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Vascular disease

Meta-regression of CIMT trials—data in, garbage out

Meta-regression of trials using carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) as a surrogate end point leads to unreliable results owing to heterogeneity in methods, interventions, and outcomes of pooled trials. CIMT will continue to be a worthwhile surrogate trial end point supported by two decades of technical progress and clinical atherosclerosis research.

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Correspondence to Allen J. Taylor.

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A. J. Taylor is a consultant for Abbott. M. L. Bots and J. J. P. Kastelein declare no competing interests.

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Taylor, A., Bots, M. & Kastelein, J. Meta-regression of CIMT trials—data in, garbage out. Nat Rev Cardiol 8, 128–130 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2011.12

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