title: A dual approach to the evaluation of the efficacy of a new rheumatoid arthritic agent--pirprofen.
abstract: Pirprofen was compared to placebo in a double-blind crossover study in 12 rheumatoid arthritis patients. Two approaches--univariate and multivariate--were used to analyze the study results which were in the form of arithmetic changes from pretreatment levels of six efficacy measurements. The univariate analysis failed to permit a single decision to be made regarding the further investigation and use of pirprofen in rheumatoid arthritis. However, the multivariate analysis which treats the efficacy variables simultaneously showed a clear differentation from placebo. Thus, multivariate analysis enabled the clinical pharmacologist to evaluate the new therapeutic agent in a complete and comprehensive manner. It allowed for a single decision to be made regarding the merits of pirprofen compared to placebo.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010666:Phenylpropionates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010919:Placebos; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D010666:Phenylpropionates; D010919:Placebos; D011758:Pyrroles; C008924:pirprofen