Transcatheter Mitral-Valve Repair in Patients with Heart Failure

1. What was the study design? (4 marks)

2. Randomization was stratified according to trial site and cause of cardiomyopathy (ischemic or non-ischemic) and was performed with random block sizes of 2, 4, or 6. Explain what is meant by the terms ‘random block sizes of 2, 4, or 6’ and‘stratified according to trial site and cause of cardiomyopathy’ and why they were used. (5 marks)

3. Were the intervention groups similar at the start of the trial? Justify your answer (3 marks)

4. Why are three analysis populations detailed in the CONSORT diagram? Briefly explain the differences between them. (3 marks)

5. Were all of the patients who entered the trial properly accounted for at its conclusion? (3 marks)

6. Was anyone in the trial blinded? (3 marks)

7. Aside from the experimental interventions, were the groups treated equally? (4 marks)

8. How large and how precise were the treatment effects for the primary effectiveness outcome, and what was this outcome? (5 marks)

Questions covering: Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes Associated With Worsening Renal Function in Patients With Heart Failure and Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: The COAPT Trial; Kong et al.

9. Was the research hypothesis in the paper by Kong et al.clearly focused – provide details on the PICO components (5 marks)

10. Why did the authors only consider events between 30 days and two years after randomisation? (2 marks)

11. In what way is the analysis population different to those detailed in the paper by Stone et al.? (3 marks)

12. Looking at Table 1 and for each of the following, state what statistical tests would have been used; justify your answer and provide a short summary of the results:
    1. Age (4 marks)
    2. Renal disease (4 marks)

13. In Table 1 are there any data that could have been summarised differently? Give one example and justification (2 marks)

14. Comment on the number of statistical tests and p-values presented in Table 1 (3 marks)

15. Write a short paragraph explaining in your own words what the authors are showing in Table 2, and what the key message is. Ensure you include what statistical approaches were used and why (6 marks)

16. What method was used to generate the graphs shown in Figure 4? (2 marks)

17. In your own words, what are the key messages from the results displayed in Figure 4 and Figure 5. Comment on the associations, effect sizes and whether there are any additional analyses the authors could have undertaken here. Note that you will find this easier looking at the papers on a screen or printed in colour. (6 marks)

18. Comment on the presentation of results (e.g. tables/figures) and how clear the findings are to the reader (3 marks)

Are you struggling to keep up with the demands of your academic journey? Don't worry, we've got your back! Exam Question Bank is your trusted partner in achieving academic excellence for all kind of technical and non-technical subjects.

Our comprehensive range of academic services is designed to cater to students at every level. Whether you're a high school student, a college undergraduate, or pursuing advanced studies, we have the expertise and resources to support you.

To connect with expert and ask your query click here Exam Question Bank