Quiz 4, Module Case-control
4. What is the best source for ascertaining cases? [Aschengrau & Seage, pp. 236-239]
- Identification of cases of Susser Syndrome from hospital charts of the local hospital. Diagnoses are based on clinical assessment and are supported by brain imaging results.
- Identification of subjects complaining of neurological symptoms from the records of the Superfit Center's staff nurse
- Identification of cases from the records of a prominent Epiville neurologist in private practice
Answer (a) —
correct:
Recall from the Epiville Department of Health website that a diagnosis of Susser Syndrome requires a neurological consult. In addition, according to the EDOH website, the neurological symptoms of Susser Syndrome are so severe that all cases will end up at the local hospital. Therefore, a review of the hospital charts should offer an excellent source of valid data on every case in Epiville.
Answer (b) —
incorrect:
We might miss individuals with the Syndrome who never saw the staff nurse and might erroneously include those whose symptoms are not due to Susser Syndrome.
Answer (c) —
incorrect:
While some cases will see a neurologist for their symptoms, available information on the Susser Syndrome (Epiville Department of Health website) indicates that some will be very ill and will be admitted directly to the hospital emergency room before having visited a specialist. Thus, we might miss persons with the Syndrome, or we might erroneously include persons whose symptoms are not Susser Syndrome.
