Mete-analysis: an adolescent in need of evidence and a watchful eye

Meta-analysis is a relatively new development in medicine. It is conceptual ly appealing, summarizing the medical literature in a rigorous manner and p roviding clinicians with a global picture regarding the merits of intervent ions. This process can help clinicians choose appropriate, evidence-based m anagement options for their patients. The early enthusiasm for this approac h has more recently been called into question. The reliability, and therefo re the usefulness, of meta-analysis will improve as more evidence concernin g the rigorous ways to conduct and report such studies is developed.