Table 5 Methodological index for non-randomized studies tool assessment of the seven studies
Criteria | Chen 2008 [15] | Dubin 2022 [16] | Huang 2010 [17] | Poignard 2011 [18] | Ye 2023 [19] | Anagnostakos 2016 [20] | Zeng 2019 [21] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A clearly stated aim | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Inclusion of consecutive samples | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Prospective collection of data | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Endpoints appropriate to aim of study | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Unbiased assessment of study endpoint | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Aim-congruent follow-up period | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Loss of samples (< 5%) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Prospective calculation of study size | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Adequate control group | NA | 2 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Contemporary groups | NA | 0 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Baseline equivalence of groups | NA | 2 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Adequate statistical analyses | NA | 2 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Total | 11/16 | 19/24 | 9/16 | 10/16 | 8/16 | 6/16 | 9/16 |