Missing trial data blocked a planned analysis of painkillers for low back pain
Researchers could not combine individual patient records because too few trial datasets were available. The report describes that evidence-access problem, without estimating treatment benefit.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review set out to compare non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, with placebo for recent low back pain using individual patient records. Too little usable trial data could be obtained to complete that analysis. Its central finding is a barrier to evidence synthesis, so it supplies no new estimate of pain relief or functional benefit.
This abstract-based report contains no combined treatment estimates. Trial quality also varied, but unavailable participant data should not be mistaken for evidence that NSAIDs have no effect.
What was available
The team identified 10 randomized trials, but only 1 author agreed to share participant data. With only that dataset obtained, the researchers could not carry out the planned combined analysis.
Why records were missing
Reported barriers included lost or unavailable records, closed research departments, missing company records, drug withdrawal and contractual restrictions. These obstacles explain why access failed; they do not reveal whether the medicines helped or harmed patients.
The original publication
Challenges in conducting an individual participant data meta-analysis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for patients with (sub)acute low back pain: a systematic review and report on data availability.
Fu Y, de Zoete A, Madsen SD et al.
BMJ Open · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41760157
- Record checked
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