Tabriz University of Medical Sciences BioImpacts 2228-5652 7 4 2017 09 11 Study-based registers of randomized controlled trials: Starting a systematic review with data extraction or meta-analysis 209 217 10.15171/bi.2017.25 EN Farhad Shokraneh https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9687-8560 Clive Elliott Adams https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1628-4020 Journal Article 10.15171/bi.2017.25 2017 05 25 2017 09 16 Introduction: Despite years of use of study-based registers for storing reports of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the methodology used in developing such registers/databases has not been documented. Such registers are integral to the process of scientific reviewing. We document and discuss methodological aspects of the development and use of study-based registers. Although the content is focused on the study-based register of randomized/controlled clinical trials, this work applies to developers of databases of all sorts of studies related to the human, animals, cells, genes, and molecules. Methods: We describe necessity, rationale, and steps for the development, utilization and maintenance of study-based registers as well as the challenges and gains for the organizations supporting systematic reviews of the published and unpublished literature. Conclusion: The ultimate goal of having a study-based register is to facilitate efficient production of systematic reviews providing rapid, yet accurate, evidence for the decision-makers. We argue that moving towards study-based registers is an inevitable welcome direction and that infrastructures are ready for such movement.