Evaluation of Articles to Determine the Natural History of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) (8)
| Question | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Is an inception cohort created? | All patients should enter the study at an early and uniform time in the evolution of disease. Evaluation should be precipitated by initial admission for multiple trauma. |
| Is the referral pattern described? | How do patients enter the study? Does this affect applicability? Were the evaluated studies conducted in tertiary-care regional trauma centres? |
| Is there complete follow-up of study patients? | Can we rely of the findings of the study? Were all patients admitted with multiple injuries assessed objectively (duplex scanning or venography) for the development of DVT at an appropriate time? |
| Are there objective outcome criteria? | Are such criteria available and applied in a uniform manner? Have the authors documented what standards were used to conclude that a diagnostic study was positive for DVT or pulmonary embolism? Can we be certain that these criteria were applied in a uniform manner? |
| Is assessment of outcome blind? | Those who review outcome criteria should not know of other potential patient factors that might affect outcome. Do the studies document that those interpreting the diagnostic studies for DVT and pulmonary embolism were blinded to the clinical status of the patient and to the results of other diagnostic studies? |