title: Quality of reporting of the literature on gastrointestinal reflux after repair of esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is variation in the management of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF). Well-reported literature is important for clinical decision-making. We assessed the quality of reporting (QOR) of postoperative GER management in EA-TEF.
  
  
  METHODS
  A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, CENTRAL databases and gray literature was conducted. Included articles reported a primary diagnosis of EA-TEF, a secondary diagnosis of postoperative GER, and primary treatment of GER with antireflux medications. The QOR was assessed using the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Retrieval of 2910 articles resulted in 48 relevant articles (N=2592 patients) with an overall quality percentage score of 48%-95% (median=65%). The best reported items were "participants" and "outcome data" (93.8% each), "generalisability" (91.7%) and "background/rationale" (89.6%). Less than 20% of studies provided detailed "main results"; less than 5% of studies reported adequately on "bias" or "funding." Sample size calculation and study limitations were included in 17 (35.4%) and 16 (33.3%) studies respectively. Follow-up time was inconsistently reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the overall QOR is moderate using STROBE, important areas are underreported. Inadequate methodological reporting may lead to inappropriate clinical decisions. Awareness of STROBE, emphasizing proper reporting is needed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario. Electronic address: annashawyer@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Anna C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Shawyer
authors.affiliation: McMaster Pediatric Surgery Research Collaborative, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pemberton
authors.affiliation: McMaster Pediatric Surgery Research Collaborative, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kanters
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario.
authors.forename: Amar A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Alnaqi
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario.
authors.forename: Helene
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Flageole
mesh_terms: D015706:Bibliometrics; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000601:surgery*; D004942:Esophagitis, Peptic / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D064887:Observational Studies as Topic; D010372:Pediatrics; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000592:standards; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Esophageal atresia; Gastroesophageal reflux; Quality of reporting; Tracheoesophageal fistula