report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality noted the paucity of women enrolled in diagnostic research studies. Consequently, much of the evidence supporting contemporary recommendations for noninvasive diagnostic studies in women is extrapolated from studies conducted predominantly in cohorts of middle-aged men. The majority of diagnostic and prognostic evidence in cardiac imaging in women and men has been derived from observational registries and referral populations that are affected by selection and other biases. Thus, a better understanding of the potential impact of sex differences on noninvasive cardiac testing in women may greatly improve clinical decision making. This consensus statement provides a synopsis of available evidence on the role of the exercise ECG and cardiac imaging modalities, both those in common use as well as developing technologies that may add clinical value to the diagnosis and risk assessment of the symptomatic and asymptomatic woman with suspected CAD.
BACKGROUND: A variety of definitions of evidence-based practice (EBP) exist. However, definitions are in themselves insufficient to explain the underlying processes of EBP and to differentiate between an evidence-based process and evidence-based outcome. There is a need for a clear statement of what Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) means, a description of the skills required to practise in an evidence-based manner and a curriculum that outlines the minimum requirements for training health professionals in EBP. This consensus statement is based on current literature and incorporating the experience of delegates attending the 2003 Conference of Evidence-Based Health Care Teachers and Developers ("Signposting the future of EBHC"). DISCUSSION: Evidence-Based Practice has evolved in both scope and definition. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) requires that decisions about health care are based on the best available, current, valid and relevant evidence. These decisions should be made by those receiving care, informed by the tacit and explicit knowledge of those providing care, within the context of available resources. Health care professionals must be able to gain, assess, apply and integrate new knowledge and have the ability to adapt to changing circumstances throughout their professional life. Curricula to deliver these aptitudes need to be grounded in the five-step model of EBP, and informed by ongoing research. Core assessment tools for each of the steps should continue to be developed, validated, and made freely available. SUMMARY: All health care professionals need to understand the principles of EBP, recognise EBP in action, implement evidence-based policies, and have a critical attitude to their own practice and to evidence. Without these skills, professionals and organisations will find it difficult to provide 'best practice'.
In his Presidential address on May 17, 1996, Dr John Glick proposed the formation of the American Federation of Clinical Oncologic Societies (AFCOS), a coalition of all professional clinical oncology societies. AFCOS was intended to address heightened concerns about changes in the health care delivery system and the impact that they may have on quality patient care. AFCOS places primary emphasis on educating patients, their families, health care providers, payors, legislators, regulators, and the general public about what constitutes quality care, advocating access to and coverage for such care, including clinical trials, and supporting and promoting patient-oriented research. Several meetings of the coalition have resulted in the development of a consensus statement on quality cancer care, which the Journal of Clinical Oncology is pleased to publish in this edition. The consensus statement was the product of collaboration among the Federation's nine member societies as well as national patient advocacy groups represented by the Cancer Leadership Council.
BACKGROUND: The greatest value of the biomedical literature lies not in individual studies, but in the best available evidence within the entire body of evidence. In many fields, including dentistry, systematic reviews, or SRs, have become the preferred method of analyzing and interpreting large amounts of data toward developing clinical practice guidelines. METHODS: The American Academy of Periodontology, or AAP, formulated clinically relevant, focused questions and developed a protocol for SRs. Reviewers systematically searched online databases and print journals and contacted authors, journal editors and industry experts. For each included study, the reviewers determined the level of evidence and summarized the findings. Centralized management of biostatistics provided consistency. At a structured conference, the reviews were the basis for development of consensus reports that included implications for practice and research. RESULTS: The SRs provided comprehensive analyses of the best available clinically relevant evidence in key areas of periodontal practice. The reviews also identified knowledge gaps and suggested direction for future studies. The conference focused on translating the findings from the SRs into general consensus statements that described scientific and clinical assessments and implications for research and practice. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Consensus statements based on SRs are important linchpins of modern dentistry. They aid in the development of appropriate treatment protocols for specific clinical circumstances. These protocols, in turn, help ensure the integration of clinically relevant scientific evidence with the expertise of individual clinicians, along with the unique characteristics, needs and wants of individual patients.
Perinatal care at the borderlines of viability demands a delicate balance between parents' wishes and autonomy, biological feasibility, clinicians' responsibilities and expectations, and the prospects of an acceptable long-term outcome - coupled with a tolerable margin of uncertainty. A multi-professional workshop with consumer involvement was held in February 2005 to agree on management of this issue in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Participants discussed and formulated consensus statements after an extensive consultation process. Consensus was reached that the "grey zone" is between 23 weeks' and 25 weeks and 6 days' gestation. While there is an increasing obligation to treat with increasing length of gestation, it is acceptable medical practice not to initiate intensive care during this period if parents so wish, after appropriate counselling. Poor condition at birth and the presence of serious congenital anomalies have an important influence on any decision not to initiate intensive care within the grey zone. Women at high risk of imminent delivery within the grey zone should receive appropriate and skilled counselling with the most relevant up-to-date outcome information. Management plans can thus be made before birth. Information should be simple, factual and consistent. The consensus statements developed will provide a framework to assist parents and clinicians in communication, decision making and managing these challenging situations.
This statement summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on genetic risk assessment and BRCA mutation testing for breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility, along with the supporting scientific evidence. The complete information on which this statement is based, including evidence tables and references, is included in the evidence synthesis available through the USPSTF Web site (http://www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov). The recommendation is also posted on the Web site of the National Guideline Clearinghouse (http://www.guideline.gov).
UNLABELLED: This activity is designed for physicians, pharmacists, nurses, health planners, directors of managed care organizations, and payers of health services. GOAL: To understand current guidelines and consensus statements regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE: List four national or international organizations involved in the development of consensus statements regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis. 2. Discuss the significant differences among different countries regarding the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. 3. List the major risk factors for osteoporosis. 4. Describe the differences in the application of bone mineral density scans, biochemical markers, and ultrasound in evaluating patients with suspected osteopenia and osteoporosis. 5. Distinguish between and briefly discuss therapeutic modalities used in primary prevention, secondary prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis. 6. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of estrogen/hormone replacement therapy. 7. Describe alternatives to estrogen/hormone replacement therapy.
OBJECTIVE: To provide health care providers, patients, and the general public with a responsible assessment of the optimal practices for genetic testing for cystic fibrosis (CF). PARTICIPANTS: A nonfederal, nonadvocate, 14-member panel representing the fields of genetics, obstetrics, internal medicine, nursing, social work, epidemiology, pediatrics, psychiatry, genetic counseling, bioethics, health economics, health services research, law, and the public. In addition, 21 experts from these same fields presented data to the panel and a conference audience of 500. EVIDENCE: The literature was searched through MEDLINE, and an extensive bibliography of references was provided to the panel and the conference audience. Experts prepared abstracts with relevant citations from the literature. Scientific evidence was given precedence over clinical anecdotal experience. CONSENSUS PROCESS: The panel, answering predefined questions, developed its conclusions based on the scientific evidence presented in open forum and the scientific literature. The panel composed a draft statement that was read in its entirety and circulated to the experts and the audience for comment. Thereafter, the panel resolved conflicting recommendations and released a revised statement at the end of the conference. The panel finalized the revisions within a few weeks after the conference. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic testing for CF should be offered to adults with a positive family history of CF, to partners of people with CF, to couples currently planning a pregnancy, and to couples seeking prenatal care. The panel does not recommend offering CF genetic testing to the general population or newborns. The panel advocates active research to develop improved treatments for people with CF and continued investigation into the understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. Comprehensive educational programs targeted to health care professionals and the public should be developed using input from people living with CF and their families and from people from diverse racial and ethnic groups. Additionally, genetic counseling services must be accurate and provide balanced information to afford individuals the opportunity to make autonomous decisions. Every attempt should be made to protect individual rights, genetic and medical privacy rights, and to prevent discrimination and stigmatization. It is essential that the offering of CF carrier testing be phased in over a period to ensure that adequate education and appropriate genetic testing and counseling services are available to all persons being tested.
OBJECTIVE: To provide primary care clinicians with a better understanding of management issues in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and guide clinical practice with recommendations on the appropriate management strategy. PARTICIPANTS: The 4 members of the International Consensus Group on Depression and Anxiety were James C. Ballenger (chair), Jonathan R. T. Davidson, Yves Lecrubier, and David J. Nutt. Other faculty invited by the chair were Edna B. Foa, Ronald C. Kessler, Alexander C. McFarlane, and Arieh Y. Shalev. EVIDENCE: The consensus statement is based on the 6 review articles that are published in this supplement and the scientific literature relevant to the issues reviewed in these articles. CONSENSUS PROCESS: Group meetings were held over a 2-day period. On day 1, the group discussed the review articles and the chair identified key issues for further debate. On day 2, the group discussed these issues to arrive at a consensus view. After the group meetings, the consensus statement was drafted by the chair and approved by all attendees. CONCLUSION: PTSD is often a chronic and recurring condition associated with an increased risk of developing secondary comorbid disorders, such as depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are generally the most appropriate choice of first-line medication for PTSD, and effective therapy should be continued for 12 months or longer. The most appropriate psychotherapy is exposure therapy, and it should be continued for 6 months, with follow-up therapy as needed.