Journal Club 2011: PL-2 Prognosis (4)

Facilitator: Conrad Clemens, M.D., M.P.H..

Learning Objectives:

Each PL-2 will be able to:

1. Survival curves—how to interpret & their use

2. Review of concepts covered during internship:

a. Were groups comparable in all other factors?

b. Were exposures and outcomes measured the same in all groups?

c. Was follow-up sufficiently long & complete?

d. Is the temporal relation correct? Is there a dose-response? Is relation

biologically plausible? Were other explanatory factors considered?

e. Strength of association--revisit use of number needed to harm, relative

risk, odds ratios (as dictated by specific article) from previous journal

A pregnant woman at 23 weeks of gestational age has a precipitous delivery of a newborn appearing 22-23 weeks of gestational age. You and your fellow resident at the delivery disagree regarding how aggressive to be with resuscitation efforts.

References:

1. Users’ guides to the medical literature: V. How to use an article about prognosis. Laupacis A, et al. JAMA 1994; 272:234-7.