Meta-analyses involving cross-over trials: methodological issues

Abstract

We would like to make a correction to the description of the Becker–Balagtas method found in the 2002 International Journal of Epidemiology article by Elbourne et al.¹ The article describes methods of combining parallel and cross-over trials for the purposes of meta-analysis. In the following summary, we will provide a revised description of the Becker–Balagtas approach with an example of how to implement it.