A methodological assessment of randomization integrity in alteplase for acute ischemic stroke individual patient data meta-analyses.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Little is known about the integrity of randomization for randomized controlled trials (RCT) included in alteplase for stroke meta-analyses. If the RCTs were not properly randomized, the results could not be accepted at face value. The objective was to assess the integrity of randomization in individual patient data (IPD) meta-analyses supporting alteplase for acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

We assessed randomization reporting, performed qualitative risk of bias assessments arising from the randomization process, and performed fixed effects meta-analyses of baseline variables for which zero heterogeneity is expected if all included RCTs have unbiased randomization. Fixed-effects meta-analyses of baseline age, weight, and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NI

SUBMITTER: Garg R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11922233 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature