title: [Discussion on methods of sample size estimation in conducting clinical reevaluation of postmarketing Chinese medicine].
abstract: Sample size is one of important factors determining the results of a clinical trial, and the choice of sample size estimation methods is related to the specific design of clinical trials. On clinical safety reevaluation of postmarketing Chinese medicine, we often design cohort study, case-control study, nested case-control study or hospital centralized monitoring, which need large sample sizes. In evaluating the effectiveness of postmarketing Chinese medicine widely applied in the large population, pragmatic randomized controlled trial (PRCT) is more suitable than explanatory randomized controlled trial (ERCT). ERCT is necessary to conduct confirmatory study for new indications of postmarketing Chinese medicine. According to the specific purpose, design type and evaluation index, we choose the suitable sample size estimation method, and determine the corresponding parameters. We must estimate and determine the suitable sample size according to the specific clinical evaluation design, with comprehensive consideration of the test power, research cost and practical operability.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China. tianfengzzz@126.com
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tian
authors.forename: Yingkun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fu
authors.forename: Yanming
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Xie
mesh_terms: D015331:Cohort Studies; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D011634:Public Health; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018401:Sample Size
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal