A reader's guide to the evaluation of causation.
In this article, we review the criteria used to establish a causal association. A literature search strategy will be outlined. We present a clinical scenario that was formulated to examine the evidence for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as a possible cause of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Several of the studies identified in the literature search were critically appraised and the criteria needed to confirm a causal link were then applied. These guidelines may be employed to not only demonstrate the aetiology of a disease but have wider applicability in terms of determining whether a medication may be causing certain adverse events.
Podrebarac
T
T
Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Tugwell
P
P
Hébert
P C
PC
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015984:Causality; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D012107:Research Design
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal