Reporting quality of heart failure randomized controlled trials 2000-2020: Temporal trends in adherence to CONSORT...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Clinical Trials Methodology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) significantly impacts older adults' morbidity and mortality.
• Accurate interpretation of HF randomized controlled trials (RCTs) relies on transparent reporting.
• The CONsolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement guides RCT reporting quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reporting quality of HF RCTs in high-impact journals.
• To assess adherence to CONSORT guidelines in HF RCTs.
• To examine trends and factors influencing CONSORT adherence over time.

Main Methods:

• Searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL for HF RCTs published 2000-2020 in high-impact journals.
• Assessed adherence to CONSORT criteria (2010 update and original 1996 criteria).
• Used statistical tests (Jonckheere-Terpstra, multivariable linear regression) to analyze temporal trends and influencing factors.

Main Results:

• A total of 221 HF RCTs were analyzed, with suboptimal overall mean adherence (69.7%).
• Adherence significantly increased over the 20-year study period (p < 0.001).
• Factors associated with higher adherence included later publication (post-2010), two-group parallel randomization, and multicenter trials. Higher CONSORT adherence correlated with higher journal impact factors (r=0.312).

Conclusions:

• Reporting quality in HF RCTs has improved but remains suboptimal.
• Continued efforts are needed to enhance adherence to CONSORT guidelines for transparent and accurate reporting of HF research.