What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to examine the effects of using continuity corrections in meta-analyses of sparse data.

April 6, 2004Statistics in Medicine1,738 citations

What to add to nothing? Use and avoidance of continuity corrections in meta‐analysis of sparse data

MSMichael Sweeting ASAlex J. Sutton PLPaul C. Lambert

Key Points

This research aims to examine the effects of using continuity corrections in meta-analyses of sparse data.
Conducted sensitivity analysis using various summary methods and continuity correction factors.
Evaluated imbalances between study arm sizes to determine estimation impact.
Spanning estimates varied significantly with and without continuity corrections.
Sensitivity analysis highlights the importance of choosing appropriate methods for accurate results.

Abstract

Many routinely used summary methods provide widely ranging estimates when applied to sparse data with high imbalance between the size of the studies' arms. A sensitivity analysis using several methods and continuity correction factors is advocated for routine practice.

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