Data extraction and quality assessment
Two researchers independently collected information from each trial as
follows: author, publication year, treatments per group, sample size,
baseline Hb levels, duration of treatment, mean age, sex, efficacy, and
safety results [changes in AEs, SAEs, Hb (ΔHb), Hb response,
Δhepcidin, ΔTSAT, ΔTIBC, ΔFerritin, Δserum iron]. AEs and SAEs were
the primary outcomes. The Cochrane tool will assess the risk of bias in
clinical trials. Five domains were evaluated: randomization, deviations
from intended interventions, missing data, outcome measurement, and
selection of the reported result. Each domain was assigned a judgment of
high risk of bias, low risk of bias, or some concerns. The Cochrane
Handbook V.5.1.0, Chapter 8, was followed strictly to make the judgment
for each domain.