Table 1 Checklist of items to include when reporting a randomized trial

TITLE & ABSTRACT

How participants were allocated to interventions (e.g., random allocation", "randomized", or "randomly assigned").

INTRODUCTION

Scientific background and explanation of rationale.

METHODS

Eligibility criteria for participants and the settings and locations where the data were collected.

Precise details of the interventions intended for each group and how and when they were actually administered.

Specific objectives and hypotheses.

Clearly defined primary and secondary outcome measures and, when applicable,

any methods used to enhance the quality of measurements (e.g., multiple observations, training of assessors).

How sample size was determined and, when applicable, explanation of any interim analyses and stopping rules.

Method used to generate the random allocation sequence, including details of any restriction (e.g., blocking, stratification).

Method used to implement the random allocation sequence (e.g., numbered

containers or central telephone), clarifying whether the sequence was concealed until interventions were assigned.

Who generated the allocation sequence, who enrolled participants, and who assigned participants to their groups.

Whether or not participants, those administering the interventions, and those assessing the outcomes were blinded to group assignment. If done, how the success of blinding was evaluated.

Statistical methods used to compare groups for primary outcome(s); Methods for additional analyses, such as subgroup analyses and adjusted analyses.

RESULTS

Flow of participants through each stage (a diagram is strongly recommended). Specifically, for each group report the numbers of participants randomly assigned, receiving intended treatment, completing the study protocol, and analyzed for the primary outcome. Describe protocol deviations from study as planned, together with reasons.

Dates defining the periods of recruitment and follow-up.

Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of each group.

Number of participants (denominator) in each group included in each analysis and whether the analysis was by intention-to-treat". State the results in absolute numbers when feasible (e.g., 10/20, not 50%).

For each primary and secondary outcome, a summary of results for each group, and the estimated effect size and its precision (e.g., 95% confidence interval).

Address multiplicity by reporting any other analyses performed, including subgroup analyses and adjusted analyses, indicating those pre-specified and those exploratory.

All important adverse events or side effects in each intervention group.

DISCUSSION

Interpretation of the results, taking into account study hypotheses, sources of potential bias or imprecision and the dangers associated with multiplicity of analyses and outcomes.

Generalizability (external validity) of the trial findings.

General interpretation of the results in the context of current evidence.