Meta-Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials

Over the last twenty years there has been a dramatic upsurge in theapplication of meta-analysis to medical research. This has mainlybeen due to greater emphasis on evidence-based medicine and theneed for reliable summaries of the vast and expanding volume ofclinical research. At the same time there have been great stridesin the development and refinement of the associated statisticalmethodology. This book describes the planning, conduct andreporting of a meta-analysis as applied to a series of randomizedcontrolled clinical trials. * The various approaches are presented within a general unifiedframework. * Meta-analysis techniques are described in detail, from theirtheoretical development through to practical implementation. * Each topic discussed is supported by detailed workedexamples. * A comparison of fixed and random effects approaches is included,as well as a discussion of Bayesian methods and cumulativemeta-analysis. * Fully documented programs using standard statistical proceduresin SAS are available on the Web. Ideally suited for practising statisticians andstatistically-minded medical professionals, the book will also beof use to graduate students of medical statistics. The book is aself-contained and comprehensive account of the subject and anessential purchase for anyone involved in clinical trials.