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Systematic review and meta-analysis in cardiac surgery: a primer.
- Source :
-
Current opinion in cardiology [Curr Opin Cardiol] 2018 Mar; Vol. 33 (2), pp. 184-189. - Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Purpose of Review: The purpose of this article is to review the strengths and weaknesses of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to inform our current understanding of cardiac surgery.<br />Recent Findings: A systematic review and meta-analysis of a focused topic can provide a quantitative estimate for the effect of a treatment intervention or exposure. In cardiac surgery, observational studies and small, single-center prospective trials provide most of the clinical outcomes that form the evidence base for patient management and guideline recommendations. As such, meta-analyses can be particularly valuable in synthesizing the literature for a particular focused surgical question. Since the year 2000, there are over 800 meta-analysis-related publications in our field. There are some limitations to this technique, including clinical, methodological and statistical heterogeneity, among other challenges. Despite these caveats, results of meta-analyses have been useful in forming treatment recommendations or in providing guidance in the design of future clinical trials.<br />Summary: There is a growing number of meta-analyses in the field of cardiac surgery. Knowledge translation via meta-analyses will continue to guide and inform cardiac surgical practice and our practice guidelines.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1531-7080
- Volume :
- 33
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Current opinion in cardiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 29256930
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1097/HCO.0000000000000496