Ode to the case report.
Although many medical journals routinely shun publication of case reports, these communications still can play a major educational role. Unexpected presentations, heretofore unreported adverse events and new associations may be illuminated. Although not as rigorous as placebo-controlled, double-blind studies, case reports do have a high degree of sensitivity for detecting novelty. Thus, they may also serve a useful purpose in directing future investigation.
Rosen
Ted
T
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. vampireted@aol.com
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D011643:Publishing / Q000191:economics