JAMA Clinical Reviews

The last few years have seen a tremendous increase in the conduct of platform clinical trials, a type of randomized clinical trial that can simultaneously evaluate the effects of multiple interventions, often in combination, with the available treatments changing over time as more is learned about their effectiveness. Jay J.H. Park, PhD, and Edward J. Mills, PhD, from the University of British Columbia and McMaster University, respectively, join JAMA Statistical Editor Roger J. Lewis, MD, PhD, to discuss how clinicians should evaluate the results of platform clinical trials when considering incorporating the results into their clinical practice. Related Content: How to Use and Interpret the Results of a Platform Trial

Approximately 87% of US women will use contraception during their lifetime. Stephanie Teal, MD, MPH, from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and JAMA Associate Editor Linda Brubaker, MD, MS, from University of California San Diego, discuss factors to consider during contraception selection, balancing highest effectiveness and lowest risks. Related Content: Contraception Selection, Effectiveness, and Adverse Effects

Nearly all pregnant individuals use at least 1 medication, either prescribed or over-the-counter, during their pregnancy. Denise Jamieson, MD, MPH, professor and chair of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, joins JAMA Associate Editor Linda Brubaker, MD, MS, to discuss the current FDA system and other resources for communicating medication safety data to clinicians. Related Content: Assessment of the Safety of Common Medications Used During Pregnancy

Appendectomy remains the first-line therapy for acute appendicitis, but treatment with antibiotics rather than surgery is appropriate in selected patients with uncomplicated appendicitis. JAMA Associate Editor Anthony Charles, MD, MPH, from UNC School of Medicine summarizes this and other aspects of acute appendicitis in adults along with author Theodore N. Pappas, MD, from Duke University Medical Center. Related Content: Diagnosis and Management of Acute Appendicitis in Adults Acute Appendicitis

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin disorders seen in the outpatient clinic setting. Lawrence F. Eichenfield, MD, of the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, joins JAMA Dermatology Web/Associate Editor Adewole S. Adamson, MD, MPP, to discuss the latest developments in the evaluation and management of acne vulgaris and answer common questions related to acne subtyping, treatment selection, medication side effects, and diet. Related Content: Management of Acne Vulgaris Patient Information: Acne Treatment

Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by either decreased iron availability or increased iron requirements after blood loss from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Nabil M. Abou Baker, MD, and Andrew M. Davis, MD, MPH, both of the University of Chicago, join JAMA Deputy Editor Michael Berkwits, MD, MSCE, to discuss the evaluation of iron deficiency anemia and 2020 AGA recommendations for the workup of GI causes, including revised thresholds for ferritin values and the use of upper and lower (bidirectional) endoscopy. Related Content: Gastrointestinal Evaluation of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Romina Brignardello-Petersen, DDS, PhD, and Gordon Guyatt, MD, of McMaster University talk with JAMA Executive Deputy Editor Robert Golub, MD, about how to interpret clinical practice guidelines and recommendations, the subject of a recent Users’ Guides to the Medical Literature article in JAMA. Related Content:

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) causes premature menopause in younger women and is associated with reduced quality of life and cardiovascular, neurologic, and skeletal morbidity and mortality. Ekta Kapoor, MBBS, Associate Professor of Medicine and Assistant Director, Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health, joins JAMA Editor Carolyn Crandall, MD, MS, from UCLA Health, to discuss care and treatment of women with early surgical menopause. Related Content: Treatment of Women After Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy Performed Prior to Natural Menopause

Recognizing a potentially difficult intubation can help clinicians prepare for complications by getting assistance from colleagues with airway training and by ensuring advanced airway management equipment is available. Michael E. Detsky, MD, MSHP, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Toronto and the Mount Sinai Health System, discusses findings from a Rational Clinical Examination systematic review identifying physical findings and risk factors that can help predict difficult endotracheal intubation. Related Content: Will This Patient Be Difficult to Intubate? The Rational Clinical Examination Systematic Review Will This Patient Be Difficult to Intubate? (video)

Critically ill patients often require IV fluids for resuscitation but questions remain about the optimal type of IV fluid and best rate of IV fluid bolus infusion. JAMA Associate Editor Kristin Walter, MD, MS, discusses a recent clinical trial that examined the effect of 2 different crystalloid solutions and 2 IV fluid bolus infusion rates on ICU patient mortality with Alexandre B. Cavalcanti, MD, PhD, director of the Research Institute HCor in San Paulo, Brazil, and Craig M. Coopersmith, MD, professor of surgery and director of the Critical Care Center at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Related Content: Effect of Slower vs Faster Intravenous Fluid Bolus Rates on Mortality in Critically Ill Patients: The BaSICS Randomized Clinical Trial Does Crystalloid Composition or Rate of Fluid Administration Make a Difference When Resuscitating Patients in the ICU? Effect of Intravenous Fluid Treatment With a Balanced Solution vs 0.9% Saline Solution on Mortality in Critically Ill Patients: The BaSICS Randomized Clinical Trial Effect of Intravenous Fluid Treatment With a Balanced vs Normal Saline Solution at a High vs Low Infusion Rate on Mortality in Critically Ill Patients