Software for network meta-analysis electrical networks and graph theory

Social network analysis sna is probably the best known application of graph theory for data science. Transcranial direct current stimulation tdcs is an emerging approach for improving capacity in activities of daily living adl and upper limb function after stroke. Therefore, we aim to perform pairwise comparisons of the 6 sglt2 inhibitors. In the simplest possible example of a network metaanalysis, there are two treatments of interest that have been directly compared to a common comparator, but not to each other. The netmeta package in r is based on a novel approach for network metaanalysis that follows the graph theoretical methodology. Methodology from electrical networks and graphic theory also can be used to fit network metaanalysis and is outlined in by rucker rucker 2012. Using generalized linear mixed models to evaluate inconsistency within a network metaanalysis. Sep 29, 2014 the use of network meta analysis has increased dramatically in recent years. One issue with the validity of network meta analysis is inconsistency between direct and indirect evidence within a loop formed by three treatments. Software for network metaanalysis gert van valkenhoef taipei, taiwan, 6 october 20. This network metaanalysis aims to investigate the longterm 12 months efficacy of interventions for ak.

In the last decade, a new statistical methodology, namely, network metaanalysis, has been developed to address limitations in traditional pairwise metaanalysis. An assessment of this assumption and of the influence of deviations is fundamental for the validity evaluation. By combining direct and indirect information, it allows assessing all possible pairwise comparisons between treatments, even when, for some pairs of treatments, no headtohead trials are available. This is a readonly mirror of the cran r package repository. A variety of interventions are available for the treatment. In this study, a network metaanalysis was performed to synthesize existing research comparing the effects of different types of cai versus the traditional instruction ti on students learning achievement in taiwan. Dec, 2018 network plot for the network of topical antibiotics without steroids for chronically discharging ears a, comparison graph corresponding to the h xy row of h matrix b, flows f uv with respect to the x versus y network metaanalysis treatment effect are indicated along the edges, streams c and proportion contributions of each direct. Frequentist network metaanalysis using the r package.

Network theory provides a set of techniques for analysing graphs complex systems network theory provides techniques for analysing structure in a system of interacting agents, represented as a network applying network theory to a system means using a graph theoretic representation what makes a problem graph like. A typical way of drawing networks, also implemented in statistical software for network meta analysis, is a circular representation, often with many crossing lines. Our aim was to give an overview of the evidence network regarding the efficacy and safety of tdcs and to estimate the effectiveness of the different. This method exploits the analogy between treatment networks and electrical networks to construct the network meta analysis model accounting for the correlated treatment effects in multiarm trials. Network metaanalysis synthesizes direct and indirect evidence in a network of trials that compare multiple interventions and has the potential to rank the competing treatments according to the studied outcome. We show how graph theoretical methods can be applied to network metaanalysis. Terminology in metaanalytic networks and electrical networks.

Additionally, a network metaanalysis will be conducted to determine the comparative effectiveness of the treatments with a randomeffects model. A further development in the network metaanalysis is to use a bayesian statistical approach. Network metaanalysis, electrical networks and graph. Graphical tools for network metaanalysis in stata open. Methodology from electrical networks and graphic theory also can be used to fit network metaanalysis and is outlined in by. The netmeta package in r is based on a novel approach for network meta analysis that follows the graph theoretical methodology. Gemtc r package bayesian netmeta r package frequentist. Development of restricted mean survival time difference in network metaanalysis based on data from macnpc update.

The absolute and relative effectiveness of the treatments will be provided. Limitations in the design and flaws in the conduct of studies synthesized in network metaanalysis nma reduce the confidence in the results. Advanced statistical methods to model and adjust for bias in metaanalysis version 0. Preoperative hair removal and surgical site infections. Network metaanalysis was performed with r software, version i386 3. The graphtheoretical approach for network metaanalysis uses methods that were originally developed in electrical network theory. A network metaanalysis comparing the efficacy and safety. Which software can create a network metaanalysis for free. Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs for the acute treatment of adults with major depressive disorder.

It aims to combine information from all randomized comparisons among a set of treatments for a given. Unlike r, stata software needs to create relevant ado scripts at. We conducted a network metaanalysis using two approaches. The objective of this study is to describe the general approaches to network metaanalysis that are available for quantitative data synthesis using r software. Development of restricted mean survival time difference in network meta.

Graphical tools for network metaanalysis in stata pdf. Development of restricted mean survival time difference in. However, it remains unclear what type of tdcs stimulation is most effective. Network meta analysis also known as multiple treatment comparison or mixed treatment comparison seeks to combine information from all randomised comparisons among a set of treatments for a given medical condition.

Winbugs, openbugs, jags bayesian by far most used, most exible meta regression software frequentist multivariate meta analysis software frequentist e. It is used in clustering algorithms specifically kmeans. Methods from graph theory usually used in electrical networks were transferred to nma. Despite these recommendations and the recent development of software statistics. All analyses will be performed using the r software version 3. A randomeffect frequentist network meta analysis model was conducted to assess pfs. The individual patient data from the metaanalysis of chemotherapy in nasopharynx carcinoma database were used to compare all available treatments. An introduction to graph theory and network analysis with. Winbugs, a freely available bayesian software package, has been the most widely used software package to conduct network meta analyses. This package allows to estimate network metaanalysis models within a frequentist framework, with its statistical approach derived from graph theoretical methods developed for electrical networks. Purpose the role of adjuvant chemotherapy ac or induction chemotherapy ic in the treatment of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma is controversial. We run the simulation study in the freely available software r 2. Briefly, for a network of n interventions and m pairwise comparisons from direct studies a m.

A practical guide to network meta analysis with examples and code in the evaluation of healthcare, rigorous methods of quantitative assessment are necessary to establish which interventions are effective and costeffective. Apr 08, 2019 the objective of this study is to describe the general approaches to network meta analysis that are available for quantitative data synthesis using r software. The use of network metaanalysis has increased dramatically in recent years. Free example apply what youve learned discussion 1. Furthermore, critical appraisal of network meta analyses conducted in winbugs can be challenging. Comparing two approaches to multiarm studies in network metaanalysis. Assumes that all interventions included in the network are equally applicable to all populations and contexts of the studies included. Network metaanalysis is a generalisation of pairwise metaanalysis that compares all pairs of treatments within a number of treatments for the same condition. Most complex systems are graphlike friendship network. Winbugs, a freely available bayesian software package, has been the most widely used software package to conduct network metaanalyses. Chaimani a, higgins jpt, mavridis d, spyridonos p, salanti g graphical tools for network metaanalysis in stata anna chaimani 0 julian p. Based thereon, we then show that graph theoretical methods that have been routinely applied to electrical networks also work well in network metaanalysis. Network metaanalysis incorporates all available evidence into a general statistical framework for comparisons of all available treatments.

A network metaanalysis on the effects of information and. Network meta analysis compares multiple treatments by incorporating direct and indirect evidence into a general statistical framework. Actinic keratoses ak are common precancerous lesions of the skin due to cumulative sun exposure. Network metaanalysis, a generalization of conventional metaanalysis, allows the simultaneous synthesis of data from networks of trials. This package allows to estimate network meta analysis models within a frequentist framework, with its statistical approach derived from graph theoretical methods developed for electrical networks. Package netmeta the comprehensive r archive network. Network meta analysis for decisionmaking takes an approach to evidence synthesis that is specifically intended for decision making when there are two or more treatment alternatives being evaluated, and assumes that the purpose of every synthesis is to answer the question for this preidentified population of patients, which treatment is best. A graphical tool for locating inconsistency in network meta. A network metaanalysis of nonsmallcell lung cancer. A microsoftexcelbased tool for running and critically. Forest plots are not so easy to draw for networks multiarm trials make everything more complicated but.

We illustrate the correspondence between metaanalytic networks and electrical networks, where variance corresponds to resistance, treatment effects to voltage, and weighted. Network metaanalysis, electrical networks and graph theory. Decision making around multiple alternative healthcare interventions is increasingly based on metaanalyses of a network of relevant studies, which contribute direct and indirect evidence to different treatment comparisons 1,2. A network meta analysis looks at indirect comparisons. Despite its usefulness network meta analysis is often criticized for its complexity and for being accessible only to researchers with strong statistical and computational skills.

The netmeta package in r is based on a novel approach for network metaanalysis that follows the graphtheoretical methodology. We also demonstrate that the fact that some statistical software commands can remove redundant collinear variables is very useful for specifying the inconsistency parameters in a network metaanalysis involving many designs and. The authors compared egfr tkis in terms of pfs in a network meta analysis. An introduction to network metaanalysis mixed treatment. Because basic metaanalysis software such as revman does not support network metaanalysis, the statistician will have to rely on statistical software packages such as stata, r, winbugs or openbugs for analysis. A graphtheoretical approach to network metaanalysis. All statistical analyses were conducted using sas statistical software version 9. Cipriani, andrea, toshi a furukawa, georgia salanti, anna chaimani, lauren z atkinson, yusuke ogawa, stefan leucht, et al. The pubmed and embase databases and meeting abstracts were screened for relevant studies between january 2009 and november 2017. It has been found to be equivalent to the frequentist approach to network metaanalysis which is based on. A network metaanalysis comparing the efficacy and safety of antipd1 with antipdl1 in nonsmall cell lung cancer. Comparative effectiveness of sodiumglucose cotransporter. A graphical tool for locating inconsistency in network metaanalyses. Methods all randomized trials of radiotherapy rt with or without chemotherapy.

A network metaanalysis of nonsmallcell lung cancer patient. Let x k k1,m denote the observed effects and v k the corresponding variances. Network metaanalysis nma is becoming increasingly popular in systematic. A graph theoretical approach to multiarmed studies in frequentist network metaanalysis. Research synthesis methods, 3, 31224 rucker g, schwarzer g 2014. Association of gleason grade with androgen deprivation. Network metaanalysis for decisionmaking statistics in. In network metaanalysis, several alternative treatments can be compared by pooling the evidence of all randomised comparisons made in different studies.

It aims to combine information from all randomized comparisons among a set of treatments for a given medical condition. Depends on many factors such as but not limited to. Meta analysis is a statistical technique that allows an analyst to synthesize effect sizes from multiple primary studies. Network metaanalysis is an extension of standard pairwise metaanalysis that can be used to simultaneously compare any number of treatments. Incorporated indirect conclusions require a consistent network of treatment effects. A simulation study to compare different estimation.

Automated methods to test connectedness and quantify. In estimating a network metaanalysis model using a bayesian. Based thereon, we then show that graphtheoretical methods that have been routinely applied to electrical networks also work well in network metaanalysis. To estimate meta analysis models, the opensource statistical environment r is quickly becoming a popular choice. Visualizing inconsistency in network metaanalysis by. Rucker g 2012 network metaanalysis, electrical networks and graph theory. We conducted a network meta analysis using two approaches. A network metaanalysis looks at indirect comparisons.

Apr 19, 2018 graph theory concepts are used to study and model social networks, fraud patterns, power consumption patterns, virality and influence in social media. A metaanalytic graph consists of vertices treatments and edges randomized comparisons. Software for network meta analysis general purpose software. A simulation study to compare different estimation approaches for. The network metaanalysis will be conducted using the netmeta package in the r software. However the relation between a and b is only known indirectly, and a network metaanalysis looks at such indirect evidence of differences between methods and interventions using statistical method. Terminology in metaanalysis and electrical networks.

Network metaanalysis for decision making will be of interest to decision makers, medical statisticians, health economists, and anyone involved in health technology assessment including the pharmaceutical industry. Graph theory concepts are used to study and model social networks, fraud patterns, power consumption patterns, virality and influence in social media. Frequentist network metaanalysis using the r package netmeta. Undertaking network metaanalyses cochrane training. The statistical theory behind network meta analysis is nevertheless complex, so we strongly encourage close collaboration between dental researchers and experienced statisticians when planning and conducting a. A network metaanalysis of nonsmallcell lung cancer patients with an activating egfr mutation. Methods from graph theory usually used in electrical networks were. Chaimani a, higgins jpt, mavridis d, spyridonos p, salanti g graphical tools for network meta analysis in stata anna chaimani 0 julian p.

Often a single study will not provide the answers and it is desirable to synthesise evidence from multiple sources, usually randomised controlled trials. Background the conduction and report of network metaanalysis. Network meta analysis synthesizes direct and indirect evidence in a network of trials that compare multiple interventions and has the potential to rank the competing treatments according to the studied outcome. Statistical software has been developed to fit network meta. Requires specialist statistical expertise and software.

This method exploits the analogy between treatment networks and electrical networks to construct the network metaanalysis model accounting for the correlated treatment effects in. In more detail, the resulting consistent treatment effects induced in the edges can be estimated via the moorepenrose pseudoinverse of the laplacian matrix. A network metaanalysis toolkit cochrane comparing multiple. Higgins 0 dimitris mavridis 0 panagiota spyridonos 0 georgia salanti 0 0 1 department of hygiene and epidemiology, school of medicine, university of ioannina, ioannina, greece, 2 school of social and community medicine, university of bristol. The graph theoretical approach for network meta analysis uses methods that were originally developed in electrical network theory. A primer on network metaanalysis for dental research. The winbugs software can be called from either r provided r2winbugs as an r package or stata software for network metaanalysis. This approach has been implemented in the r package netmeta rucker and schwarzer 20. Inetworks aregraphs i nodesare treatments i edgesare comparisons between treatments, based on studies ivariances combine like electrical resistancesbailey, 2007 iit is possible to apply methods from electrical network theory to network metaanalysis rucker, 2012.

Cappelleri, phd, mph pfizer inc invited oral presentation at the 12th annual scientific meeting of the international society for cns clinical trials and methodology, 1618. Introduction as a new class of glucoselowering drugs, sodiumglucose cotransporter 2 sglt2 inhibitors are effective for controlling hyperglycaemia, however, the relative effectiveness and safety of 6 recently available sglt2 inhibitors have rarely been studied. In the image, a has been analyzed in relation to c and c has been analyzed in relation to b. Network meta analysis is a generalisation of pairwise meta analysis that compares all pairs of treatments within a number of treatments for the same condition. Longterm efficacy of interventions for actinic keratosis. However the relation between a and b is only known indirectly, and a network meta analysis looks at such indirect evidence of differences between methods and interventions using statistical method. Scientific collaboration network business ties in us biotechindustry genetic interaction network proteinprotein interaction networks transportation networks internet. An example was used to demonstrate how to conduct a network meta analysis and the differences between it and traditional meta analysis. The statistical methodology underpinning this technique and software tools for implementing the methods are evolving. Network metaanalysis also known as multiple treatment comparison or mixed treatment comparison seeks to combine information from all randomised comparisons among a set of treatments for a given medical condition. Network metaanalysis was performed with r software version 3. Network metaanalysis nma a statistical technique that allows comparison of multiple treatments in the same metaanalysis simultaneously has become increasingly popular in the medical literature in recent years. However, the learning curve for winbugs can be daunting, especially for new users. This method exploits the analogy between treatment networks and electrical networks to construct the network metaanalysis model accounting for the correlated treatment effects in multiarm trials.