scholarly journals A Bayesian framework to account for uncertainty due to missing binary outcome data in pairwise meta‐analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (12) ◽  
pp. 2062-2080 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. L. Turner ◽  
S. Dias ◽  
A. E. Ades ◽  
N. J. Welton
2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 153-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Balduzzi ◽  
Gerta Rücker ◽  
Guido Schwarzer

ObjectiveMeta-analysis is of fundamental importance to obtain an unbiased assessment of the available evidence. In general, the use of meta-analysis has been increasing over the last three decades with mental health as a major research topic. It is then essential to well understand its methodology and interpret its results. In this publication, we describe how to perform a meta-analysis with the freely available statistical software environment R, using a working example taken from the field of mental health.MethodsR package meta is used to conduct standard meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses for missing binary outcome data and potential selection bias are conducted with R package metasens. All essential R commands are provided and clearly described to conduct and report analyses.ResultsThe working example considers a binary outcome: we show how to conduct a fixed effect and random effects meta-analysis and subgroup analysis, produce a forest and funnel plot and to test and adjust for funnel plot asymmetry. All these steps work similar for other outcome types.ConclusionsR represents a powerful and flexible tool to conduct meta-analyses. This publication gives a brief glimpse into the topic and provides directions to more advanced meta-analysis methods available in R.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loukia Spineli

Abstract Background: To illustrate the advantages of using network meta-analysis (NMA) as compared to a trial or a pairwise meta-analysis to estimate the amount of missing outcome data (MOD) for a target comparison in order to adjust the required sample size for possible participant losses in a future trial.Methods: We introduced the concept of transitive risks to obtain the absolute risks of MOD for all interventions of the network. We used the network of a published systematic review on a binary outcome to apply the proposed concept and to calculate the required sample size in a future trial for a selected target comparison. For that comparison, we also calculated the required sample size using the corresponding trials separately, and after pooling these trials in a random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Ignoring MOD from the sample size calculation led to the smallest sample size. When either trial was considered, the risk of MOD ranged from 1% to 13% in the compared intervention arms, therefore, increasing the sample size from 1% to 12%. Performing a pairwise meta-analysis yielded a risk of MOD equal to 6% and 9% in the active and control arms, respectively, which inflated the sample size by 8%. Using NMA, the corresponding risks of MOD were 10% and 13%, which increased the sample size by 13%. Conclusions: Provided that the transitivity assumption holds, incorporating the absolute risks of MOD in the sample size calculation for a target comparison of the network led to better planning of a future trial.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELLEN R. WALD

Dr Bonadio has combined outcome data from four prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials assessing the effect of adjunctive corticosteroid therapy on the outcome of bacterial meningitis in children treated with a third-generation cephalosporin. Similar to the previously published meta-analysis included in the article by Schaad et al, Dr Bonadio's analysis includes all etiologies of bacterial meningitis without clarifying whether a beneficial effect applies to particular bacterial species. Fifty-two to 82% of cases in each of the trials were comprised of Haemophilus influenzae type b, a bacterial species that is now a rare cause of meningitis in the United States.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 433-444
Author(s):  
Thomas M Aherne ◽  
Mekki Medani ◽  
Shaheel Sahebally ◽  
Elrasheid Kheirelseid ◽  
Edward Mulkern ◽  
...  

Background In recent years, endovenous intervention has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to open venous surgery. However, endovenous intervention does not formally disconnect the deep and superficial venous systems and it is hypothesized that recurrence may be greater in the absence of high venous ligation. This study aims to compare the efficacy of a hybrid endovenous approach with adjuvant high venous ligation and standard operative intervention in the management of great saphenous incompetence. Methods In March 2018, Medline and Embase were systematically searched for relevant randomized controlled trials. All randomized controlled trials comparing a hybrid approach with standard operative intervention were included. Studies were required to include at least one pre-defined outcome. Data were extracted and assessed by two independent reviewers. Pooled risk ratios were calculated using a random effects model. Additional subgroup analyses were performed. Results Eight randomized controlled trials including 1244 patients were analysed. Pooled standardized data revealed no difference in overall recurrence (pooled RR = 1.00 [95% CI = 0.57, 1.77]), major operative morbidity (RR = 0.43 [95% CI = 0.06, 2.89]), or re-interventions (RR = 0.94 [95% CI = 0.12, 7.24]) for the hybrid group compared with standard operative intervention alone. Subgroup analysis revealed comparable short-, medium- and long-term recurrence rates between both cohorts. Furthermore, no difference in recurrence was identified when the hybrid approach was compared to open surgery alone (RR = 1.01 [95% CI = 0.63, 1.61]) or endovenous monotherapy (RR = 0.67 [95% CI = 0.04, 12.24]). Conclusion The use of a hybrid approach in the management of great saphenous incompetence appears to offer no recurrence, re-intervention or morbidity benefit when compared to standard operative intervention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Xingshun Qi ◽  
Fangfang Yi ◽  
Rongrong Cao ◽  
Guangrong Gao ◽  
...  

Background and Aims: The intersphincteric resection (ISR) is beneficial for saving patients' anus to a large extent and restoring original bowel continuity. Laparoscopic ISR (L-ISR) has its drawbacks, such as two-dimensional images, low motion flexibility, and unstable lens. Recently, da Vinci robotic ISR (R-ISR) is increasingly used worldwide. The purpose of this article is to compare the feasibility, safety, oncological outcomes, and clinical efficacy of R-ISR vs. L-ISR for low rectal cancer.Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched to identify comparative studies of R-ISR vs. L-ISR. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were extracted. Mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR) with their corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.Results: Five studies were included. In total, 510 patients were included, of whom 273 underwent R-ISR and 237 L-ISR. Compared with L-ISR, R-ISR has significantly lower estimated intraoperative blood loss (MD = −23.31, 95% CI [−41.98, −4.64], P = 0.01), longer operative time (MD = 51.77, 95% CI [25.68, 77.86], P = 0.0001), hospitalization days (MD = −1.52, 95% CI [−2.10, 0.94], P < 0.00001), and postoperative urinary complications (RR = 0.36, 95% CI [0.16, 0.82], P = 0.02).Conclusions: The potential benefits of R-ISR are considered as a safe and feasible alternative choice for the treatment of low rectal tumors.


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