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Am J Perinatol 2009; 26(1): 069-080
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1095178
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Randomized Clinical Trials behind Level A Recommendations in Obstetric Practice Bulletins: Compliance with CONSORT Statement

Suneet P. Chauhan1 , Vincenzo Berghella2 , Maureen Sanderson3 , Danish Siddiqui1 , Nancy W. Hendrix2 , Everett F. Magann1
  • 1Aurora Health Care, West Allis, Wisconsin
  • 2Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • 3University of Texas School of Public Health at Brownsville, Brownsville, Texas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 October 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

We appraised the compliance of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) cited for level A recommendations in obstetric practice bulletins (OPBs) and published after the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials, published 1996) statement. From the CONSORT checklist, we identified 50 separate items the RCTs should describe in the article and assigned 1 point if present; 0, if absent. The CONSORT score was the total points, expressed as a percentage. From 1998 to 2006, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published 68 level A obstetric recommendations, and 20 (29%) are supported by ≥ 1 RCT published after 1997. The median CONSORT score for the 32 RCTs published after the statement was 73% (range 30 to 100%). Only four RCTs complied with 90% of the CONSORT statement. RCTs supporting level A recommendations in OPB have variable compliance with CONSORT. Recommendations that lack quality RCTs should prompt further studies into the topic.

KEYWORDS

ACOG practice bulletins - randomized clinical trials - CONSORT statement - evidence based medicine

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Suneet P ChauhanM.D. 

Aurora Health Care, 8901 W. Lincoln Ave

PAC West Allis, WI 53227

Email: suneet.chauhan@aurora.org