Concerns regarding the statistical analysis and data integrity
The reliability of data from two recent COVID-19 studies that used the international Surgisphere database is being called into question. One is a Lancet study that showed increased risks for mortality and arrhythmias with hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine. The other is a New England Journal of Medicine study examining the relationship between hypertension drugs and mortality in COVID-19 patients. In open letters to the researchers, “clinicians, medical researchers, statisticians, and ethicists from across the world” call for access to the data, as well as independent confirmation of the findings. NEJM‘s editor-in-chief on Tuesday issued an “expression of concern” about the reliability of the data. Surgisphere published a response regarding the Lancet study, stating that it stood by its data but would be pursuing an “independent academic audit” to validate “where the data comes from, the database, and the statistical analysis.” Follow the links below to read the open letters, expression of concern, studies in question, and response from Surgisphere.
Open letter to the Lancet authors
Open letter to the NEJM authors