Network-meta analysis made easy: detection of inconsistency using factorial analysis-of-variance models.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Network meta-analysis can be used to combine results from several randomized trials involving more than two treatments. Potential inconsistency among different types of trial (designs) differing in the set of treatments tested is a major challenge, and application of procedures for detecting and locating inconsistency in trial networks is a key step in the conduct of such analyses.

Methods

Network meta-analysis can be very conveniently performed using factorial analysis-of-variance methods. Inconsistency can be scrutinized by inspecting the design × treatment interaction. This approach is in many ways simpler to implement than the more common approach of using treatment-versus-control contrasts.

Results

We show that standard regression diagnostics available

SUBMITTER: Piepho HP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4049370 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature