Causal inference methods to study gastric tube use in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Conclusions:
In the absence of randomization, causal inference methods are necessary to correct for time-varying confounding. G-tube placement may have a negative effect on survival with no QOL-related benefit for people with ALS. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to further evaluate the efficacy of this widely used intervention.
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT00349622.
Classification of evidence:
This study provides Class III evidence that for patients with ALS, G-tube placement decreases survival time and does not affect QOL.
Source: Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: McDonnell, E., Schoenfeld, D., Paganoni, S., Atassi, N. Tags: Quality of life, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Class III, All epidemiology, Palliative care ARTICLE Source Type: research
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