Content of reports on clinical trials: a critical review

A 10% sample of English language papers, published in 1980, listed in Index Medicus, and classified under the heading, Clinical Trials, was used to assess the state of trials and reports from them. Tabulations are presented concerning the design of the trials represented by the papers in the sample. The manuscript concludes with a discussion of reporting responsibilities for investigators involved in trials and of methods for meeting those responsibilities.