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Update on Cochrane data on paediatric respiratory diseases
Malcolm G Semple1, Rosalind L Smyth
1Institute of Child Health, University of Liverpool, Alder Hey, Eaton Road, L12 2AP, Liverpool, UK.
Paediatric Respiratory Reviews
|July 26, 2003
Summary
Cochrane systematic reviews offer valuable insights for pediatric pulmonology, with most confirming or refuting existing practices. However, clinicians should note that a lack of evidence does not equate to evidence of absence, especially when extrapolating adult data to children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Systematic Reviews
Background:
- Systematic reviews synthesize high-quality clinical trial data to inform medical practice.
- The Cochrane Collaboration is a leading organization in developing and disseminating systematic reviews globally.
- This study focuses on identifying and summarizing Cochrane systematic reviews pertinent to pediatric pulmonology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and summarize Cochrane systematic reviews relevant to pediatric pulmonology.
- To assess the contribution of existing systematic reviews to the field of pediatric respiratory medicine.
Main Methods:
- An expert search of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted.
- The search utilized a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms related to pediatric respiratory diseases.
- Systematic reviews were pragmatically excluded and then sorted by disease category.
Main Results:
- The search identified 120 reviews specific to pediatric pulmonary interventions and 327 reviews applicable to both pediatric and adult pulmonary diseases.
- After exclusions, 81 reviews were categorized by disease, with 59 discussed in detail.
- The majority of included reviews (69%) provided evidence supporting or refuting established practices.
Conclusions:
- Numerous systematic reviews significantly contribute to pediatric pulmonology.
- A substantial portion of reviews found evidence confirming or refuting accepted practices.
- Clinicians must differentiate between lack of evidence and evidence of absence, and exercise caution when applying adult-derived systematic review conclusions to pediatric populations.