A graphical method for exploring heterogeneity in meta‐analyses: application to a meta‐analysis of 65 trials

Heterogeneity can be a major component of meta-analyses and by virtue of that fact warrants investigation. Classic analysis methods, such as meta-regression, are used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. However, it may be difficult to apply such a method in complex cases or in the absence of an a priori hypothesis. This paper presents a graphical method to identify trials, groups of trials or groups of patients that are sources of heterogeneity. The contribution of these trials to the overall result can also be evaluated with this method. Each trial is represented by a dot on a 2D graph. The X-axis represents the contribution of the trial to the overall Cochran Q-test for heterogeneity. The Y-axis…

• EC
  European Commission

  Award: 961321
• FP
  Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale
• FB
  Fondation BNP Paribas