Randomised controlled trials and publication trends in periodontal research during 1980–2000

• Objectives:  To study publication trends, as well as the number and proportion of randomised controlled trials covering different areas of periodontal research (RCT-Ps).Material and methods:  The study was based on Medline searches (MeSH terms) for the period 1980– 2000. The RCT-Ps (n = 675) were examined for relevance for different areas of periodontal research, journals of publication, and the countries of origin.Results:  In periodontal research the annual number of publications had increased from 162 in 1980 to 440 in 2000. Moreover, clinical trials in periodontal research (CT-Ps) had increased more than 10-fold, and RCT-Ps more than 15-fold. More than 4 out of 10 RCT-Ps covered the areas ‘periodontal surgery’ and ‘gingivitis and plaque treatment or prevention’. More than 6 out of 10 RCT-Ps in total and more than 8 out of 10 RCT-Ps about ‘periodontal surgery’, were published in two different journals. U.S.A was the most common country of origin of RCT-Ps, contributing to almost 4 out of 10 RCT-Ps during 1988– 2000.Conclusion:  The annual number of RCT-Ps increased substantially during 1980–2000, and a few clinical research areas predominated. Future research should give priority to areas where clinical evidence is scarce and where high-quality RCT-Ps are most needed.

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