Comparative efficacy of pharmacological agents on abdominal aortic aneurysm growth rate: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression lacks proven medications. This study aimed to indirectly compare common drugs' effects on AAA growth rate using a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies, assessing the reliability of evidence.

Methods

We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed until 5 June 2025. A Bayesian NMA synthesized direct and indirect evidence on drug effects on AAA growth rate, using standardized mean differences (SMD) with credible intervals (CrI). Cohort study results were analyzed separately.

Results

After screening, 11 RCTs (2,135 subjects) and 13 cohort studies were included. Pooled RCT results showed roxithromycin significantly reduced AAA growth

SUBMITTER: Wen C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12851996 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature