I'm doing a meta-analysis under a broad topic and about 50 studied reached my inclusion criteria. Is that number acceptable and if not how many studies should I have? Indeed, the topic of this meta-analysis seems new, as I can’t find another meta-analysis within same criteria. Thank you.
Dear Dr Vanessa,
There is no upper limit of the included studies in a meta-analysis.However, you should check if all these studies that you plan to include in your meta-analysis compare the same aspect between patients and controls.In addition, you may find a big heterogeneity with a high number of included studies so you should consider doing a subgroup analysis.Finally,should you need any help feel free to contact me.
Many thanks! In this case all of the included studies compare the same aspects between subjects...however, given the high heterogeneity between the enrolled populations I was considering to create different subgroups. I will keep in contact with you in case of other questions! Many thanks again!
I think here is no upper limit of the included studies in a meta-analysis any number above two studies.However, at least nine studies are desirable if you want to conduct a subgroup or meta-regression analysis
Meta analysis has no upper limit. However, concept of required samples for definite amount of independent variables can be considered for further study
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