Interpreting meta-analyses of pharmacologic interventions: the pitfalls and how to identify them

Meta-analyses are key components of evidence-based decision making. The numbers of meta-analyses published in different areas of health care increased dramatically during the past 10 years. Many of them covered different pharmacologic interventions, making them useful resources to clinical pharmacists. Although a well-conducted meta-analysis may be valuable, a poorly conducted one may have false conclusions and thus incorrectly alter a clinician's recommendations. Several key concepts must be considered when appraising meta-analyses of pharmacologic interventions.