[Nifedipine and coronary insufficiency: reasons for controversy].
Meta-analyses of Furberg's original data (after correction of two minor errors) were performed using six different methods. Only three of them gave significant results at p < 0.05. The sensitivity analysis showed that taking into account some of the criticisms applied to the original meta-analysis did not change the results. When all the criticisms were considered together, the 95 per cent confidence interval of the odds ratio for mortality was [0.96; 1.31] instead of [1.06; 1.37] originally (p = 0.14 and p = 0.03 respectively), and the dose excess mortality relationship stressed by Furberg disappeared. When the selection of the studies to be entered in a meta-analysis is not straightforward, a sensitivity analysis should be performed.
Lièvre
M
M
Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Lyon.
Cucherat
M
M
D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D009543:Nifedipine