title: Issues in meta-analysis: an overview.
abstract: A summary is provided for the relevant issues that investigators must address when wishing to synthesize data via a meta-analysis. The analogy is made to conducting a clinical trial and its components. Both design and statistical issues are discussed with the goal of assuring that the proper elements are included in the meta-analysis. Further, global concerns are presented so that the researcher is aware of the clinical controversies faced when conducting a meta-analysis. Finally a comparison is made of the advantages and disadvantages of a large-scale clinical trial versus a meta-analysis.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Bartolucci
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Katholi
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Alarcón
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design