title: [Objective methods for analyzing outcomes in research studies on cosmetic dermatology].
abstract: Cosmetic dermatology is a field of medicine that is in constant development; therefore, the use of objective methods for validating the findings of scientific studies is crucial. The most commonly used techniques in the majority of these studies include histopathology, immunohistochemistry, morphometry, stereology, digital photography, biometry, optical profilometry and confocal microscopy. The objective of this review was to provide an update on the principal methods used as tools for analyzing outcomes and also to provide the dermatologist with means of sharpening his/her critical judgement with respect to the publications and presentations that use subjective evaluation methods.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
authors.forename: Mônica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manela-Azulay
authors.forename: Tullia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cuzzi
authors.forename: Joana Cunha Araújo
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Pinheiro
authors.forename: David Rubem
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Azulay
authors.forename: Giuliana Bottino
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Rangel
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research; D001699:Biometry; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D010336:Pathology; D010781:Photography