The Ten Major Considerations

Each trial is assessed across ten methodological criteria. We assign a Strength or Limitation verdict to each, with a brief justification drawn directly from the trial's reported methods and results.

1. Statistical power: Was the study adequately powered to detect a clinically meaningful effect (≥80% power)?
2. Dosage / treatment regimen: Was the intervention dose or protocol appropriate and consistent with clinical practice?
3. Study duration: Was the follow-up period long enough to observe the expected treatment effect?
4. Inclusion criteria: Were patients enrolled in a way that reflects the intended target population?
5. Exclusion criteria: Were exclusions clinically justified and not overly restrictive?
6. Blinding: Were patients, clinicians, and outcome assessors blinded where feasible?
7. Randomization: Did randomization produce comparable groups at baseline across key characteristics?
8. Biostatistical methods: Were the statistical tests appropriate for the study design and outcome data type?
9. Outcome measures: Were primary and secondary outcomes standard, validated, and pre-specified?
10. Author conclusions: Are the authors' conclusions supported by the reported data?