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Comparative Audit of Clinical Research in Pediatric Neurology

Departments of Neurology/Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC

Michael Shevell, MD, CM, FRCPC

Department of Pediatrics McGill University, Montreal, QC, michael.shevell{at}muhc.mcgill.ca

Clinical research involves direct observation or data collection on human subjects. This study was conducted to evaluate the profile of pediatric neurology clinical research over a decade. Trends in pediatric neurology clinical research were documented through a systematic comparative review of articles published in selected journals. Eleven journals (five pediatric neurology, three general neurology, three general pediatrics) were systematically reviewed for articles involving a majority of human subjects less than 18 years of age for the years 1990 and 2000. Three hundred thirty-five clinical research articles in pediatric neurology were identified in the 11 journals for 1990 and 398 for 2000, a 19% increase. A statistically significant increase in analytic design (21.8% vs 39.5%; P = .01), statistical support (6% vs 16.6%; P < .0001), and multidisciplinary team (69.9% vs 87%; P = .003) was observed. In terms of specific study design, a significant decline in case reports (34.3% vs 10.3%; P < .0001) and an increase in case-control studies (11.3% vs 22.9%; P = .02) were evident over the 10-year interval. This comparative audit revealed that there has been a discernible change in the methodology profile of clinical research in child neurology over a decade. Trends apparently suggest a more rigorous approach to study design and investigation in this field. (J Child Neurol 2004;19:882—886).

Journal of Child Neurology, Vol. 19, No. 11, 882-886 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/08830738040190110601


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