The analysis was based on the 'intention to treat' principle. The primary health outcomes reported were time expended in treatment (length of hospital stay) and the rates of five types of complications viz:
(1)significant neurologic toxicity,
(2) severe IV site reaction requiring a change in the site of administration,
(3)symptomatic decrease in blood pressure (>20 mm Hg systolic),
(4)moderate-to-severe neurologic symptoms without ataxia or vertigo, and
(5)infusion-related adverse event requiring a reduction in the infusion rate.
These categories were defined by the authors and others working on the final study. The groups were shown to be comparable in terms of age, gender, race, body weight, and medical history.