Incorporating preprints in systematic reviews: a preliminary study of a novel method for rapid evidence synthesis.

Abstract

By October 1, 2024, over 450,000 COVID-19 manuscripts were published, with 10% posted as unreviewed preprints. While they accelerate knowledge sharing, their inconsistent quality complicates systematic studies. We propose a 2-stage method to include preprints in meta-analyses. In Stage A, preprints are integrated through restriction or imputation and weighted by a confidence score reflecting their publication likelihood. In Stage B, we assess and adjust for potential publication or reporting biases. This preliminary study employed a 2-stage procedure validated with 2 COVID-19 treatment case studies. For hydroxychloroquine, the relative risk (RR) was 1.06 [95% CI: 0.62, 1.80], suggesting no mortality benefit over placebo. For corticosteroids, the RR was 0.88 [95% CI: 0.62, 1.27], which, while not statistically significant, aligns with evidence supporting a mortality benefit. Our research aims to bridge a significant methodological gap by providing a solution for timely evidence synthesis, particularly in the face of the overwhelming number of publications surrounding COVID-19. This preliminary study presents a method to efficiently synthesize COVID-19 research, including non-peer-reviewed preprints, to support clinical and policy decisions amidst the information surge.