ABSTRACT
We appraised the compliance of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) cited for level A
recommendations in obstetric practice bulletins (OPBs) and published after the CONSORT
(Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials, published 1996) statement. From the CONSORT
checklist, we identified 50 separate items the RCTs should describe in the article
and assigned 1 point if present; 0, if absent. The CONSORT score was the total points,
expressed as a percentage. From 1998 to 2006, American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists published 68 level A obstetric recommendations, and 20 (29%) are supported
by ≥ 1 RCT published after 1997. The median CONSORT score for the 32 RCTs published
after the statement was 73% (range 30 to 100%). Only four RCTs complied with 90% of
the CONSORT statement. RCTs supporting level A recommendations in OPB have variable
compliance with CONSORT. Recommendations that lack quality RCTs should prompt further
studies into the topic.
KEYWORDS
ACOG practice bulletins - randomized clinical trials - CONSORT statement - evidence
based medicine
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Suneet P ChauhanM.D.
Aurora Health Care, 8901 W. Lincoln Ave
PAC West Allis, WI 53227
eMail: suneet.chauhan@aurora.org