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| | eMJA: Subgroup analysis in clinical trials (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-22) |
 | | In subgroup analysis, where a plethora of factors (eg, sex, age, race, centre, smoking status, stage of disease, and coexistent disorders) may influence outcome, the risk of false-positive results is high. |
 | | However, even among experts, opinions range from only accepting pre-specified subgroup analyses supported by a very strong a priori biological rationale15 to a more liberal view in which subgroup analyses, if properly carried out and carefully interpreted, are permitted to play a role in assisting doctors and their patients to choose between treatment options. |
 | | Subgroups based on characteristics measured after randomisation, such as compliance, should be avoided, as allocation to the subgroup may be influenced by the intervention. |
| www.mja.com.au /public/issues/180_06_150304/coo10086_fm.html (2234 words) |
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