P-28: Quality of Reporting of the Literature on Gastrointestinal Reflux After Repair of Esophageal Atresia-Tracheoesophageal Fistula

There is variation in the management of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF). Well-reported literature is important for clinical decision-making. We assessed the quality of reporting (QOR) of postoperative GER management in EA-TEF. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, CENTRAL databases and grey literature was conducted. Included articles reported a primary diagnosis of EA-TEF, a secondary diagnosis of postoperative GER, and primary treatment of GER with anti-reflux medications. The QOR was assessed using the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. An overall quality percentage (OQP) score was calculated. Retrieval of 2910 articles resulted in 48 relevant articles (N = 2592 patients) with an OQP of 48–95% (median = 65%). The best reported items were “participants and outcome data” (93.8%), “general results” (91.7%) and “background/descriptive data” (89.6%). Less than 20% of studies provided detailed “main results;” less than 5% of studies reported adequately on “bias” or “funding.” Sample size calculation and study limitations were included in 17 (35.4%) and 16 (33.3%) studies respectively. Follow-up time was inconsistently reported. Although the overall QOR is moderate using STROBE, important areas are under-reported. Inadequate methodological reporting may lead to inappropriate clinical decisions. Awareness of STROBE emphasizing proper reporting is needed.