Journal Club Summary
Methodology: 3/5
Usefulness: 3/5
Pradhan R, Chaudhary A, Donato AA. Am J Emerg Med. 2012 Sep;30(7):1042-7
This was a retrospective cohort study of 127 patients that found no association between ST depression during rapid atrial fibrillation and obstructive CAD on cardiac catheterization. Because of possible selection bias in retrospectively identifying patients using catheterization billing without any standardized criteria for proceeding to catheterization, the group was unsure to whom the results would be applicable. Overall the study lends some weight to the idea of ST depression during rapid atrial fibrillation as possibly a rate-related phenomenon, but prospective studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to answer the question further.
By: Dr. Ashley Krywenky
Epi lesson:
The critical reader will be wary of overstated conclusions in a research abstract. Be sure to examine the results presented and ask yourself if the conclusions are truly supported by the methods described and the data presented. The same applies when writing a research abstract –ensure that your conclusions follow directly from the data you describe and are realistic given your chosen methods.
By: Dr. Lisa Calder
