Article type
Year
Abstract
Introduction:
In this large Cochrane systematic review we will include about 150 randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and 220 non-randomised studies (NRS) for assessment of benefits and harms. The organizational and logistical challenges in conducting this review and synthesizing data were tremendous.
Aim:
To assess the benefits and harms of methylphenidate treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.
Methods:
The work is being conducted by an international research group of 19 people, and the organisation of references, data extractions, and author correspondences to obtain additional data from about 250 studies, are organised using the online reference software Mendeley and Google Drive. The benefits are measured by parallel and cross-over RCT studies and these are combined in large meta-analyses as well as case control studies. The harms are assessed by both RCTs and NRS studies. The cohort studies are synthesised by the use of weighted means and case reports reported qualitatively. We are using a hierarchy structure for the different study designs in relation to each adverse outcome and thereby showing all the possible evidence from RCTs to case studies. Different subgroup analyses are conducted including risk of bias, types of rating scales, duration of treatment, parallel compared to 1st period cross over trials, sex, dose, and age.
Results:
Approximately 370 included studies are being processed systematically and the review is scheduled to be completed mid-2014. The logistical challenges, the organisation of the large amount of data and preliminary results are presented.
In this large Cochrane systematic review we will include about 150 randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and 220 non-randomised studies (NRS) for assessment of benefits and harms. The organizational and logistical challenges in conducting this review and synthesizing data were tremendous.
Aim:
To assess the benefits and harms of methylphenidate treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.
Methods:
The work is being conducted by an international research group of 19 people, and the organisation of references, data extractions, and author correspondences to obtain additional data from about 250 studies, are organised using the online reference software Mendeley and Google Drive. The benefits are measured by parallel and cross-over RCT studies and these are combined in large meta-analyses as well as case control studies. The harms are assessed by both RCTs and NRS studies. The cohort studies are synthesised by the use of weighted means and case reports reported qualitatively. We are using a hierarchy structure for the different study designs in relation to each adverse outcome and thereby showing all the possible evidence from RCTs to case studies. Different subgroup analyses are conducted including risk of bias, types of rating scales, duration of treatment, parallel compared to 1st period cross over trials, sex, dose, and age.
Results:
Approximately 370 included studies are being processed systematically and the review is scheduled to be completed mid-2014. The logistical challenges, the organisation of the large amount of data and preliminary results are presented.