Title and abstract |
|
1a |
Identification as a randomised trial in the title |
1
|
1b |
Structured summary of trial design, methods, results, and conclusions (for specific guidance see CONSORT for abstracts) |
2–3
|
Introduction |
Background and objectives |
2a |
Scientific background and explanation of rationale |
4–7
|
2b |
Specific objectives or hypotheses |
7
|
Methods |
Trial design |
3a |
Description of trial design (such as parallel, factorial) including allocation ratio |
8
|
3b |
Important changes to methods after trial commencement (such as eligibility criteria), with reasons |
8
|
Participants |
4a |
Eligibility criteria for participants |
8–9
|
4b |
Settings and locations where the data were collected |
8–9
|
Interventions |
5 |
The interventions for each group with sufficient details to allow replication, including how and when they were actually administered |
10–14
|
Outcomes |
6a |
Completely defined pre-specified primary and secondary outcome measures, including how and when they were assessed |
10–11
|
6b |
Any changes to trial outcomes after the trial commenced, with reasons |
8
|
Sample size |
7a |
How sample size was determined |
9
|
7b |
When applicable, explanation of any interim analyses and stopping guidelines |
NA
|
Randomisation: |
Sequence generation |
8a |
Method used to generate the random allocation sequence |
12
|
8b |
Type of randomisation; details of any restriction (such as blocking and block size) |
12
|
Allocation concealment mechanism |
9 |
Mechanism used to implement the random allocation sequence (such as sequentially numbered containers), describing any steps taken to conceal the sequence until interventions were assigned |
12–13
|
Implementation Blinding |
10 |
Who generated the random allocation sequence, who enrolled participants, and who assigned participants to interventions |
12
|
11a |
If done, who was blinded after assignment to interventions (for example, participants, care providers, those assessing outcomes) and how |
12
|
11b |
If relevant, description of the similarity of interventions |
13–14 |
Statistical methods |
12a |
Statistical methods used to compare groups for primary and secondary outcomes |
14–15
|
12b |
Methods for additional analyses, such as subgroup analyses and adjusted analyses |
15
|
Results |
Participant flow (a diagram is strongly recommended) |
13a |
For each group, the numbers of participants who were randomly assigned, received intended treatment, and were analysed for the primary outcome |
Figure 1
|
13b |
For each group, losses and exclusions after randomisation, together with reasons |
Figure 1
|
Recruitment |
14a |
Dates defining the periods of recruitment and follow-up |
9
|
14b |
Why the trial ended or was stopped |
14
|
Baseline data |
15 |
A table showing baseline demographic and clinical characteristics for each group |
Table 2
|
Numbers analysed |
16 |
For each group, number of participants (denominator) included in each analysis and whether the analysis was by original assigned groups |
14–15
|
Outcomes and estimation |
17a |
For each primary and secondary outcome, results for each group, and the estimated effect size and its precision (such as 95% confidence interval) |
Tables 3–4
|
17b |
For binary outcomes, presentation of both absolute and relative effect sizes is recommended |
NA
|
Ancillary analyses |
18 |
Results of any other analyses performed, including subgroup analyses and adjusted analyses, distinguishing pre-specified from exploratory |
17–19
|
Harms |
19 |
All important harms or unintended effects in each group (for specific guidance see CONSORT for harms) |
NA
|
Discussion |
Limitations |
20 |
Trial limitations, addressing sources of potential bias, imprecision, and, if relevant, multiplicity of analyses |
24–25
|
Generalisability |
21 |
Generalisability (external validity, applicability) of the trial findings |
24
|
Interpretation |
22 |
Interpretation consistent with results, balancing benefits and harms, and considering other relevant evidence |
20–24
|
Other information |
Registration |
23 |
Registration number and name of trial registry |
8
|
Protocol |
24 |
Where the full trial protocol can be accessed, if available |
NA
|
Funding |
25 |
Sources of funding and other support (such as supply of drugs), role of funders |
27
|