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: Tags: Quality of life, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Class III, All epidemiology, Palliative care ARTICLE Source Type: research