A methodological review identified several options for utilizing registries for randomized controlled trials.

Objectives: Registry-based randomized controlled trials (RRCTs) can provide internally valid results in a real-world context at relatively low effort and cost. However, the main characteristics, the extent to which the registry is utilized (eg, proportion of data from registry) and registry-related limitations are not well characterized. This methodological review of RRCTs aims to analyze the trial design features, investigate potential usage options, and identify possible limitations of using registry data for randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

[S3 Guideline: Treating Chronic Respiratory Failure with Non-invasive Ventilation].

The S3 guideline on non-invasive ventilation as a treatment for chronic respiratory failure was published on the website of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) in July 2024. It offers comprehensive recommendations for the treatment of chronic respiratory failure in various underlying conditions, such as COPD, thoraco-restrictive diseases, obesity-hypoventilation syndrome, and neuromuscular diseases. An important innovation is the separation of the previous S2k guideline dating back to 2017, which included both invasive and non-invasive ventilation therapy.

Adherence-enhancing interventions for pharmacological and oxygen therapy in patients with COPD: a systematic review and component network meta-analyses.

Introduction: Adherence to COPD management strategies is complex, and it is unclear which intervention may enhance it.

Objectives: We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of adherence-enhancing interventions, alone or compared to interventions, for patients with COPD.

Methods: This review comprises a component network meta-analysis with a structured narrative synthesis.

Interrupted Time Series for Assessing the Causality of Intervention Effects. Part 35 of a Series on Evaluating Scientific Publications.

Background: The gold standard for evaluating interventions in medicine and health care is the randomized controlled trial (RCT). In practice, however, RCTs may be difficult to conduct because of high costs, ethical aspects, or practical considerations. This is particularly true of studies on the population level, e.