'Arm-based' parameterization for network meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: We present an alternative to the contrast-based parameterization used in a number of publications for network meta-analysis. This alternative "arm-based" parameterization offers a number of advantages: it allows for a "long" normalized data structure that remains constant regardless of the number of comparators; it can be used to directly incorporate individual patient data into the analysis; the incorporation of multi-arm trials is straightforward and avoids the need to generate a multivariate distribution describing treatment effects; there is a direct mapping between the parameterization and the analysis script in languages such as WinBUGS and finally, the arm-based parameterization allows simple extension to treatment-specific random treatment effect variances. We validated the paramet

SUBMITTER: Hawkins N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5063191 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature