Study design
Composite endpoint
An endpoint that combines several outcomes into one measure.
What it means
Definition
Composite endpoint. Composite endpoints can increase event counts and statistical power, but they may mix outcomes of very different importance. A headline may focus on the composite while most events are less serious components.
What it can tell you
It can show how close the evidence is to a real human health outcome.
What it cannot tell you
It cannot prove that a treatment works in people unless human outcome data are available.
Headline trap
Why this matters in headlines
A “reduced cardiovascular events” claim may be driven by fewer minor procedures rather than fewer deaths.