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Meta-analysis in medical research: potentials and limitations.
Zwahlen, Marcel Egger, Matthias
Zwahlen, Marcel
Egger, Matthias
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Abstract
Meta-analysis, the statistical combination of results from several studies to produce a single estimate of a treatment effect or size of an association, continues to attract controversy. We illustrate and discuss the promises and limitations of meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of clinical trials can prevent delays in the introduction of effective treatments or lead to the timely identification of adverse effects. However, meta-analyses are liable to numerous biases, both at the level of the individual study and the selection of studies for inclusion in meta-analysis. The biases and confounding factors that threaten the validity of individual studies will also affect meta-analyses of observational studies. We argue that meta-analyses should only be performed within the framework of systematic reviews that have been prepared using methods that minimize bias and address the combinability of studies.
Affiliation
Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland. zwahlen@ispm.unibe.ch
Description
Date
2009-05-12T18:20:45Z
Publisher
Collections
Keywords
Heterogeity
Medical Research
Medical Research
Type
Article
Citation
Meta-analysis in medical research: potentials and limitations., 26 (3):320-9 Urol. Oncol.