Inclusion/exclusion
The inclusion/exclusion of studies was based on the review protocols. The GDG were consulted about any uncertainty regarding inclusion/exclusion of selected studies. With regards to review
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Methods
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question 16 the GDG agreed that studies with a mixed patient population, i.e. patients with gastric varices and also patients with oesophageal varices should be permitted as indirect evidence. The GDG agreed that there was insufficient evidence if this was restricted to studies entirely of patients with gastric variceal bleeding.
Patients bleeding from upper GI varices due to schistosomiasis were excluded since the cause of bleeding compared to those patients bleeding due to cirrhosis of the liver. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic illness originating from Africa and is uncommon in the UK.
In the antibiotic review question (question 19) erythromycin was excluded since this is used in a different clinical context to that specified in the review question.
See the review protocols in Appendix D for full details.