CRD Summary: This review compared the administration of HBV vaccination through the ID or IM route in CKD patients. The authors concluded that ID vaccination yields a higher seroprotection rate, despite a lower vaccine dose. The reliability of the authors' conclusions is uncertain, given the lack of reporting for parts of the review process and the study limitations.

CRD Commentary: The review addressed a clearly stated research question and undertook an adequate search of two databases and reference lists. The search was restricted to publications in peer-reviewed journals. The methods used for data extraction were not reported but some assessment of the methodological quality of the included studies was undertaken, although the authors later report that the trials were not of high methodological quality. The authors undertook appropriate steps to minimise study selection bias, as well as an assessment of publication bias. The use of meta-analysis was appropriate and study heterogeneity was assessed, with weak evidence for heterogeneity apparent in one of the analyses. The included studies were small with wide confidence intervals for some outcomes. Given the poor quality of the included studies and the small study numbers, the reliability of the authors' conclusions is uncertain.