Boutron et al investigated the use of "spin" in the abstracts of randomized, controlled clinical trials. The authors are from multiple universities in Europe and North America,
Features of "spin" in the abstract of a clinical trial:
(1) results for the primary outcome statistically nonsignificant
(2) misrepresentation of findings by the authors
(3) intent to make the findings sound positive or significant
The misrepresentation usually involves selective reporting of:
(1) results for the primary outcome
(2) secondary outcome(s)
(3) one or more subgroups
(4) safety data
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