How To Read a Network Meta-analysis

Angie K Puerto Nino; Romina Brignardello-Petersen

doi:10.1016/j.euf.2023.10.018

How To Read a Network Meta-analysis

Eur Urol Focus. 2023 Sep;9(5):701-704. doi: 10.1016/j.euf.2023.10.018. Epub 2023 Nov 3.

Authors

Angie K Puerto Nino¹, Romina Brignardello-Petersen²

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. Electronic address: apuertonino@gmail.com.
² Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.

PMID: 37925328
DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2023.10.018

Abstract

Network meta-analysis (NMA) expands upon traditional meta-analysis by integrating three or more interventions. This allows comparing interventions using evidence from trials that have compared pairs of interventions directly, and indirect evidence through common comparators. We provide an overview of NMA concepts and considerations when interpreting results from a systematic review with a NMA and applying them to clinical practice. PATIENT SUMMARY: Network meta-analysis is a statistical tool that allows researchers to compare multiple treatments for a medical condition at once, even when treatments have not been compared to each other in research studies. This mini-review explains how to read a network meta-analysis and apply its results in patient care.

Keywords: Evidence-based medicine; Multiple comparisons; Network meta-analysis.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Meta-Analysis as Topic
Network Meta-Analysis*
Systematic Reviews as Topic