No common denominator: a review of outcome measures in IVF RCTs.

ABSTRACT:

Study question

Which outcome measures are reported in RCTs for IVF?

Summary answer

Many combinations of numerator and denominator are in use, and are often employed in a manner that compromises the validity of the study.

What is known already

The choice of numerator and denominator governs the meaning, relevance and statistical integrity of a study's results. RCTs only provide reliable evidence when outcomes are assessed in the cohort of randomised participants, rather than in the subgroup of patients who completed treatment.

Study design, size, duration

Review of outcome measures reported in 142 IVF RCTs published in 2013 or 2014.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Trials were identified by searching the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Speciali

SUBMITTER: Wilkinson J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5193327 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature