Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus vs. Patient-controlled Epidural Analgesia for Maintenance of Labour Analgesia: A 2-Center, Double-blind, Randomized Study

Abstract

process. This is a good example where it is not just about "statistics" but the clinical significance of approaching the study objective, which altered the final study conclusion. And even after the peer-review driven modifications, and adjusting for many potential confounders, the study results seemed to be at least counterintuitive to the study aim.Other consideration in "big data" research is to take in account inherent flaws related to retrospective observational studies, mainly related with selection bias. In this particular, the confounding by indication may not be accounted through the source of information (birth certificates), and does not allow to show whether NA was indicated before or after the indication of the operative delivery.As clinicians seeking evidence for best practice, we should value different types of research designs while acknowledging their strengths and limitations.