Where's the Bias?
Authors: Frank Davidoff
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1997)

Editorials15 June 1997Where's the Bias?Frank Davidoff, MD, EditorFrank Davidoff, MD, EditorEditorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-126-12-199706150-00011 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail In July 1996, Annals published the results of a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial describing the effects of zinc lozenges on the symptoms of the common cold [1]. The lozenges, produced by the Quigley Corporation of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, seemed to reduce the duration of symptoms by about 40% compared with placebo, confirming the results of several previous studies but contrasting with the findings of others. As noted in the published article, the study was supported by funds from the researchers' institution; the Quigley Corporation supplied the active medication and the placebo.In the cover letter that accompanied the manuscript, the authors ...References1. Mossad SB, Macknin ML, Medendorp SV, Mason P. Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold. A randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled study. Ann Intern Med. 1996; 125:81-8. Google Scholar2. Gelles J. Hope for a cure for colds sets off rush for lozenges. Philadelphia Inquirer. 19 December 1996:A1. Google Scholar3. Alpert B. Cure for the common cold? As Quigley shares soar, questions arise about medical studies, shady associates. Barron's 1997 January 13:18-9. Google Scholar4. Hamilton K. Reaching for the rock. Zinc is the hot cold remedy, and sales are nothing to sneeze at. Newsweek. 20 January 1997:74. Google Scholar5. Day K. Cold researcher made profit on Quigley shares. Washington Post. 31 January 1997:G1. 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Phillips, BSc (Hons), DPhil, Craig Robbins, MD, MPH, Philip van der Wees, PT, PhD, and Amir Qaseem, MD, PhD, MHA, for the Board of Trustees of the Guidelines International Network*Walking the Tightrope of Academia–Industry RelationshipsThe EditorsTime-dependent study entries and exposures in cohort studies can easily be sources of different and avoidable types of biasWhy Are (Some) Conflicts of Interest in Medicine So Uniquely Vexing?A Review of: "Jerome P. Kassirer. 2004. On the Take: How Medicine's Complicity with Big Business Can Endanger Your Health "Annals of Internal Medicine at Age 75: Reflections on the Past 25 YearsEdward J. Huth, MD and Kathleen Case, MSScience and industryConflict of interest policies in science and medical journals: Editorial practices and author disclosuresLa declaración del conflicto de intereses en las publicaciones científicas. ¿Tiempo para las luces y los taquígrafos en la trastienda de la investigación financiada por la industria?Troubling Issues with Research PublicationsPharmaceutical Industry Support of Psychiatric Research and Education: Ethical Issues and Proposed Remedies 15 June 1997Volume 126, Issue 12Page: 986-988KeywordsCommon coldConflicts of interestDisclosureEpidemiologyForecastingHealth services researchResearch reporting guidelinesScientistsTemperatureZinc Issue Published: 15 June 1997 CopyrightCopyright © 1997 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF DownloadLoading ...