An overview of the characteristics and methodological standards across systematic reviews with Meta-analysis of efficacy/effectiveness of influenza antiviral drugs.

Abstract

Influenza antiviral drugs remain controversial and it is not clear if conclusions on their efficacy/effectiveness are based on high quality systematic reviews (SRs). We systematically identified, critically appraised, and summarized the characteristics and adherence to methodological standards in SRs with meta-analysis of efficacy/effectiveness of influenza antiviral drugs for prevention and/or treatment of influenza. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Global Health, and CDSR for English-language SR publications up to July 2020. We summarized the characteristics, adherence to methodological standards and SR quality (AMSTAR 2). From a total 3,898 citations after removal of duplicates from all identified citations, we included 24 SRs. Seventy-five percent ( The evidence suggests that SRs of efficacy/effectiveness of influenza antiviral drugs are mostly of critically low quality and do not follow current best SR practices. These findings are significant in view of the important role of SRs in decision-making and the controversies that surround the use of the influenza antiviral drugs. However, the findings should not be interpreted to mean curtailment/cessation of use of antiviral drugs for influenza.

Similar article map