[Meta-analysis: its role in clinical decision making in cardiology].
Clinical decision-making in cardiology requires accurate estimates of the efficacy of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Defined as the quantitative integration of results from different studies on the same scientific question, meta-analyses are well-suited to summarize the evidence on the efficacy of clinical interventions. Meta-analyses aim at obtaining combined estimates of effect using all relevant information in a systematic fashion, complementing narrative reviews and expert committee reports. In this paper, the advantages and limitations of meta-analyses and their usefulness in clinical decision making in cardiology are illustrated using three recent examples in the literature--i.e., use of beta-blockers in secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease, intravenous streptokinase in acute myocardial infarction and fish intake in primary prevention of cardiovascular mortality. The steps to follow when conducting a meta-analysis are also discussed. Finally, a list of the most important meta-analyses in cardiology published to date is included for easy reference.
Guallar
E
E
Departamento de Epidemiología y Bioestadística, Escuela Nacional de Sanidad, Madrid.
Banegas
J R
JR
Martín-Moreno
J M
JM
del Río
A
A
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D003657:Decision Making; D004032:Diet; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy; D013300:Streptokinase / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D013300:Streptokinase
Metaanálisis: su importancia en la toma de decisiones clínicas en cardiología.