Sex as a Prognostic Factor in Systematic Reviews: Challenges and Lessons Learned

Sex is a common baseline factor collected in studies that has the potential to be prognostic (PF) several clinical areas. In recent years, research on sex as PF increased; however, this influx of new frequently shows conflicting results across same treatment or disease state. Thus, systematic reviews (SRs) addressing may help us better understand diseases and further personalize healthcare. We wrote article offer insights into challenges we encountered when conducting SRs suggestions how overcome these obstacles, regardless domain. When carrying out SR with index factor, it important keep mind modifications must made various stages, such modifying section CHARMS-PF, adjusting certain sections QUIPS extracting data gender terms used throughout studies. paper, provide an overview lessons learned from our different disciplines now call researchers, funding agencies journals realize importance studying PF.