Errors and Biases in Meta-analysis of the Prevalence of Olfactory Dysfunction in Patients With COVID-19

Ref ID 801
First Author A. Santamaria-Gadea
Journal OTOLARYNGOLOGY - HEAD AND NECK SURGERY (UNITED STATES)
Year Of Publishing 2021
URL https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0194599820951133
Keywords • Heterogeneity
• Error
• Otolaryngology
• COVID
• Non-Cochrane reviews
Problem(s) • Data extraction errors and double counting
• Inadequate analysis of heterogeneity
Number of systematic reviews included 1
Summary of Findings The letter highlights concerns over the conduct of one systematic review with meta-analysis on the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in patients with COVID-19, published in 2020. These include the use of meta-analysis despite significant heterogeneity of studies using various non-validated instruments across multiple geographic locations and errors with the labelling of data extracted.
Did the article find that the problem(s) led to qualitative changes in interpretation of the results? N/A
Are the methods of the article described in enough detail to replicate the study? No