Researchers Are Interested in Further Investigating the Side Effects of a Relatively

question 596

Multiple Choice

Researchers are interested in further investigating the side effects of a relatively recent hypolipidemic drug.  A literature review showed several studies in which patients who took this drug reported severe acute myositis as an adverse event.  In many instances, affected patients experienced life-threatening complications from myositis, including rhabdomyolysis leading to acute renal failure and profound electrolyte abnormalities.  However, none of these studies documented a statistically significant difference in the occurrence of severe acute myositis between the treatment and placebo groups.  Which of the following is the best method to further investigate the association between use of this hypolipidemic drug and development of severe acute myositis?

• A)Conduct a new large-scale clinical trial.
• B)Perform stratified analysis on multiple risk factors.
• C)Pool the data from several trials.
• D)Review the medical charts to re-ascertain the events.
• E)There is no need to further study this statistically nonsignificant association.

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Definitions:

Second Best

Refers to a situation wherein the optimal condition cannot be achieved, and the best possible alternative under the given restrictions is adopted.

Previously Existing Distortions

Inefficiencies or imperfections already present in a market before a new policy or change was implemented.

Distortionary Tax

A tax that causes people to alter their behavior and economic decisions from what they would have chosen in the absence of the tax.

Principle of Neutrality

The concept that certain measures, such as fiscal policies, should be designed to have a neutral effect on economic choices and competition.