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A new study reviewing major studies published in three medical journals indicates that many of these older studies presented results that are now weak or even contradictory to subsequent research.

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, July 14, 2005

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A new study reviewing major studies published in three medical journals indicates that many of these older studies presented results that are now weak or even contradictory to subsequent research.

The report looked at studies conducted between 1990 and 2003, including 49 highly cited original clinical research studies of which 45 claimed that a treatment or drug was effective, according to the Associated Press.

Subsequent research contradicted results of seven of the 45 studies, and reported weaker results to seven others, meaning that nearly one-third of the old results were later proven incorrect or softened.

"Contradicted and potentially exaggerated findings are not uncommon in the most visible and most influential original clinical research," said study author Dr. John Ioannidis, a researcher at the University of Ioannina in Greece, according to the Associated Press.

The report examined studies in the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, and the Journal of the American Medical Association.

"A single study is not the final word, and that is an important message," editors at the New England Journal of Medicine said in a statement about the study, according to the Associated Press.

To learn more about the study, click here.

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