Table 1

Characteristics of included studies: methods

Trial (year published)Method of randomisationAllocation concealmentBlinding of interventionComplete follow upBlinding of outcome measurement
Gross (1983)12Random number tableYesNoYesCan’t tell
Lucas (1990)3Sealed envelopesYesNoYesCan’t tell
Svenningsen (1982)10Not statedCan’t tellNoYesCan’t tell
Tyson (1983)11Sealed envelopesYesNoYesCan’t tell