2.7 Data synthesis and analysis
Study characteristics were reported descriptively. Dichotomous variables, such as sex and adverse events, are reported as proportions, n/N (%) and continuous outcomes reported as means, with standard deviation (SD) if to describe sample variability. Meta-analysis, sensitivity analyses and the use of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) could not be conducted due to the small number of studies and clinical heterogeneity. Thus a narrative synthesis was conducted. The results are summarized qualitatively, and are presented in order of the research questions, separating data between randomised and non-randomised studies.