Contrast-Based and Arm-Based Models for Network Meta-Analysis

Network meta-analysis is used to synthesize evidence from a network of treatments. The models used in a network meta-analysis are more complex than those used for pairwise meta-analysis. Two types of models are available to undertake a network meta-analysis: contrast-based and arm-based models. Contrast-based models have been used in most published network meta-analyses. Arm-based models offer greater flexibility and handle treatments symmetrically, but risk compromising randomization. In this chapter, we (1) present the contrast-based and arm-based statistical models; (2) describe the theoretical differences between the models (noting when the estimates from the models are expected to diverge); (3) summarize the evidence comparing the two models from simulation studies and empirical investigations; and (4) provide a worked example applying the two models to a network using the R software package.