Evaluation of 'spin' in the abstracts and articles of randomized controlled trials in pain literature and general anesthesia.

To evaluate the abstracts and articles of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in pain literature and general anesthesia for the evidence of spin. Following a priori protocol, we used a PubMed search for RCTs from a 2-year period. Data extracted using the Boutron spin definition for criteria.

Are results from randomized trials in anesthesiology robust or fragile? An analysis using the fragility index.

Aim: In anesthesiology, the findings from randomized controlled trials often underpin guidelines influencing clinical decision-making and therefore directly affect patient care. The aim of this study is to evaluate the fragility index and fragility quotient of randomized controlled trials published in the eight highest ranked anesthesiology journals. In addition, we assess the extent to which risk of bias scores, loss to follow-up, Web of Science Citation Index, and journal impact factor influence fragility index and fragility quotient.