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Glacy J, Putnam K, Godfrey S, et al. Treatments for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2013 Jul. (Comparative Effectiveness Reviews, No. 120.)

  • This publication is provided for historical reference only and the information may be out of date.

This publication is provided for historical reference only and the information may be out of date.

Cover of Treatments for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Treatments for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis [Internet].

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Appendix EUnited States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Criteria for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

Good: Meets all criteria outlined below.

Fair: Generally comparable groups are assembled initially but some question remains whether some (although not major) differences occurred with follow-up; measurement instruments are acceptable (although not the best) and generally applied equally; some but not all important outcomes are considered; and some but not all potential covariates are accounted for. Intention to treat analysis is performed.

Poor: Studies will be graded “poor” if any of the following flaws exists: groups assembled initially are not close to being comparable or maintained throughout the trial; unreliable or invalid measurement instruments are used or not applied at all equally among groups (including not masking outcome assessment); and key covariates are given little or no attention. Intention to treat analysis is lacking.

Criteria

  • Initial assembly of comparable groups:
    • For RCTs: potential covariates appropriately distributed
    • For cohort studies: potential confounders controlled
  • Maintenance of comparable groups ≈ < 20% loss to follow-up in each arm
  • Measurements equal, reliable, and valid
  • Interventions comparable and clearly defined
  • All important outcomes considered
  • Analysis:
    • For RCTs: intention-to-treat, covariate adjustment
    • For cohort studies: adjustment for potential confounders for cohort studies
  • Other aspects of analyses appropriate (e.g. missing data, sensitivity analyses)

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