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Arch Dis Child 2005;90:845-848 doi:10.1136/adc.2004.058230
  • Community child health, public health, and epidemiology

Understanding systematic reviews and meta-analysis

  1. A K Akobeng
  1. Correspondence to:
    Dr A K Akobeng
    Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s University Hospitals, Booth Hall Children’s Hospital, Charlestown Road, Blackley, Manchester, M9 7AA, UK; tony.akobengcmmc.nhs.uk
  • Accepted 22 April 2005

Abstract

This review covers the basic principles of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The problems associated with traditional narrative reviews are discussed, as is the role of systematic reviews in limiting bias associated with the assembly, critical appraisal, and synthesis of studies addressing specific clinical questions. Important issues that need to be considered when appraising a systematic review or meta-analysis are outlined, and some of the terms used in the reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses—such as odds ratio, relative risk, confidence interval, and the forest plot—are introduced.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: none declared

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