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Network Meta-Analysis with Class Effects: A Practical Guide and Model Selection Algorithm

delete2025-11-08
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OA
AI
S
Samuel J. Perren
H
Hugo Pedder
N
Nicky J. Welton
D
David Phillippo
DOI:10.1177/0272989x251389887delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Network meta-analysis (NMA) synthesizes data from randomized controlled trials to estimate the relative treatment effects among multiple interventions. When treatments can be grouped into classes, class effect NMA models can be used to inform recommendations at the class level and can also address challenges with sparse data and disconnected networks. Despite the potential of NMA class effects models and numerous applications in various disease areas, the literature lacks a comprehensive guide outlining the range of class effect models, their assumptions, practical considerations for estimation, model selection, checking assumptions, and presentation of results. In addition, there is no implementation available in standard software for NMA. This article aims to provide a modeling framework for class effect NMA models, propose a systematic approach to model selection, and provide practical guidance on implementing class effect NMA models using the multinma R package. We describe hierarchical NMA models that include random and fixed treatment-level effects and exchangeable and common class-level effects. We detail methods for testing assumptions of heterogeneity, consistency, and class effects, alongside assessing model fit to identify the most suitable models. A model selection strategy is proposed to guide users through these processes and assess the assumptions made by the different models. We illustrate the framework and structured approach for model selection using an NMA of 41 interventions from 17 classes for social anxiety. Highlights Provides a practical guide and modelling framework for network meta-analysis (NMA) with class effects. Proposes a model selection strategy to guide researchers in choosing appropriate class effect models. Illustrates the strategy using a large case study of 41 interventions for social anxiety.

Journal

Medical Decision Making cover
Medical Decision Making
IF:
2.3
Papers:
2.6K
Citations:
6.4K

Organization

Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Bayesian measures of model complexity and fit
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errSpiegelhalter, DJ; Best, NG; Carlin, BR; van der Linde, A
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GRADE approach to rate the certainty from a network meta-analysis: avoiding spurious judgments of imprecision in sparse networks
err2019-01-01
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PREAI
errBrignardello-Petersen, Romina; Murad, M. Hassan; Walter, Stephen D.; McLeod, Shelley; Carrasco-Labra, Alonso; Rochwerg, Bram; Schunemann, Holger J.; Tomlinson, George; Guyatt, Gordon H.
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The PRISMA Extension Statement for Reporting of Systematic Reviews Incorporating Network Meta-analyses of Health Care Interventions: Checklist and Explanations
err2015-06-02
err5.0K
PREAI
errHutton, Brian; Salanti, Georgia; Caldwell, Deborah M.; Chaimani, Anna; Schmid, Christopher H.; Cameron, Chris; Ioannidis, John P. A.; Straus, Sharon; Thorlund, Kristian; Jansen, Jeroen P.; Mulrow, Cynthia; Catala-Lopez, Ferran; Gotzsche, Peter C.; Dickersin, Kay; Boutron, Isabelle; Altman, Douglas G.; Moher, David
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err2019-03-01
err22
PREAI
errZoratti, Michael J.; Devji, Tahira; Levine, Oren; Thabane, Lehana; Xie, Feng
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A review of methods for comparing treatments evaluated in studies that form disconnected networks of evidence
err2017-12-17
err18
errOAAI
errStevens, John W.; Fletcher, Christine; Downey, Gerald; Sutton, Anthea
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BORROWING STRENGTH FROM EXTERNAL TRIALS IN A META-ANALYSIS
err1996-12-30
err0
PREAI
errJULIAN P. T. HIGGINS; ANNE WHITEHEAD
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Assessing key assumptions of network meta-analysis: a review of methods
err2013-08-01
err181
errOAAI
errDonegan, Sarah; Williamson, Paula; D'Alessandro, Umberto; Smith, Catrin Tudur
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Undertaking network meta‐analyses
err2019-09-20
err0
PREAI
errAnna Chaimani; Deborah M Caldwell; Tianjing Li; Julian PT Higgins; Georgia Salanti
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