How good are articles on adverse drug reactions?

A study was carried out of the quality and completeness of articles on adverse drug reactions: 5737 articles from 80 countries published between 1972 and 1979 were studied. Only 61% of the articles included information on the number of patients treated and the number with adverse drug reactions, yet these are essential for calculating the incidence of adverse reactions. In only 55% could the incidence of a particular adverse reaction be calculated. Great importance is placed on articles on adverse reactions, particularly those that report on many patients. Authors and editors should ensure that articles include the following information: drug regimens, numbers of patients treated, numbers of patients developing adverse reactions, and nature and incidence of adverse reactions.