All studies fulfilling the predetermined inclusion criteria
were scrutinized for country of origin, intervention (or
topic) studied, journal of publication, main conclusions,
publication year, strength of evidence, and study design.
The quality of RCTs was assessed using a validated scale
that includes three items directly related to the validity of an
RCT, described in detail elsewhere.11 Briefly, the adequacy
of reporting random allocation, double-blinding, and withdrawals
and dropouts were rated, giving a total score of 0 to
5 points (0–2 points 5 poorer quality, 3–5 points 5 higher quality).11 Also, for RCTs a definition of pneumonia or
respiratory tract infection, as well as the presence of a
power calculation were assessed. Although, one of the authors
(PS) was experienced in conducting quality assessments
of RCTs, two of the authors (EN, PS) completed all
assessments.