I^(2)检验在Meta分析异质性评价中的误用

The misuse of the I^(2) test in the evaluation of heterogeneity of Meta-analysis

Meta分析异质性是指Meta分析纳入的各单项原始研究间存在的差异。选用恰当的方法或指标识别和测量异质性是评价Meta分析结果可靠性的重要步骤。尽管I^(2)检验是目前使用极为广泛的Meta分析异质性检验方法,但从I^(2)统计量定义可知,I^(2)检验并不能真实展现异质性大小,当前Meta分析异质性评价方法误用情况严重。本研究系统梳理Meta分析常用异质性评价方法,通过两个实例展示I^(2)统计量在Meta分析异质性检验中的误用情况,并介绍能够合理展现Meta分析异质性的统计指标,以期提高Meta分析异质性评价的可靠性和规范性。

The heterogeneity of Meta-analysis refers to the differences among the individual studies included in the Meta-analysis.Selecting appropriate methods to identify and measure heterogeneity is an important step to evaluate the reliability of Meta-analysis results.The I-squared(I^(2))test is the commonly used heterogeneity test of Meta-analysis,but according to the definition of I^(2) statistic,I^(2) test cannot truly show the heterogeneity,and the current evaluation methods of heterogeneity of Meta-analysis are seriously misused.This study aimed to systematically review the commonly used heterogeneity evaluation methods of Meta-analysis,introduce the misuse of I^(2) statistic in the test of heterogeneity of Meta-analysis through two examples,and propose statistical indicators that can truly show the heterogeneity of Meta-analysis,in order to provide reference for improving the reliability and normativity of Meta-analysis researches.