Your recording of information will be invaluable in the success of the project in terms of accurately identifying end-points when they occur. Over future issues we will present tips on recording information in your notes that will aid in the objective identification of study end-points. Hospital discharge diagnosis of cardiac failure OR 2. Characteristic chest X-ray appearance OR 3. If you suspect CCF then for it to be accurately identified at least 2 definite physical signs must be noted in the records.
Hard evidence is even better if available eg.
Patient Management Tip Remember - after a patient is randomised to a treatment regimen it is important that they stay in the same regimen. Work through the Steps as required to achieve goal blood pressure rather than crossing over. This will result in patient cross-over which will reduce the power of the study. This association was probably more likely in subjects who already had evidence of cardiac disease or were at greater risk of having cardiac disease. The implication of this finding for patients who have been randomised to the 'diuretic' arm of ANBP2 is that you should be aware of your patients potassium status and take appropriate action if it is abnormal.