Characteristics of randomized controlled trials designed for elderly: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To quantify the proportion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically designed for elderly, and to assess their characteristics, as compared to RCTs not specifically designed for elderly.

Design

Review and synthesis of published literature.

Measurements

We searched PubMed for articles published in the year 2012. We included RCTs. Articles were excluded if not conducted with human subjects or if findings of secondary analyses were reported. A random sample of 10% was drawn and of this selection the following trial characteristics were extracted: sample size, disease category, age of sample, and age-related inclusion criteria. Clinical trials were defined to be specifically designed for elderly if a lower age cut-off of ≥ 55 years was used, or when p

SUBMITTER: Broekhuizen K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4433127 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature