Three measures for simultaneously evaluating benefits and risks using categorical data from clinical trials.
Randomized clinical trials are typically conducted to compare the efficacy (benefits) and side effects (risks) of two or more treatments. One can use results from such trials to decide on a preferable treatment that reflects one's own evaluation of the benefits and risks. To facilitate the necessary decision making, we propose in this paper three measures for simultaneously assessing benefits and risks. All three measures use weights that reflect the relative importance of the various treatment outcomes to an individual. Two of them carry the flavour of benefit/risk ratios, while the third generalizes Hilden's measure which incorporates patients' preferences. The proposed measures and procedures are illustrated using data from a phase III clinical trial of antihypertensive compounds.
Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.
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Chuang-Stein
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Mohberg
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MS
Sinkula
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D012306:Risk
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide