Trial sample size, but not trial quality, is associated with positive study outcome.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To assess whether the reported trial quality or trial characteristics are associated with the trial outcome.

Study design and setting

We identified all eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of arthroplasty from 1997 and 2006. Trials were classified based on whether the main trial outcome was reported to be positive (n = 90) or negative (n = 94). Multivariable logistic regression analyses studied the association of reporting of trial-quality measures (blinding, placebo use, allocation procedure, overall quality) and trial characteristics (intervention type, number of patients/centers, funding) with positive trial outcome.

Results

RCTs that used placebo or blinded care providers, used pharmacological interventions, had higher Jadad quality scores or sam

SUBMITTER: Singh JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2818000 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature