Why Doctors still offer treatments that don't work

[Darryl]

Please read and comment below nytimes.com/2019/08/26/upsh...

[AlanMeyer]

I have met a few doctors who engage in wishful thinking, and a lot that feel pressure to do something, even if they don't have anything that they know is effective.

One solution may be artificial intelligence. If I remember correctly, as early as the 1970's AIs had been trained to diagnose illness more accurately than human doctors by comparing reported symptoms and test results to a database linking them to diseases, test procedures, and treatments. A human doctor may see 10 cases of flu in a row and when the next guy with a cough and fever walks into his office, he assumes it's another flu case and doesn't perform any tests that might show otherwise. An AI doctor won't make that mistake. But of course any tech company that offers an AI doctor will quickly be sued out of existence the first time it gets things wrong.

Nevertheless, I'm optimistic. We're way ahead of where we were 100 years ago and in another hundred, and another, and another, our current age will look very primitive indeed.

Alan

[Break60 in reply to AlanMeyer]

It’s been projected that AI will replace humans for diagnostics in the not too distant future.

[Hidden]

The corollary to that is that doctors refuse to offer treatments that haven't been blessed by clinical trials. I recently posted about an iodine supplement curing my peyronies after the medically (FDA) sanctioned xiaflex injection failed me. I suspect that my urologist had heard of this iodine benefit but he sure didn't suggest it to me -- no clinical trial is what he said. I can also be cynical and suggest that they studiously ignore the benefits of any and all supplements -- if there's no financial benefit to them, why would they bother? He made money with those xiaflex injections. I also suspect that they are in fear of lawsuits if they don't 'stay in their lane' FDA wise. I also just read that the FDA is heavy handed and will sue Pharma companies who dare communicate off label use of medications to treat cancer.

[cesces]

"There are countless other examples of common treatments and medical advice provided without good evidence: magnesium supplements for leg cramps; oxygen therapy for acute myocardial infarction; IV saline for certain kidney disease patients; the avoidance of peanuts to prevent allergies in children; many knee and spine operations; tight blood sugar control in critically ill patients; clear liquid diets before colonoscopies; bed rest to prevent preterm birth; the prescribing of unnecessary medications, to list just a few. In some of these cases, there is even evidence of harm."

[mcp1941 in reply to cesces]

Anecdotal evidence: I had severe leg cramps for years and took several different OTC products with no success. Then I came across the magnesium product C.D. I only use the initials so I don't provide an endorsement. Since I started taking this product about 5 years ago NO MORE CRAMPS.

[Hidden in reply to cesces]

I have long legs. I suffered from left knee pain during my long commute (when I was still working). The only relief was to stretch out my leg, which was impossible while driving. I started taking glucosamine-condroitin. No more knee pain. My doctor had not suggested this supplement -- I found it on my own. BTW, magnesium is one of the supplements I take to help manage atrial fibrillation.

[cesces]

This is why you have to look after yourself in a trust but verify manner.

[Magnus1964]

Darryl

I and many others don't subscribe to the NYT. we can't read the article. Could you cut and paste the article to the forum.