Open AccessSample‐size estimation is not reported in 24% of randomised controlled trials of inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review
Author(s) -
IheozorEjiofor Zipporah,
Lakunina Svetlana,
Gordon Morris,
Akintelure Daniel,
Sinopoulou Vasiliki,
Akobeng Anthony
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
ueg journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.667
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 2050-6414
pISSN - 2050-6406
DOI - 10.1177/2050640620967899
Subject(s) - medicine , sample size determination , cochrane library , randomized controlled trial , systematic review , clinical trial , meta analysis , estimation , medline , statistics , mathematics , management , political science , law , economics
Background Sample‐size estimation is an important factor in designing a clinical trial. A recent study found that 65% of Cochrane systematic reviews had imprecise results. Objective This study set out to review the whole body of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) randomised controlled trials systematically in order to identify the reporting of sample‐size estimation. Methods We conducted a comprehensive hand search of the Cochrane Library and Cochrane IBD Specialized Trials Register. We extracted information on relevant features and the results of the included studies. We produced descriptive statistics for our results. Results A total of 242 randomised controlled trials were included from 44 Cochrane systematic reviews. About 25% of the studies failed to report on sample‐size estimation. Of those that did report on sample‐size estimation, 33% failed to recruit their target sample size. Conclusions Around half of the randomised controlled trials in IBD either do not report sample‐size estimation or reach their recruitment target with the level of detail in reporting being limited.