Inconsistency was more prevalent than reported: an empirical study of 57 networks with multiple treatments using the node-splitting approach and a novel interpretation index.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Inconsistency has been reported to be ubiquitous in network meta-analysis. However, this evidence is based on statistical tests for inconsistency with well-documented power limitations. A novel interpretation index was developed that is founded on the Kullback-Leibler divergence measure and warrants a semi-objective decision about the extent of inconsistency as acceptably low or material when statistical tests are underpowered. The prevalence of local inconsistency was investigated using the synergy of the Bayesian node-splitting approach with the newly proposed interpretation index. The results were also contrasted with inferences drawn from the 'standard decision-making approach' about the presence of inconsistency.

Methods

The nmadb R package was considered to

SUBMITTER: Spineli LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12661744 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature