Table 3 Consistency of relative effect measures from observational studies and relative effect measures from RCTs: (a) among 74 pairs of pooled estimates, (b) with only one endpoint per review included, and (c) with studies reported in multiple reviews excluded

Effect estimates of observational studies and RCTs in opposite directions

30/74

40.5

11/29

37.9

26/65

40.0

RCT effect estimate outside the observational study 95% CI

35/74

47.3

17/29

58.6

29/65

44.6

Observational effect estimate outside the RCT 95% CI

27/74

36.5

11/29

37.9

25/65

38.5

Statistically significant difference

15/74

20.3

7/29

24.1

14/65

21.5

Statistically significant difference and effect estimates of observational studies and RCTs in opposite directions

13/74

17.6

6/29

20.7

12/65

18.5