The Druids Grove

There are a number of concerning points with this review that arise due to limitations in the published data. First, in the majority of trials in the review power calculations were based on composite outcomes; second, in over one third of trials outcomes were reported selectively; and third, eight trials did not report on adverse events at all. This is unacceptable, as important data aiding the overall interpretation of the systematic review were not obtainable despite attempts to contact authors. Moreover, two large trials were prematurely stopped because significant reductions in primary composite outcomes had been observed. All of these shortcomings significantly undermine the findings of this review. To date only one trial has been publically funded, while the authors of nine trials reported having been sponsored either fully or partially by pharmaceutical companies.