Medical research relies on clinical trials to assess therapeuticbenefits. Because of the effort and cost involved in these studies,investigators frequently use analyses of subgroups of studyparticipants to extract as much information as possible. Suchanalyses, which assess the heterogeneity of treatment effectsin subgroups of patients, may provide useful information forthe care of patients and for future research. However, subgroupanalyses also introduce analytic challenges and can lead tooverstated and misleading results.1,2,3,4,5,6,7 This reportoutlines the challenges associated with conducting and reportingsubgroup analyses, and it sets forth guidelines for their usein the Journal. . . [Full Text of this Article]
Subgroup Analyses and Related Concepts
Subgroup Analysis
Heterogeneity and Statistical Interactions
Multiplicity
Prespecified Analysis versus Post Hoc Analysis
Subgroup Analyses in the Journal — Assessment of Reporting Practices
Analysis of Our Findings and Guidelines for Reporting Subgroups
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