Network Meta-analysis on Disconnected Evidence Networks When Only Aggregate Data Are Available: Modified Methods to Include Disconnected Trials and Single-Arm Studies while Minimizing Bias.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Network meta-analysis (NMA) requires a connected network of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cannot include single-arm studies. Regulators or academics often have only aggregate data. Two aggregate data methods for analyzing disconnected networks are random effects on baseline and aggregate-level matching (ALM). ALM has been used only for single-arm studies, and both methods may bias effect estimates.

Methods

We modified random effects on baseline to separate RCTs connected to and disconnected from the reference and any single-arm studies, minimizing the introduction of bias. We term our modified method reference prediction. We similarly modified ALM and extended it to include RCTs disconnected from the reference. We tested these methods using constr

SUBMITTER: Thom H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9459361 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature