Internal validity of randomized controlled trials reported in major gastrointestinal and surgical endoscopy journals in 2008

Abstract

Background: Assessment of the reported methodology for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the major gastrointestinal and surgical endoscopy journals has never been reported.

Methods: Generation of the allocation sequence, allocation concealment, double blinding, sample size calculation, number of patients, and funding source included in methodologic quality were retrieved from each trial, and all the relevant trials were identified by a search of all clinical trials published in 2008 in four major gastrointestinal and surgical endoscopy journals.

Results: A total of 64 trials were included in the final analysis, which found that 50% (32/64) of all trials reported adequate generation of the allocation sequence, 58% (37/64) reported adequate allocation concealment, 47% (30/64) reported adequate blinding, 47% (30/64) reported adequate sample size calculation, and 67% (43/64) failed to disclose the funding source.

Conclusions: The study showed that the quality of the reported methodology in the major gastrointestinal and surgical endoscopy journals needs great improvement.