Linked Life Data

11746338

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/11746338

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
23
pubmed:dateCreated
2001-12-17
pubmed:abstractText
An equivalence trial is appropriate when it is desired to demonstrate equivalence between two treatments, regimens or interventions (methods) or non-inferiority of a new one compared to a standard one. The conduct of an equivalence trial requires different techniques during design and analysis compared to a superiority trial. The existing formulae for sample size calculation to demonstrate equivalence between two methods using the confidence interval approach are reviewed. The establishment of the margin of equivalence and the choice of the type of test are discussed. Plots of sample sizes required to demonstrate equivalence in the case of binary outcomes are presented for values of proportions and margins of equivalence common in the reproductive health field. Examples are given of method comparisons in the reproductive health field in which the relevant question is to demonstrate non-inferiority. The approach to equivalence is described in the trials included in three published systematic reviews in which these comparisons were conducted, addressing the statement of hypotheses, sample size calculation and the interpretation of results. The use of the conventional superiority approach to design equivalence trials has led to underpowered trials to show equivalence within clinical relevant margins. The analysis and interpretation of results from such trials has resulted in conclusions of equivalence based on lack of significance. We draw attention to the lack of awareness of the appropriate techniques for equivalence trials among researchers in the field of reproductive health. Finally, the issue of interim analyses and stopping rules in equivalence trials is addressed.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Dec
pubmed:issn
0277-6715
pubmed:author
pubmed:copyrightInfo
Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
15
pubmed:volume
20
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
3571-7
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2001
pubmed:articleTitle
Use of the equivalence approach in reproductive health clinical trials.
pubmed:affiliation
UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article