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Prediction intervals should be included in meta-analyses published in dentistry
Clovis Mariano Faggion1, Max Clemens Menne1, Nikolaos Pandis2
1Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
European Journal of Oral Sciences
|December 5, 2021
Summary
Reporting prediction intervals (PIs) in random effects meta-analysis is crucial for understanding treatment effect heterogeneity. However, PIs are rarely reported in periodontology and implant dentistry meta-analyses, potentially misleading interpretations.
Area of Science:
- Biostatistics
- Dental Research
Background:
- Random effects meta-analysis is frequently used in periodontology and implant dentistry.
- Interpretation of random effects meta-analysis results can be misleading if heterogeneity is ignored.
- Prediction intervals (PIs) offer a valuable method to quantify heterogeneity in treatment effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of reporting prediction intervals (PIs) in random effects meta-analysis.
- To evaluate the frequency of PI reporting in meta-analyses within periodontology and implant dentistry.
Main Methods:
- Searched PubMed for meta-analyses in periodontology and implant dentistry.
- Selected meta-analyses with at least three trials for primary outcomes.
- Extracted data on meta-analysis model type (fixed or random) and PI inclusion.
Main Results:
- A total of 349 meta-analyses were identified across 94 systematic reviews.
- The random-effects model was used in 75.4% of meta-analyses.
- Only one systematic review reported prediction intervals (PIs).
Conclusions:
- The prevalent lack of PI reporting in periodontology and implant dentistry meta-analyses is concerning.
- Prediction intervals should be routinely included in random effects meta-analyses to accurately convey treatment effect heterogeneity.
- Ignoring heterogeneity can lead to misleading conclusions; PIs provide clinical context for treatment effect variability.
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