A meta-epidemiological study of subgroup analyses in cochrane systematic reviews of atrial fibrillation

Ref ID 506
First Author M. Paquette
Journal SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
Year Of Publishing 2019
URL https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6814034/pdf/13643_2019_Article_1152.pdf
Keywords Cochrane
Multiplicity
Cardiology
Pre-specification
Problem(s) Multiplicity of outcomes and lack of pre-specification for outcome reporting
Number of systematic reviews included 17
Summary of Findings Most (76.5%) planned pre-specified subgroup analyses, of which 41.2% conducted subgroups. The credibility of subgroups performed was assessed and less than half (43%) represented one of a small number of pre-specified hypothesis and rarely were effects seen within studies (7%). No reviews included details on how covariates were selected, or if statistical considerations necessitated an abbreviated list of covariates from an initial set pre-specified for investigation. Of 5 reviews that reported subgroup effects, only 3 discussed subgroup effects as part of the overall conclusions. None discussed credibility of subgroup effects.
Did the article find that the problem(s) led to qualitative changes in interpretation of the results? Not Applicable
Are the methods of the article described in enough detail to replicate the study? Yes