- Framework of problems / Rigourous
- Inadequate analysis of heterogeneity
- Evolution of heterogeneity (I2) estimates and their 95% confidence intervals in large meta-analyses
| Ref ID | 544 |
| First Author | K. Thorlund |
| Journal | PLOS ONE |
| Year Of Publishing | 2012 |
| URL | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22848355/ |
| Keywords |
Cochrane Heterogeneity General medical |
| Problem(s) |
Inadequate analysis of heterogeneity |
| Number of systematic reviews included | 16 |
| Summary of Findings | In 10 of the 16 meta-analyses, the I squared estimates fluctuated more than 40% over time. In 3 of the 16 meta-analyses, the 95% confidence intervals temporarily did not include the final I squared estimate. I squared estimates are likely to incur considerable fluctuations when a meta-analysis includes less than roughly 500 events and less than 15 trials. |
| 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 |