Meta-analysis of results and individual patient data in epidemiologal studies

Abstract

Epidemiological information can be aggregated by combining results through a meta-analysis technique, or by pooling and analyzing primary data. Common approaches to analyzing pooled studies through an example on the effect of occupational exposure to wood dust on sinonasal cancer are described. Results were combined applying a meta-analysis technique. Alternatively, primary data from all studies were pooled and re-analyzed using mixed effect models. The combination of individual information rather than results is desirable to facilitate interpretations of epidemiological findings, leading also to more precise estimations and more powerful statistical tests for study heterogeneity. Copyright © 2004 JMASM, Inc.