How often are patient-important outcomes represented in neonatal randomized controlled trials? an analysis of cochrane neonatal reviews

Nai Ming Lai, Denise Yin Xian Leom, Wen Li Chow, Kee Hsin Chen, Pu Hong Lin, Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk, Colleen Ovelman, Roger Soll

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Research findings based on patient-important outcomes (PIOs) provide more useful conclusions than those that are based on surrogate outcomes. It is unclear to what extent PIOs are represented in neonatal randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Objectives: We determined the proportion of PIOs in neonatal RCTs included in Cochrane Neonatal reviews. Methods: We extracted up to 5 outcomes from each RCT included in Cochrane Neonatal reviews published until January 2018, with independent determination of PIOs among authors followed by a discussion leading to a consensus. We defined PIOs as outcomes that matter to patient care, such as clinical events or physiological or laboratory parameters that are widely used to guide management. Results: Among 6,832 outcomes extracted from 1,874 RCTs included in 276 reviews, 5,349 (78.3%) were considered PIOs; 461 studies (24.5%) included 5 or more PIOs, 1,278 (68.2%) included 1-4 PIOs, while 135 (7.2%) had no PIO included. PIOs were observed more often among dichotomous than among continuous outcomes (94.9 vs. 61.5%; RR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.50-1.58), and more among subjective than among objective outcomes (95.9 vs. 76.8%; RR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.22-1.28). Newer studies were more likely to have a greater number of PIOs (adjusted OR: 1.033 [95% CI: 1.025-1.041] with each publication year). Conclusions: The large and increasing representation of PIOs over the years suggests an improving awareness by neonatal trialists of the need to incorporate important outcomes in order to justify the utilization of resources. Further research should explore the reasons for non-inclusion or non-reporting of PIOs in a small proportion of RCTs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)428-435
Number of pages8
JournalNeonatology
Volume117
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2020

Keywords

  • Neonatal outcome
  • Patient-important outcomes
  • Randomized controlled trial

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Developmental Biology

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