Network meta-analysis may be performed by fitting multivariate meta-analysis models with Stata software mvmeta command; however, there are various challenges such as preprocessing the data, parameterising the model, and making good graphical displays of results. A suite of Stata programs, network, may meet these challenges. In this article, we introduce how to use the network commands to implement network meta-analysis by the example of continuous data.
Network meta-regression model can be used to account for important effect modifiers that might have impact on the treatment effects, and it can be performed within a frequentist or Bayesian framework. This study introduces how to use the mvmeta command in Stata software to implement network meta-regression within frequentist framework and briefly introduces the application of network meta-regression.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta-analysis (SRs/MAs) in fields of integrated Chinese-western therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodsSRs/MAs in fields of integrated Chinese-western therapy for NSCLC were searched inPubMed, EMbase, CBM, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data from inception to July 10th, 2016. We also handsearched relevant journals such as Chin J Evid-based Med and reference of included studies, and tried to find the grey literature for additional studies. Two researchers independently screened literature and extracted data. Then methodological quality of included SRs/MAs were evaluated by AMSTAR scale. ResultsA total of 53 SRs/MAs were included, the highest and lowest scores of methodological quality were 9 and 1, respectively. The average score was 5.98±1.50. Results on the qualities of methodology or evaluation showed that 46 SRs/MAs (88.68%) was rated as moderate and 6 (11.32%) as low． The main problems were found in such areas as preliminary design scheme, literature searching, a list of included and excluded studies, etc.. ConclusionThe methodology of SRs/MAs in fields of integrated Chinese-western therapy for NSCLC have quality problems at different levels, further improvement should be expected.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the diagnostic value of FibroScan for the staging of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. MethodsWe searched the PubMed, EMbase, Web of Knowledge, CBM, WanFang Data and CNKI databases for studies investigated the diagnostic value of FibroScan for hepatic fibrosis B from Jan. 1st, 2003 to Aug. 31st, 2013. Two reviewers independently screened literature according to the exclusion and inclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed methodological quality of included studies. Then, Stata 13.0 software was used to analyze the data. ResultsA total of 15 studies involving 2 588 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that:the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio and the AUC of SROC were 0.77 (95%CI 0.69 to 0.83), 0.84 (95%CI 0.70 to 0.87), 3.8 (95%CI 2.6 to 5.6), 0.29 (95%CI 0.22 to 0.38), 13 (95%CI 8 to 21), 0.82 (95%CI 0.82 to 0.88) for hepatic fibrosis; and were 0.81 (95%CI 0.73 to 0.87), 0.89 (95%CI 0.86 to 0.92), 7.5 (95%CI 5.3 to 10.3), 0.21 (95%CI 0.14 to 0.31), 36 (95%CI 20 to 65), 0.93 (95%CI 0.90 to 0.95) for early hepatic cirrhosis, respectively. ConclusionThe current evidence suggests that FibroScan is of good accuracy in the diagnosis of early hepatic fibrosis but not for hepatic cirrhosis in patient with chronic hepatitis B.