Articles: anesthesiology.
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Meta Analysis
The use of systematic reviews to justify anaesthesiology trials: A meta-epidemiological study.
New randomized clinical trials (RCTs) should be initiated if previous systematic reviews (SRs) indicate that new trials are needed. We analysed whether RCTs published in anaesthesiology journals mentioned previous SRs as a rationale for conducting trial and for discussing results. ⋯ Since less than a fifth of trials published in high-impact journals in the field of anaesthesiology explicitly mention previous systematic review as a justification for conducting the trial, authors, ethics committees, editors and peer-reviewers need to increase their awareness of the need for proper justification regarding the necessity for a new trial.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Oct 2018
Meta AnalysisLaryngeal Mask Airway Versus Other Airway Devices for Anesthesia in Children With an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Respiratory Complications.
LMA use in children with URTIs reduces cough compared to intubation, but possibly not laryngospasm, although quality of evidence is poor.
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Heterogeneity among the primary studies included in a systematic review (SR) is one of the most challenging considerations for systematic reviewers. Current practices in anaesthesiology SRs have not been evaluated, but traditional methods may not provide sufficient information to evaluate the true nature of these differences. We address these issues by examining the practices for evaluating heterogeneity in anesthesiology reviews. ⋯ Subgroup analysis was used in 59% Cochrane reviews, while sensitivity analysis was used in 62%. Many reviews did not provide sufficient detail regarding heterogeneity. We are calling for improvement to reporting practices.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Oct 2017
Meta AnalysisMethodological and Reporting Quality of Systematic Reviews Published in the Highest Ranking Journals in the Field of Pain.
Systematic reviews (SRs) are important for making clinical recommendations and guidelines. We analyzed methodological and reporting quality of pain-related SRs published in the top-ranking anesthesiology journals. ⋯ Endorsement of PRISMA in instructions for authors was not a guarantee of compliance. Methodological and reporting quality of pain-related SRs should be improved using relevant checklists. This can be remedied by a joint effort of authors, editors, and peer reviewers.