Improving trial design for lice treatment

A new study investigates the best parameters for randomly-controlled trials of pediculicidal products.

The study by Do-Pham et al., published in the March 2014 edition of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, examined published protocols of randomly-controlled trials (RCT) to find optimal frameworks for product testing.

Examining 49 published RCTs related to pediculicides, the most important and relevant trial design features were identified and compared. The panel recommended three elements in particular: cluster randomisation, centralised treatment administration and blinding of the outcome assessor.

The authors hope that adopting these frameworks for future trials will increase reliability and comparability in studies in the field.