The Yusuf-Peto method was not a robust method for meta-analyses of rare events data from antidepressant trials

The method used for meta-analysis of rare events data influences the estimates obtained, and the exclusion of double-zero event studies can give misleading results. To ensure reduction of bias and erroneous inferences, sensitivity analyses should be performed using different methods instead of the Yusuf-Peto approach, in particular the beta-binomial method, which was shown to be superior through a simulation study.