[Mathematical statistical evaluation of the trends of biological parameters during intermittent therapy]

Principle and method of the mathematico-statistical evaluation of an intermitting therapy are explained at the example of the cholestyramine treatment in incomplete obstruction of the bile ducts. The behavior of a biochemical parameter-e.g. the alkaline phosphatase activity and the cholesterol content of the serum-during this time is described with a total approximation function which is subdivided into several partial regression functions. The changes of the biochemical parameter during several periods with and without therapy, respectively, my be characterised and statistically judged from different points of view, e.g. as trend. Thus the clinical test of medicaments gains more objectivity, selectivity, dynamics and individuality. Thus in the example described the effect of cholestyramine (cuemid) decreasing the pathologically increased alkaline phosphatase activity and the increased cholesterol content of the serum and a return to the initial values and a slight deterioration, respectively, after discontinuation of the medicament with a probability of error up to alpha less than 0.001 on one patient could be proved.