Journal of clinical epidemiology
-
Researchers have proposed using bootstrap resampling in conjunction with automated variable selection methods to identify predictors of an outcome and to develop parsimonious regression models. Using this method, multiple bootstrap samples are drawn from the original data set. Traditional backward variable elimination is used in each bootstrap sample, and the proportion of bootstrap samples in which each candidate variable is identified as an independent predictor of the outcome is determined. The performance of this method for identifying predictor variables has not been examined. ⋯ Bootstrap model selection performed comparatively to backward variable elimination for identifying the true predictors of a binary outcome.
-
The objective of this paper is to describe the problem of multiple comparisons in systematic reviews and to provide some guidelines on how to deal with it in practice. ⋯ There is no simple and completely satisfactory solution to the problem of multiple comparisons in systematic reviews. More research is required to develop multiple comparison procedures for use in systematic reviews. Authors and consumers of systematic reviews should give serious attention to multiplicity in systematic reviews when presenting, interpreting and using the results of these reports.
-
The objective was to determine the clinically important difference (CID) from primary total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) surgeries using the Western Ontario McMaster University (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index. ⋯ Improvement that is "a good deal better" is an appropriate threshold for the THR/TKR positive CID. Attaining a positive CID is negatively related to postoperative complications.
-
In the conduct of a systematic review or meta-analysis, many possible sources of bias exist, such as bias caused by design characteristics. We studied the influence of the methodological study characteristics of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the outcome in a systematic review on conservative treatments in patients with tension-type headache (TTH). ⋯ In this study, sample design characteristics do not show to have an impact on treatment effect estimates, but the way the treatment effect is measured has a significant impact.
-
To determine the overall quality of reporting of meta-analyses (QUOROMs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) based on the QUOROM statement, to compare the reporting quality of paper-based articles and Cochrane reviews, and to determine whether compliance with the statement improves over time. ⋯ The reporting quality of meta-analyses improves with time. The reporting quality of Cochrane reviews is better compared with paper-based articles. Room still exists for improvements in the reporting quality of both Cochrane and paper-based articles.