Standardized mean differences in meta‐analysis: A tutorial

Background External cephalic version (ECV) is a medical procedure in which an extracorporeal manipulation is performed to render the breech presentation (BP) fetus in the cephalic position. The use of anesthesia to facilitate repositioning has been evaluated in various randomized clinical trials (RCTs), but its potential effectiveness remains controversial. Methods A systematic literature search was carried out in 8 electronic databases. In the meta-analysis, a random effects model was used to calculate the pooled relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI), and the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% CI, in order to systematically assess the effect of anesthesia on the success rates of ECV, vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery as well as other outcomes. Relevant subgroup analyses, publication bias test and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Results This review included 17 RCTs. Women who received anesthesia had a significantly higher incidence of successful ECV (RR: 1.37, 95% CIs: 1.19-1.58) and vaginal delivery (RR: 1.23, 95% CIs: 1.03-1.47), and a significantly lower incidence of cesarean delivery (RR: 0.69, 95% CIs: 0.53-0.91), compared with those who did not. Conclusion The administration of anesthesia not only significantly reduces maternal pain but also significantly increases the success rate of ECV in women with malpresentation at term, leading to a significant rise in the incidence of vaginal delivery. However, it may increase the incidence of maternal hypotension. Systematic review registration The protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO, registration CRD42022381552.

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Meta-analysis: Simplified overview for dental clinicians

Wadgave

2024

Endodontology

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With the rapid growth in research, clinicians are witnessing a huge number of transformations in treatment techniques, materials, devices, and technology for the management of dental problems. However, the biggest challenge for clinicians is to determine which among the new products or methods are truly reliable and beneficial for patients. Consulting an expert or reading any random article will not significantly solve this problem. We require a more systematic and robust approach to address this problem. The systematic review and meta-analysis are robust and comprehensive research methods that evaluate multiple research articles both qualitatively and quantitatively. The meta-analysis is the quantitative component of a systematic review, which mathematically combines the results of multiple research articles and provides estimates with greater power and precision. As a clinician, it is essential to understand the basics of meta-analysis to greatly reduce the problem in practicing evidence-based dentistry. This article discusses the basics of meta-analysis with a special focus on summary measures, forest plots, and heterogeneity.

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Standardized mean differences in meta‐analysis: A tutorial

Abstract: This tutorial focuses on standardized mean differences (SMD) as effect measures in meta‐analyses. We will explain what they are, when they should be used, how to correctly compute and interpret them, and some of the most common error made within evidence synthesis.

Cited by 3 publications

References 14 publications

How to present an informative summary of findings table for systematic reviews of interventions: A tutorial

How to present an informative summary of findings table for systematic reviews of interventions: A tutorial

Effect of anesthesia on the success rate of external cephalic version: GRADE- assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Meta-analysis: Simplified overview for dental clinicians

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