For some stroke patients, NAC treatment actually made some blood markers related to oxidative stress worse, while improving others.
Scientific Claim
In the intervention-non-responsive subgroup of ischemic stroke patients, N-acetylcysteine administration resulted in decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p<0.001), increased total oxidant status (TOS) (p<0.001), increased malondialdehyde (MDA) (p=0.002), but decreased paraoxonase (p<0.001), catalase (p=0.03), and neopterin (p=0.001).
Original Statement
“In the non-responsive group, administration of NAC decreased TAC (P < 0.001), increased TOS (P < 0.001), increased MDA (P = 0.002) but decreased paraoxonase (p < 0.001), catalase (p = 0.03), and neopterin (p = 0.001).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
probability
Can suggest probability/likelihood
Assessment Explanation
The subgroup analysis is clearly reported with statistical significance. The verb 'resulted in' is appropriate but should be qualified with 'likely' or 'significantly' given the exploratory nature of subgroup analyses.
More Accurate Statement
“In the intervention-non-responsive subgroup of ischemic stroke patients, N-acetylcysteine administration likely resulted in decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p<0.001), increased total oxidant status (TOS) (p<0.001), increased malondialdehyde (MDA) (p=0.002), but decreased paraoxonase (p<0.001), catalase (p=0.03), and neopterin (p=0.001).”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Investigation of the effect of N-acetylcysteine on serum levels of oxidative inflammatory biomarkers in patients with stroke