Conclusion Our study demonstrates potential beneficial effects of probiotics on inflammation , uremic toxins , and GI Symptoms in ESRD patients .
Background / Objectives We performed this systematic review and meta- analysis to evaluate effects of probiotics on inflammation , uremic toxins , and gastrointestinal ( GI ) symptoms in end-stage renal disease ( ESRD ) patients .
Publication bias in clinical research
In a retrospective survey , 487 research projects approved by the Central Oxford Research Ethics Committee between 1984 and 1987 , were studied for evidence of publication bias . As of May , 1990 , 285 of the studies had been analysed by the investigators , and 52 % of these had been published . Studies with statistically significant results were more likely to be published than those finding no difference between the study groups ( adjusted odds ratio [ OR ] 2.32 ; 95 % confidence interval [ Cl ] 1.25 - 4.28 ) . Studies with significant results were also more likely to lead to a greater number of publications and presentations and to be published in journals with a high citation impact factor . An increased likelihood of publication was also associated with a high rating by the investigator of the importance of the study results , and with increasing sample size . The tendency towards publication bias was greater with observational and laboratory-based experimental studies ( OR = 3.79 ; 95 % Cl = 1.47 - 9.76 ) than with r and omised clinical trials ( OR = 0.84 ; 95 % Cl = 0.34 - 2.09 ) . We have confirmed the presence of publication bias in a cohort of clinical research studies . These findings suggest that conclusions based only on a review of published data should be interpreted cautiously , especially for observational studies . Improved strategies are needed to identify the results of unpublished as well as published studies
Conclusion Our study demonstrates potential beneficial effects of probiotics on inflammation , uremic toxins , and GI Symptoms in ESRD patients .
Background / Objectives We performed this systematic review and meta- analysis to evaluate effects of probiotics on inflammation , uremic toxins , and gastrointestinal ( GI ) symptoms in end-stage renal disease ( ESRD ) patients .