Assessing Reporting Guidelines and Trial Registration in Pediatric Journals: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Taylor Gardner; Todd Fernandez; Katherine Cox; Caleb Smith; Danya Nees; Griffin Hughes; Matt Vassar

doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114714

Assessing Reporting Guidelines and Trial Registration in Pediatric Journals: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

J Pediatr. 2025 Jul 9:114714. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114714. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Taylor Gardner¹, Todd Fernandez², Katherine Cox², Caleb Smith², Danya Nees², Griffin Hughes², Matt Vassar³

Affiliations

¹ Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Electronic address: taylor.j.gardnerr6@gmail.com.
² Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
³ Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

PMID: 40645284
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114714

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of reporting guideline and clinical trial registration requirements in the "instructions for authors" pages of pediatric journals since a previously completed 2010 publication.

Study design: This cross-sectional study analyzed 100 peer-reviewed pediatric journals identified through the 2021 Scopus CiteSource tool. Two investigators independently reviewed journals' "instructions for authors" pages on December 10, 2023, for references to the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) Network, International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, specific reporting guidelines, and clinical trial registration requirements.

Results: Among the 100 journals analyzed, 33% (33/100) did not reference any specific reporting guidelines. Of 98 journals assessed for clinical trial registration, 43% (42/98) failed to mention study registration. EQUATOR Network guidelines were mentioned by 39% (39/100) of journals, and ICMJE was referenced by 68% (68/100). CONSORT and PRISMA were the most cited reporting guidelines, mentioned by 52% (51/98) and 41% (41/100) of journals, respectively. In contrast, 95% (94/99) of journals did not reference MOOSE, and 99% (99/100) omitted QUOROM.

Conclusion: Pediatric journals inadequately endorse reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration in their author instructions. These tools are critical for improving research quality, transparency, and reproducibility. Pediatric journals should strengthen publication policies to mandate these practices. Further research is needed to explore barriers and incentives for adoption to enhance integration into clinical research.

Keywords: Guidelines; Pediatrics; Registration; Requirements.