Table 3 Reviews where the most precise trial was statistically significant but the meta-analysis was not, with the p-value and effect estimates* of both.
From: Can we rely on the best trial? A comparison of individual trials and systematic reviews
Title of review | Outcome measure | Number of trials | P value of meta analysis vs most precise trial (trial weight) | Estimate of effect for meta analysis vs most precise trial | I2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prophylactic antibiotics for preventing early central venous catheter Gram positive infections in oncology patients | Catheter related sepsis | 4 | 0.06 vs <0.04 (51%) | OR 0.55 vs 0.35 | 54% |
Azithromycin for acute lower respiratory tract infections | Clinical failure | 14 | 0.9 vs < 0.001 (14%) | RR 0.96 vs 0.52 | 58% |
Directly observed therapy for treating tuberculosis | Cure | 4 | 0.1 vs < 0.006 (60%) | 1.06 vs 1.13 | 64% |
Laparoscopic colposuspension for urinary incontinence in women | Number subjectively cured within 18 months | 3 | 0.9 vs < 0.025 (56%) | RR 1.0 vs 1.05 | 73% |
Treatment of infantile spasms | Cessation of spasms | 2 | 0.1 vs < 0.02 (65%) | OR 2.57 vs 1.35 | 69% |