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meta-analysis
The process of combining the results of several related studies to obtain more reliable conclusions (using statistics).
Notes:
- treatment effect estimates are larger in small randomized trials than in larger trials [2]
- considered highest quality source of evidence (see level of evidence)
- the hierachy of evidence for observational studies is:
- case series < case control study < cohort study < meta-analysis of cohort studies
Specific
meta-analysis of cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease (JAMA 2003)
General
observational study
References
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, 16.
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998, 2012
- Dechartres A et al.
Influence of trial sample size on treatment effect estimates:
Meta-epidemiological study.
BMJ 2013 Apr 24; 346:f2304
PMID: 23616031