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<p>The Commission on Human Medicines’ Expert Working Group (EWG) review into Hormone
Pregnancy Tests (HPTs) was comprehensive, scientifically robust and independent. Based
on the totality of the data, the review concluded the available scientific evidence
did not support a causal association between the use of HPTs during early pregnancy
and birth defects or miscarriage. All evidence considered by the EWG has been published
online.</p><p> </p><p>The EWG did not undertake a meta-analysis as part of the review.
The EWG examined a large number of epidemiological studies, many of which were conducted
under different designs. The EWG considered whether meta-analysis was possible and
ultimately concluded that because the studies were so different such an analysis would
not be informative. Meta-analysis was also not considered appropriate because the
studies were not sufficiently robust and suffered from extensive limitations.</p><p>
</p><p>The EWG comprised independent experts from a wide range of relevant specialisms
and its report was further scrutinised by the Commission on Human Medicines, the Government’s
independent scientific advisory body on the safety of medicines. There are no plans
for further peer review of the report. The Government is committed to reviewing any
important new evidence that arises.</p>
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