Estimating within-study covariances in multivariate meta-analysis with multiple outcomes.

ABSTRACT: Multivariate meta-analysis allows the joint synthesis of effect estimates based on multiple outcomes from multiple studies, accounting for the potential correlations among them. However, standard methods for multivariate meta-analysis for multiple outcomes are restricted to problems where the within-study correlation is known or where individual participant data are available. This paper proposes an approach to approximating the within-study covariances based on information about likely correlations between underlying outcomes. We developed methods for both continuous and dichotomous data and for combinations of the two types. An application to a meta-analysis of treatments for stroke illustrates the use of the approximated covariance in multivariate meta-analysis with correlated outcomes.

SUBMITTER: Wei Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3618374 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature