Trial sequential analysis: The role of the number needed-to-treat in evaluating the clinical relevance of relative risk reduction values in the intra-aortic balloon pump support

Finally, it is noteworthy that the studies published in the international literature during the last 20 years are neutral or in sfavour of prophylactic IABP support in HR-PCI patients. Since positive studies are more easily published than neutral or negative studies, we are confidentthat no substantial publication bias was present in ourmeta-analysis as also suggested by the funnel-plot. Thus, based on the previous considerations we think that our meta-analysis can be considered conclusive about the ineffectiveness of prophylactic IABP support with respect to both in-hospital mortality and MACCE.