Systematic reviews and meta-analysis of preclinical studies: why perform them and how to appraise them critically

Emily S Sena, Gillian L Currie, Sarah K McCann, Malcolm R Macleod, David W Howells

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The use of systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies has become more common, including those of studies describing the modeling of cerebrovascular diseases. Empirical evidence suggests that too many preclinical experiments lack methodological rigor, and this leads to inflated treatment effects. The aim of this review is to describe the concepts of systematic review and meta-analysis and consider how these tools may be used to provide empirical evidence to spur the field to improve the rigor of the conduct and reporting of preclinical research akin to their use in improving the conduct and reporting of randomized controlled trials in clinical research. As with other research domains, systematic reviews are subject to bias. Therefore, we have also suggested guidance for their conduct, reporting, and critical appraisal.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)737-42
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism
Volume34
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2014

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Animals
  • Bias (Epidemiology)
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Humans
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic
  • Review Literature as Topic
  • Stroke
  • Translational Medical Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Systematic reviews and meta-analysis of preclinical studies: why perform them and how to appraise them critically'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this