Can trial sequential monitoring boundaries reduce spurious inferences from meta-analyses?

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ID: 305128
2008
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Abstract
Results from apparently conclusive meta-analyses may be false. A limited number of events from a few small trials and the associated random error may be under-recognized sources of spurious findings. The information size (IS, i.e. number of participants) required for a reliable and conclusive meta-analysis should be no less rigorous than the sample size of a single, optimally powered randomized clinical trial. If a meta-analysis is conducted before a sufficient IS is reached, it should be evaluated in a manner that accounts for the increased risk that the result might represent a chance finding (i.e. applying trial sequential monitoring boundaries).We analysed 33 meta-analyses with a sufficient IS to detect a treatment effect of 15% relative risk reduction (RRR). We successively monitored the results of the meta-analyses by generating interim cumulative meta-analyses after each included trial and evaluated their results using a conventional statistical criterion (alpha = 0.05) and two-sided Lan-DeMets monitoring boundaries. We examined the proportion of false positive results and important inaccuracies in estimates of treatment effects that resulted from the two approaches.Using the random-effects model and final data, 12 of the meta-analyses yielded P > alpha = 0.05, and 21 yielded P alpha = 0.05. The monitoring boundaries eliminated all false positives. Important inaccuracies in estimates were observed in 6 out of 21 meta-analyses using the conventional P
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openalex_W2110970000 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Kristian Thorlund, P.J. Devereaux, Jørn Wetterslev, Gordon Guyatt, John P. A. Ioannidis, Lehana Thabane, Lise Lotte Gluud, Bodil Als‐Nielsen, Christian Gluud
Journal International Journal of Epidemiology
Year 2008
DOI
10.1093/ije/dyn179
URL
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