What are the benefits and harms of neuraminidase inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of influenza, and what was their impact on mortality during the 2009A/H1N1 influenza epidemic?

BEEM Bottom Line

Why is this study important?

Neuraminidase inhibitors (NIs) are commonly used to treat and prevent influenza infections. Government agencies have stockpiled NIs as strategic reserves for use in the event of an influenza pandemic. Previous evidence syntheses on their effectiveness have been limited by incomplete access to data and publication bias. This systematic review and meta-analysis is unique in its examination of clinical study reports and other regulatory documents from both published and unpublished randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?

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