Overlapping meta-analyses on the same topic: survey of published studies.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To assess how common it is to have multiple overlapping meta-analyses of randomized trials published on the same topic.

Design

Survey of published meta-analyses.

Data sources

PubMed.

Study selection and methods

Meta-analyses published in 2010 were identified, and 5% of them were randomly selected. We further selected those that included randomized trials and examined effectiveness of any medical intervention. For eligible meta-analyses, we searched for other meta-analyses on the same topic (covering the same comparisons, indications/settings, and outcomes or overlapping subsets of them) published until February 2013.

Results

Of 73 eligible meta-analyses published in 2010, 49 (67%) had at least one other overlapping meta-analysis (median two met

SUBMITTER: Siontis KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3716360 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature