Publication characteristics
| Studies | % | |
|---|---|---|
| Quality score | ||
| 6–12 (poor) | 51 | 85 |
| 13–18 (average) | 8 | 13 |
| 19–26 (good) | 1 | 2 |
| Median (±SD) | 8 (±2.9) | |
| Range | 6–22 | |
| Patient enrolment | ||
| Prospective | 11 | 18 |
| Retrospective | 49 | 82 |
| Consecutive | 9 | 15 |
| Non-consecutive | 51 | 85 |
| Study design | ||
| Multicentre | 11 | 18 |
| Single centre | 49 | 82 |
| Type of study | ||
| Randomised controlled trial | 1 | 1.7 |
| Observational studies | 59 | 98 |
| Outcome assessment | ||
| Independent clinical outcome assessment | 3 | 5 |
| Modified Rankin Scale | 9 | 15 |
| Glasgow Outcome Scale | 33 | 55 |
| EGFP | 20 | 33 |
| Loss of follow-up reported | 11 | 18 |
| Time of outcome assessment | ||
| Short term (‘discharge’ to 1 month) | 11 | 18 |
| Mid term (>1 month to 1 year postop) | 23 | 38 |
| Long term (>1 year postop) | 3 | 5 |
| Patient years’ follow-up | 11 | 18 |
| No information on time of outcome measurement | 12 | 20 |
EGFP, Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor.