Trends in Meta-Analysis

Abstract

While meta-analysis is a well-accepted tool in evidence-based medicine, both the science and the utility of meta-analysis continue to evolve in response to the empirical demands of health care providers, researchers, payers, and policymakers. Three important developments in meta-analysis are summarized, with relevant examples provided for illustration.

First, the indications for performing metaanalyses using aggregate data versus individual patient data are discussed. Second, the advantages of cumulating data in real time as new studies are finished, that is, cumulative meta-analysis, are reviewed. Third, we describe the use of meta-analyses to provide indirect comparisons of various interventions when no head-to-head trials exist. Network meta-analyses, in particular, are a valid way to rank order the efficacy or safety of multiple interventions simultaneously.

Those who use clinical research syntheses should appreciate these highly relevant developments in the field of meta-analysis, developments that hold great promise for all who wish to use information better in health care.