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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 6/2002

01-12-2002 | Letter

The limitations of observational studies on the treatment of severe sepsis

Author: Christian J Wiedermann

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 6/2002

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Abstract

Observational studies usually agree with randomised, controlled trials. It is a logical fallacy, however, to suggest that agreement in one direction implies prediction in the other direction. Observational studies are not scientifically capable of proving or disproving hypotheses such as the efficacy and safety of the treatment of severe sepsis with antithrombin. Observational studies are difficult to analyse and interpret because of the heterogeneity of real-life patient populations, the lack of standardised treatment regimens, the lack of standardised indications for treatment, and the lack of predefined endpoints.
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Metadata
Title
The limitations of observational studies on the treatment of severe sepsis
Author
Christian J Wiedermann
Publication date
01-12-2002
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 6/2002
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc1838

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