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How to critically appraise an article.

Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2009 Feb;6(2):82-91

Authors: Young JM, Solomon MJ

Critical appraisal is a systematic process used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a research article in order to assess the usefulness and validity of research findings. The most important components of a critical appraisal are an evaluation of the appropriateness of the study design for the research question and a careful assessment of the key methodological features of this design. Other factors that also should be considered include the suitability of the statistical methods used and their subsequent interpretation, potential conflicts of interest and the relevance of the research to one’s own practice. This Review presents a 10-step guide to critical appraisal that aims to assist clinicians to identify the most relevant high-quality studies available to guide their clinical practice.

PMID: 19153565 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Endoscopic clipping for the management of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 Oct;5(10):559-68

Authors: Anastassiades CP, Baron TH, Wong Kee Song LM

Endoscopic clipping is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of various bleeding gastrointestinal lesions. Randomized controlled trials and a meta-analysis have shown comparable efficacy between clipping and conventional contact thermal therapy for definitive hemostasis of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Clipping also seems to be efficacious for selected lower gastrointestinal bleeding lesions, such as diverticular bleeding and postpolypectomy bleeding. Proficiency in clip application and endoscopic identification of lesions that are amenable to clipping are key determinants of a successful outcome.

PMID: 18711412 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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