Producing systematic reviews of best quality: a prerequisite for evidence-based nephrology.
In recent years a number of meta-analyses have been published in the renal field. These publications will be used to develop the concept of evidence-based nephrology. The design and quality of renal systematic reviews relies on technical skills and an efficient trial search. The reasons for discrepancies between systematic reviews and controlled clinical trials are now understood better and may be partly explained by inadequate trial recovery, and publication bias. Application of evidence findings is not always an easy task on the patient's level. The example of the low-protein diet in chronic renal failure highlights these obstacles. However, producing high-level systematic reviews in the renal field may greatly help in clarifying the use of controversial treatments and designing new studies.
Fouque
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Cochrane Renal Group, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France. denis.fouque@chu-lyon.fr
D018753:Diet, Protein-Restricted; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000178:diet therapy; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D009398:Nephrology; D017594:Publication Bias; D012042:Registries