Baseline Characteristics Section
CONSORT 2025 requires randomized-trial reports to present baseline demographic and clinical characteristics for each group so readers can see who was enrolled and how groups compare descriptively at baseline. This is randomized-trial reporting guidance. Other study designs may organize baseline or descriptive characteristics differently.
A Baseline Characteristics section or table summarizes important participant characteristics at the start of the trial, by randomized group.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
This is randomized-trial reporting guidance. Other study designs may organize baseline or descriptive characteristics differently.
Further guidance
Content
Report relevant baseline variables by group with clear units and categories; keep baseline description separate from post-randomization outcomes and avoid treating significance testing of baseline differences as a substitute for description.
Purpose
Give readers a clear descriptive picture of the enrolled groups before outcomes are interpreted.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- CONSORT 2025 statement: updated guideline for reporting randomised trials (opens in a new tab)BMJ / CONSORT Group · Primary 2025 CONSORT reporting guideline for randomized trials, including participant flow and trial-registration information.