Dealing with clinical heterogeneity in meta-analysis. Assumptions, methods, interpretation
Beteiligte Einrichtungen
Abstract
METHOD: Re-analysis of published data including calculation of a prediction interval, heterogeneity tests, Bayesian meta-analysis, meta-regression, and subgroup analysis to explore and interpret summary estimates in clinically heterogeneous studies.
RESULTS: Meta-analytic results and their implications varied considerably depending on whether and how clinical heterogeneity was addressed.
CONCLUSIONS: Whether or not to trust summary estimates in meta-analysis depends largely on the subjective relevance of clinical heterogeneity present. No single analysis and interpretation strategy can be valid in every context or paradigm, thus, reflection of own beliefs on the role of heterogeneity is needed.
Bibliografische Daten
Originalsprache | Englisch |
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ISSN | 1049-8931 |
DOIs | |
Status | Veröffentlicht - 01.03.2013 |
PubMed | 23494781 |
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