Methods and Results-A national population-based study was performed using simulation and statistical process control. All patients who underwent cardiac surgery between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009, in all 16 cardiothoracic surgery centers in the Netherlands were included. Data on 46 883 consecutive cardiac surgery interventions were extracted. The expected risk factor frequencies were based on 2007 and 2008 data. Monthly frequency rates of 18 risk factors in 2009 were monitored using a Shewhart control chart, exponentially weighted moving average chart, and cumulative sum chart. Upcoding (ie, gaming) in random patients was GSI-IX mw simulated
and detected in 100% of the simulations. Subtle forms of gaming, involving specifically SN-38 high-risk patients, were more difficult to identify (detection rate of 44%). However, the accompanying rise in mean logistic European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE) was detected in all simulations.
Conclusions-Statistical process control in the form of a Shewhart control chart, exponentially weighted moving average, and cumulative sum charts provide a means to monitor changes in risk factor frequencies in a clinical database. Surveillance of the overall expected risk in addition to the separate risk factors ensures a high sensitivity to detect gaming. The use of
statistical process control for risk factor surveillance is recommended. (Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2013; 6: 110-118.)”
“Study design: Systematic review and effectiveness analysis.
Objectives: Assess the effectiveness of anticonvulsants for the management of post spinal cord injury (SCI) neuropathic pain.
Setting: Studies from multiple
countries were included.
Methods: CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE and MEDLINE JQ-EZ-05 were searched up to April 2013. Quality assessment was conducted using the Jadad and the Downs and Black tools. Effect sizes and odds ratios were calculated for primary and secondary outcome in the included studies.
Results: Gabapentinoids, valproate, lamotrigine, levetiracetam and carbamazepine were examined in the 13 included studies, ten of which are randomized controlled trials. Large effect size (0.873-3.362) for improvement of pain relief was found in 4 of the 6 studies examining the effectiveness of gabapentin. Pregabalin was shown to have a moderate to large effect (0.695-3.805) on improving neuropathic pain post SCI in 3 studies. Valproate and levetiracetam were not effective in improving neuropathic pain post SCI, while lamotrigine was effective in reducing neuropathic pain amongst persons with incomplete lesions and carbamazepine was found effective for relief of moderate to intense pain.
Conclusion: Gabapentin and pregabalin are the two anticonvulsants which have been shown to have some benefit in reducing neuropathic pain.