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Sample size calculations in randomized trials: common pitfalls

2007; Springer Science+Business Media; Volume: 54; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1007/bf03022005

1496-8975

Penelope M. A. Brasher, Rollin Brant,

Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life

ANY articles have appeared in medical journals over the years providing guidance on the calculation of sample sizes for clinical trials.For the most part, these articles deal only with the mechanics of sample size calculation and do not provide guidance on a number of practical issues.Ignorance of these issues can lead to flawed calculations and underpowered trials.In this editorial, we discuss a number of issues that have recurred in our statistical consultations with investigators and authors and in journal manuscript reviews.