Ellen de Kort

74 Chapter 5 MATERIALS AND METHODS Study design This systematic review was conducted according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). 12 Criteria for considering studies for this review Types of studies For our primary objective, eligible for inclusion were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RTCs, controlled clinical trials, and observational studies evaluating the use of objective scoring systems or parameters to assess level of sedation. For our secondary objectives, also single-case studies, poster presentations, editorials, and reviews were eligible for inclusion, provided these extensively reported on the complete procedure from administration of premedication to start of the intubation. Availability of full text was imperative. Types of study population The target population consisted of preterm and termneonateswho needed endotracheal intubation. Types of interventions For the primary objective, studies evaluating an objective score or parameter to assess the level of sedation after administration of premedication were included. For the secondary objectives, studies addressing any type of intervention were included. Data collection and analysis Electronic searches The following electronic databases were searched: Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Registrar of Controlled Trials, Pubmed Publisher, and Google Scholar. The search strategies are outlined in Table 1. There were no restrictions on the basis of publication date or publication status. The search strategy also had no restriction in language. The search was performed on January 27, 2017. Selection of studies Two authors (EdK and NH) independently assessed titles and abstracts of the search results. Full copies of all potentially relevant studies were obtained. Both authors made a decision on final inclusion after retrieval of full copies independently. Disagreements were resolved by consensus; if necessary, a third author was consulted (SS). Only articles written in English, Dutch, German, and French were selected.