Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the epidemiology of pre-randomization run-in periods in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of chronic diseases. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Meta-epidemiologic study of all RCTs from the four highest impact medical journals from 2011 to 2016. Eligible trials included parallel RCTs that evaluated pharmacologic therapies in adults with chronic diseases with a minimum follow-up of 24 weeks. RESULTS: Of 262 eligible manuscripts, 48 (18.3%), representing 42 unique RCTs, included run-in periods. Run-in periods were most common in cardiovascular disease and diabetes trials. Of the 42 RCTs, in 22 patients received the experimental therapy, 15 placebo, 4 both (either sequentially or in combination) and one did not report the run-in period drug. The median run-in period duration was 28 days (Q1:Q3 14:66 days). Reasons for including a run-in period included ensuring eligibility criteria were met (18, 42.9%), excluding participants with non-adherence (18, 42.9%) and intolerances to therapy (15, 35.7%), and to standardize therapy prior to randomization (8, 19.0%). The median run-in completion rate was 77.4% (Q1:Q3 62.2:87.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Run-in periods are uncommon in RCTs of chronic drug treatments and when used, their reporting is heterogeneous. Further research to improve the design, use and reporting of run-in periods is necessary.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.09.035

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Clin Epidemiol

Publication Date

28/09/2020

Keywords

meta-epidemiology, randomized controlled trials, run-in periods