Introduction to methodology of dose–response meta‐analysis for binary outcome: With application on software

• Published in: Journal of evidence-based medicine 2018-05, Vol.11 (2), p.125-129
• Main Authors: Zhang, Chao, Jia, Pengli, Yu, Liu, Xu, Chang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: dose–response meta‐analysis; Drug dosages; Medical research; Meta-analysis; methodology; overview; Research methodology; Software; software application
• ISSN: 1756-5391; 1756-5383; 1756-5391
• DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12267

Objective Dose‐response meta‐analysis (DRMA) is widely applied to investigate the dose‐specific relationship between independent and dependent variables. Such methods have been in use for over 30 years and are increasingly employed in healthcare and clinical decision‐making. In this article, we give an overview of the methodology used in DRMA. Methods We summarize the commonly used regression model and the pooled method in DRMA. We also use an example to illustrate how to employ a DRMA by these methods. Results Five regression models, linear regression, piecewise regression, natural polynomial regression, fractional polynomial regression, and restricted cubic spline regression, were illustrated in this article to fit the dose‐response relationship. And two types of pooling approaches, that is, one‐stage approach and two‐stage approach are illustrated to pool the dose‐response relationship across studies. The example showed similar results among these models. Conclusion Several dose‐response meta‐analysis methods can be used for investigating the relationship between exposure level and the risk of an outcome. However the methodology of DRMA still needs to be improved.