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12/18/2025 5:54:19 AM | Browse: 15 | Download: 54
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2025-07-14 03:06 |
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2025-08-04 07:52 |
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2025-08-11 09:45 |
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2025-11-04 02:37 |
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2025-11-04 08:05 |
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Typeset the Manuscript |
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2025-12-15 15:13 |
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Publish the Manuscript Online |
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2025-12-18 05:53 |
| ISSN |
2308-3840 (online) |
| Open Access |
This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/ |
| Copyright |
© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved. |
| Article Reprints |
For details, please visit: http://www.wjgnet.com/bpg/gerinfo/247
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| Permissions |
For details, please visit: http://www.wjgnet.com/bpg/gerinfo/207
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| Publisher |
Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA |
| Website |
http://www.wjgnet.com |
| Category |
Methodology |
| Manuscript Type |
Minireviews |
| Article Title |
Problems of meta-analysis to explore rare diseases
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| Manuscript Source |
Invited Manuscript |
| All Author List |
Michael Colwill, Richard Hall, Stephanie Ezekwe, Richard Pollok and Andrew Poullis |
| Funding Agency and Grant Number |
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| Corresponding Author |
Michael Colwill, MRCP, Research Fellow, Department of Gastroenterology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT, United Kingdom. michael.colwill@nhs.net |
| Key Words |
Meta-analysis; Methodology; Rare disease; Evidence based practice; Statistical methods |
| Core Tip |
Meta-analysis is essential in evidence-based medicine but presents challenges in rare diseases due to limited studies, small sample sizes, and reliance on observational data. These factors reduce statistical power, increase bias, and limit generalizability. Heterogeneity in patient characteristics and study design further complicates analysis, while traditional statistical methods may yield unreliable estimates. Collaborative networks, disease registries, and advanced techniques like Bayesian methods or the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman approach can help address these limitations. In some cases, scoping reviews may be more appropriate. Recognizing and managing these challenges is crucial to improving evidence quality and clinical outcomes in rare disease research. |
| Publish Date |
2025-12-18 05:53 |
| Citation |
Colwill M, Hall R, Ezekwe S, Pollok R, Poullis A. Problems of meta-analysis to explore rare diseases. World J Meta-Anal 2025; 13(4): 111946 |
| URL |
https://www.wjgnet.com/2308-3840/full/v13/i4/111946.htm |
| DOI |
https://dx.doi.org/10.13105/wjma.v13.i4.111946 |
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