Retraction: Efficacy & safety of chlorthalidone vs. hydrochlorothiazide in hypertension: A systematic review & meta-analysis

The article by Aggarwal P, Oza RR, Solanki H, Dutta S, Kaur RJ, Ambwani S, Charan J titled “Efficacy & safety of chlorthalidone vs. hydrochlorothiazide in hypertension: A systematic review & meta-analysis”, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research [2025;162(6):823–832. doi:10.25259/IJMR_1553_2025],¹ has been retracted by the Editors of the Indian Journal of Medical Research following editorial review.

Following publication, concerns were raised regarding inaccuracies in data extraction. Specifically, for three included studies, the Standard Error of the Mean (SEM) was used in place of the Standard Deviation (SD). Subsequent reassessment demonstrated that this error materially affected the results, including rendering at least one previously reported statistically significant outcome (24-hour ambulatory diastolic blood pressure) non-significant.

An independent evaluation, including technical and statistical review, confirmed that these errors compromise the reliability of the findings and conclusions.

In accordance with established standards of publication ethics, the Editors have therefore retracted the publication to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

The Editors

Indian Journal of Medical Research