Reporting characteristics of non-primary publications of results of randomized trials: a cross-sectional review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

For a randomized trial, the primary publication is usually the one which reports the results of the primary outcome and provides consolidated data from all study centers. Other aspects of a randomized trial's findings (that is, non-primary results) are often reported in subsequent publications.

Methods

We carried out a cross-sectional review of the characteristics and type of information reported in non-primary reports (n = 69) of randomized trials (indexed in PubMed core clinical journals in 2009) and whether they report pre-specified or exploratory analyses. We also compared consistency of information in non-primary publications with that reported in the primary publication.

Results

The majority (n = 56; 81%) of non-primary publications were large, multic

SUBMITTER: Hopewell S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3733891 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature