Quality of Reporting of Meta-analysis on Probiotics for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: Objective: To appraise multiple systematic reviews on the same clinical topic, focusing on predictors and correlates of quality of reporting of metaanalysis (QUOROM) SCORES on probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome. Methods: Design: Case Study Setting: Reviews providing at least individual quantitative estimates on the role of probiotics in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Data Source: Pub Med, Digestive Disease Week abstracts and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Main Outcome Measures: Funding, compliance with the QUOROM checklist, scores on the Oxman and Guyatt quality index and authors' recommendations. Results: Results: 4 systematic reviews published from May 2008 to March 2010, were included. All four studies pooled events despite heterogeneity. Compliance with 18 items on the QUORUM checklist was relatively moderate (Median 12.6, range 11- 16), although shorter manuscripts had significantly lower scores(R= 0.73;P= 0.016). All Reviewers for all these studies reported no funding related to these reviews and scored between 2-6 on the Oxman and Guyatt quality index. No association was found between QUOROM and Oxman and Guyatt scores on the appraisal of bias in selection and validity assessment. Three studies included low quality RCT, one study sought additional information from the authors, three meta analysis identified high degree of heterogeneity either in the selection process or outcome measure or both. There was also a significant difference in the number of primary studies analyzed and included ranging from 8-20 studies.Table: [1357]Conclusion: Conclusions: Multiple systematic reviews on the same clinical topic varied in quality of reporting. Studies recommend, Probiotics may be beneficial even though heterogeneity and publication bias are noted. Longer manuscripts had higher scores on QUOROM and Oxman and Guyatt quality index suggesting abstract length as a possible hurdle for publishing high quality meta analysis.