From analyses of individual patient data ( seven studies , 918 patients ) , we found baseline pain strongly associated with absolute , but not relative , MCID as patients with higher baseline pain needed larger pain reduction to perceive relief .
Conclusions The MCID in acute pain varied greatly between studies and was influenced by baseline pain , definitions of improved patients and study design .
Background The minimum clinical ly important difference ( MCID ) is used to interpret the clinical relevance of results reported by trials and meta-analyses as well as to plan sample sizes in new studies .
However , there is a lack of consensus about the size of MCID in acute pain , which is a core symptom affecting patients across many clinical conditions .
Corticosteroids in peritonsillar abscess treatment: a blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial.
OBJECTIVES /HYPOTHESIS Sore throat is a common , benign emergency department ( ED ) presentation ; however , peritonsillar abscess ( PTA ) is a complication that requires aggressive management . Use of systemic corticosteroids ( SCSs ) in PTA is occurring without clear evidence of benefit . This study examined the efficacy and safety of SCS treatment for patients with PTA . STUDY DESIGN R and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial . METHODS A controlled trial with concealed allocation and double-blinding was conducted at two Canadian EDs . Following written informed consent , eligible patients received 48 hours of intravenous clindamycin and a single dose of the study drug ( dexamethasone [ DEX ] or placebo [ PLAC ] , intravenously [ IV ] ) . Follow-up occurred at 24 hours , 48 hours , and 7 days . The primary outcome was pain ; other outcomes were side effects and return to normal activities/diet . RESULTS A total of 182 patients were screened for eligibility ; 41 patients were enrolled ( 21 DEX ; 20 PLAC ) . At 24 hours , those receiving DEX reported lower pain scores ( 1.4 vs. 5.1 ; P = .009 ) ; however , these differences disappeared by 48 hours ( P = .22 ) and 7 days ( P = .4 ) . At 24 hours , more patients receiving DEX  returned to normal activities ( 33 % vs. 11 % ) and dietary intake ( 38 % vs 25 % ) ; however , these differences were not significant and disappeared by 48 hours and 7 days . Side effects were rare and did not differ between groups ( P > .05 ) . CONCLUSIONS Combined with PTA drainage and IV antibiotics , 10 mg IV DEX result ed in less pain at 24 hours when compared to PLAC , without any serious side effects . This effect is short-lived , and further research is required on factors associated with PTA treatment success
From analyses of individual patient data ( seven studies , 918 patients ) , we found baseline pain strongly associated with absolute , but not relative , MCID as patients with higher baseline pain needed larger pain reduction to perceive relief .
Conclusions The MCID in acute pain varied greatly between studies and was influenced by baseline pain , definitions of improved patients and study design .
Background The minimum clinical ly important difference ( MCID ) is used to interpret the clinical relevance of results reported by trials and meta-analyses as well as to plan sample sizes in new studies .
However , there is a lack of consensus about the size of MCID in acute pain , which is a core symptom affecting patients across many clinical conditions .