Network Meta-Analysis- Importance of Appropriate Trial Selection
Abstract
Network meta-analysis (NMA) is a technique that is increasingly employed in health technology appraisal to generate comparative efficacy and safety data for treatments not
compared directly in randomized controlled trials. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended its use when direct comparator trials are unavailable [1]. As discussed in the article by Hawkins et al. [2], it is important to include all relevant and informative data in an NMA. Inappropriate study selection can have a huge impact on results and lead to erroneous conclusions. This would appear to be the case in the selection of studies for the extended NMA presented in this article.
compared directly in randomized controlled trials. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended its use when direct comparator trials are unavailable [1]. As discussed in the article by Hawkins et al. [2], it is important to include all relevant and informative data in an NMA. Inappropriate study selection can have a huge impact on results and lead to erroneous conclusions. This would appear to be the case in the selection of studies for the extended NMA presented in this article.
Authors
Steven J. Edwards John Borrill