Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Some comparative effectiveness research I'd like to see

Recently I've linked to papers showing advantages of renin profiling and hemodynamic profiling via impedance cardiography (ICG) for the treatment of hypertension. But questions are raised. We know that these tests improve blood pressure control but what about clinical outcomes such as stroke, myocardial infarction and heart failure? Is one better than the other? Are these testing modalities worth the cost? I'd like to see a study comparing groups of hypertensives treated according to standard guidelines, with renin guidance and with ICG guidance, looking at “hard” clinical outcomes. That would be interesting, wouldn't it?

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