title: Validation of the global resource of eczema trials (GREAT database).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Eczema (syn. Atopic Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis) is a chronic, relapsing, itchy skin condition which probably results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The Global Resource of EczemA Trials (GREAT) is a collection of records of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for eczema treatment produced from a highly sensitive search of six reference databases. We sought to assess the sensitivity of the GREAT database as a tool to save future researchers repeating extensive bibliographic searches.
  
  
  METHODS
  All Cochrane systematic review on treatments for eczema and five non-Cochrane systematic reviews on eczema were identified as a reference set to assess the utility of the GREAT database in identifying randomised controlled trials (RCTs). RCTs included in the systematic reviews were checked for inclusion in the GREAT database by two independent authors. A third author resolved any disagreements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five Cochrane and six non-Cochrane systematic reviews containing a total of 105 RCTs of eczema treatments were included. Of these, 95 fitted the inclusion criteria for the GREAT database and 88 were published from 2000 onwards. Of the 88 eligible studies, 92% were found in the GREAT database. Seven trials were not included in the GREAT database - two of these were reported within a review paper and one as an abstract with no trial results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sensitivity of the GREAT database for trials from 2000 onwards was high (75/88 trials, 94%). Sensitivity for the period prior to 2000 was less sensitive, due to differences in how the trials were identified prior to this time. 'Dual' filtering for new records has recently become part of the GREAT database methodology and should further improve the sensitivity of the database in time. The GREAT database can be considered as a primary source for future systematic reviews including randomised controlled trials of eczema treatments, but searches should be supplemented by checking reference lists for eligible trials, searching trial registries and contacting pharmaceutical companies for unpublished studies.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. helen.nankervis@nottingham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nankervis
authors.affiliation: Glan Clwyd Hospital, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Bodelwyddan, Rhyl, UK. alison.devine@wales.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Devine
authors.affiliation: Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. hywel.williams@nottingham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Hywel C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology & Wound Healing, Institute of Infection & Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales. IngramJR@cardiff.ac.uk.
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Ingram
authors.affiliation: Cochrane Skin Group, Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. csg@nottingham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Doney
authors.affiliation: Cochrane Skin Group, Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. Finola.Delamere@nottingham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Finola
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Delamere
authors.affiliation: Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. sherie.smith@nottingham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Sherie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. kim.thomas@nottingham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Kim S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D016206:Databases, Bibliographic; D016208:Databases, Factual; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity