Statistical analysis
For individual TTE measures of interest, a meta-analysis was only performed if studies reported continuous variable indices as means and standard deviations. All indices were meta-analyzed with random-effects modeling for overall effect size through SMD. The observational design of the selected studies was considered, and the methodological differences potentially responsible for a significant component of the variance within the measures of interest. Pooled estimates were obtained through a random-effect model. Articles were required to report on a quantitative estimation including mean, confidential interval (CI), and standard deviation. 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for all indices. Lack of heterogeneity (magnitude of inconsistency) within the pooled studies was tested using the I2 statistic and deemed significant if ≥50%. Potential publication bias was assessed visually from funnel plots (supplementary materials). All statistical analysis was performed using the Metan package included in the STATA version 16.1 statistical software. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses.
RESULTS