- Framework of problems / Rigourous
- Inadequate analysis of heterogeneity
- Results from a meta-analysis comparing bovine carotid artery grafts with polytetrafluoroethylene grafts must be interpreted with caution due to methodological flaws
| Ref ID | 828 |
| First Author | J.J. Ng |
| Journal | JOURNAL OF VASCULAR ACCESS |
| Year Of Publishing | 2021 |
| URL | https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1129729820946196?casa_token=9Fb9cm3qm9AAAAAA:EDGmGWwCM5JJkRnwZ0XjghvjdrP8Ek0tjkbesE9B8f_GP3l9enIc4vtgqCYnGrqN2cvHFHNMVgTsoQ |
| Keywords |
Surgery Observational studies Statistical Power Heterogeneity |
| Problem(s) |
Inclusion of observational / non-randomised studies Inadequate analysis of heterogeneity Lack of statistical expertise in handling of quantitative data |
| Number of systematic reviews included | 1 |
| Summary of Findings | The letter to the editor highlights concerns with the conduct of a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2020 of complication rates and patency outcomes of bovine carotid artery grafts with polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for haemodialysis vascular access including the meta-analysis of one RCT with 3 observational studies resulting in considerable methodological, clinical and statistical heterogeneity. |
| 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? |