 |
|
Comparison of Two Methods to Detect Publication Bias in Meta-analysis
Jaime L. Peters, MSc;
Alex J. Sutton, PhD;
David R. Jones, PhD;
Keith R. Abrams, PhD;
Lesley Rushton, PhD
JAMA. 2006;295:676-680.
Context Egger's regression test is often used to help detect publication bias in meta-analyses. However, the performance of this test and the usual funnel plot have been challenged particularly when the summary estimate is the natural log of the odds ratio (lnOR).
Objective To compare the performance of Egger's regression test with a regression test based on sample size (a modification of Macaskill's test) with lnOR as the summary estimate.
Design Simulation of meta-analyses under a number of scenarios in the presence and absence of publication bias and between-study heterogeneity.
Main Outcome Measures Type I error rates (the proportion of false-positive results) for each regression test and their power to detect publication bias when it is present (the proportion of true-positive results).
Results Type I error rates for Egger's regression test are higher than those for the alternative regression test. The alternative regression test has the appropriate type I error rates regardless of the size of the underlying OR, the number of primary studies in the meta-analysis, and the level of between-study heterogeneity. The alternative regression test has comparable power to Egger's regression test to detect publication bias under conditions of low between-study heterogeneity.
Conclusion Because of appropriate type I error rates and reduction in the correlation between the lnOR and its variance, the alternative regression test can be used in place of Egger's regression test when the summary estimates are lnORs.
Author Affiliations: Centre for Biostatistics and Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, England (Drs Sutton, Jones, and Abrams, and Ms Peters); MRC Institute for Environment and Health, Leicester, England (Dr Rushton). Dr Rushton is now with the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, England.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES
|
Effect of mechanical ventilation in the prone position on clinical outcomes in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Sud et al.
CMAJ 2008;178:1153-1161.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
The association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and asthma: a systematic review
Havemann et al.
Gut 2007;56:1654-1664.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
Meta-analysis of studies of passive smoking and lung cancer: effects of study type and continent
Taylor et al.
Int J Epidemiol 2007;36:1048-1059.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
Smoking is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis: a metanalysis
Hawkes
Mult Scler 2007;13:610-615.
ABSTRACT
Physical Activity of Moderate Intensity and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A systematic review
Jeon et al.
Diabetes Care 2007;30:744-752.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
The Extent to Which Tobacco Marketing and Tobacco Use in Films Contribute to Children's Use of Tobacco: A Meta-analysis
Wellman et al.
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2006;160:1285-1296.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
The Effect of Early, Intensive Statin Therapy on Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Hulten et al.
Arch Intern Med 2006;166:1814-1821.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
The case of the misleading funnel plot
Lau et al.
BMJ 2006;333:597-600.
FULL TEXT
|
