netmeta: An R Package for Network Meta-Analysis Using Frequentist Methods

Network meta-analysis compares different interventions for the same condition, by combining direct and indirect evidence derived from all eligible studies. Network meta-analysis has been increasingly used by applied scientists and it is a major research topic for methodologists. This article describes the R package netmeta , which adopts frequentist methods to fit network meta-analysis models. We provide a roadmap to perform network meta-analysis, along with an overview of the main functions of the package. We present three worked examples considering different types of outcomes and different data formats to facilitate researchers aiming to conduct network meta-analysis with netmeta .

• Publication year

  2023

• Venue

  Journal of Statistical Software

• Publication date

  Unknown publication date

• Fields of study

  Mathematics, Computer Science

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.18637/jss.v106.i02
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

• Network meta‐analysis and random walks

  2021cited by this paper
• CINeMA: An approach for assessing confidence in the results of a network meta-analysis

  2020cited by this paper
• Component network meta‐analysis compared to a matching method in a disconnected network: A case study

  2020cited by this paper
• The statistical importance of a study for a network meta-analysis estimate

  2019cited by this paper
• Network meta‐analysis of rare events using the Mantel‐Haenszel method

  2019influential reference
• BUGSnet: an R package to facilitate the conduct and reporting of Bayesian network Meta-analyses

  2019cited by this paper
• MetaInsight: An interactive web‐based tool for analyzing, interrogating, and visualizing network meta‐analyses using R‐shiny and netmeta

  2019cited by this paper
• Network meta‐analysis of multicomponent interventions

  2019cited by this paper
• An extended mixed‐effects framework for meta‐analysis

  2019cited by this paper
• How to perform a meta-analysis with R: a practical tutorial

  2019cited by this paper
• Estimating the contribution of studies in network meta-analysis: paths, flows and streams

  2018cited by this paper
• A design‐by‐treatment interaction model for network meta‐analysis and meta‐regression with integrated nested Laplace approximations

  2018cited by this paper
• Resolve conflicting rankings of outcomes in network meta‐analysis: Partial ordering of treatments

  2017cited by this paper
• Performing Arm-Based Network Meta-Analysis in R with the pcnetmeta Package.

  2017cited by this paper
• Bibliographic study showed improving statistical methodology of network meta-analyses published between 1999 and 2015.

  2017influential reference
• Characteristics and knowledge synthesis approach for 456 network meta-analyses: a scoping review

  2017cited by this paper
• Bayesian Random-Effects Meta-Analysis Using the bayesmeta R Package

  2017cited by this paper
• Network meta-analysis.

  2017cited by this paper
• Dose-response meta-analysis of differences in means

  2016cited by this paper
• GetReal in network meta‐analysis: a review of the methodology

  2016cited by this paper
• The PRISMA Extension Statement for Reporting of Systematic Reviews Incorporating Network Meta-analyses of Health Care Interventions: Checklist and Explanations

  2015cited by this paper
• Ranking treatments in frequentist network meta-analysis works without resampling methods

  2015cited by this paper
• Network Meta-Analysis using Frequentist Methods

  2015cited by this paper
• Reduce dimension or reduce weights? Comparing two approaches to multi‐arm studies in network meta‐analysis

  2014influential reference
• Partial order methodology: a valuable tool in chemometrics

  2014cited by this paper
• Issues in performing a network meta-analysis

  2013cited by this paper
• Graphical Tools for Network Meta-Analysis in STATA

  2013cited by this paper
• A matrix-based method of moments for fitting the multivariate random effects model for meta-analysis and meta-regression

  2013cited by this paper
• A graphical tool for locating inconsistency in network meta-analyses

  2013cited by this paper
• Visualizing the flow of evidence in network meta‐analysis and characterizing mixed treatment comparisons

  2013cited by this paper
• Current and new oral antithrombotics in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a network meta-analysis of 79 808 patients

  2013cited by this paper
• Regression and the Moore-Penrose Pseudoinverse

  2012cited by this paper
• Quantifying the impact of between-study heterogeneity in multivariate meta-analyses

  2012cited by this paper
• Indirect and mixed‐treatment comparison, network, or multiple‐treatments meta‐analysis: many names, many benefits, many concerns for the next generation evidence synthesis tool

  2012cited by this paper
• Using network meta‐analysis to evaluate the existence of small‐study effects in a network of interventions

  2012cited by this paper
• Consistency and inconsistency in network meta-analysis: concepts and models for multi-arm studies

  2012cited by this paper
• Network meta‐analysis, electrical networks and graph theory

  2012influential reference
• Algorithms for Visualizing Large Networks

  2011cited by this paper
• Graphical methods and numerical summaries for presenting results from multiple-treatment meta-analysis: an overview and tutorial.

  2011cited by this paper
• Multivariate meta-analysis: Potential and promise

  2011cited by this paper
• Conducting Meta-Analyses in R with the metafor Package

  2010cited by this paper
• Random effects meta‐analysis of event outcome in the framework of the generalized linear mixed model with applications in sparse data

  2010cited by this paper
• Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions

  2010cited by this paper
• Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of adjuvant treatment to levodopa therapy in Parkinson s disease patients with motor complications.

  2010cited by this paper
• Checking consistency in mixed treatment comparison meta‐analysis

  2010cited by this paper
• Mixed treatment comparison meta-analysis of complex interventions: psychological interventions in coronary heart disease.

  2009influential reference
• Centre Technical Report : Theoretical Foundations of an Ontology-Based Visual Tool for Query Formulation Support 1

  2009cited by this paper
• Pharmacologic Treatments for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Mixed‐Treatment Comparison Meta‐analysis

  2009influential reference
• Evaluation of networks of randomized trials

  2008cited by this paper
• Designs for two‐colour microarray experiments

  2007cited by this paper
• Combination of direct and indirect evidence in mixed treatment comparisons

  2004cited by this paper
• Generalized inverse of the Laplacian matrix and some applications

  2004cited by this paper
• Quantifying heterogeneity in a meta‐analysis

  2002cited by this paper
• An Algorithm for Drawing General Undirected Graphs

  1989cited by this paper
• Generalized Mantel-Haenszel estimators for K 2 x J tables.

  1989cited by this paper
• Circuits and efficiency in incomplete block designs

  1983cited by this paper
• Generalized Inverse of Matrices and its Applications

  1972cited by this paper
• Statistical aspects of the analysis of data from retrospective studies of disease.

  1959cited by this paper
• THE RECOVERY OF INTER-BLOCK INFORMATION IN BALANCED INCOMPLETE BLOCK DESIGNS

  1940cited by this paper
• Meta-Analysis in R

  year unknowncited by this paper

• Network meta-analysis in agroecology: Comparative effectiveness of farmland margin treatments on natural enemy conservation

  2026cites this paper
• Reperfusion Strategies for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Design and Rationale of RECONNECT-PE - a Living Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Smoking cessation for people with severe mental illness: systematic review and network meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Comparative effectiveness of minimally invasive therapies for plantar fasciitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• A network meta-analysis on the optimal treatment of malignant gastric outlet obstruction

  2026cites this paper
• Which Protein‐Based Dietary Supplements Most Effectively Enhance Fat‐Free Mass and Strength Gains in Healthy Adults Undergoing Resistance Training? A Network Meta‐Analysis

  2026cites this paper
• Treatment of Dupuytren's Disease of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Telemonitoring modalities in heart failure: comparative effectiveness across the heart failure population-a meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Optimal exercise modalities for enhancing motor function recovery after stroke: a Bayesian systematic review with pairwise and network meta-analyses

  2026cites this paper
• Preoperative interventions for reducing anxiety in school-age children undergoing surgery: a network meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Excimer 308‐Nm Light in the Combination Treatment of Vitiligo: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis

  2026cites this paper
• Decoding digital reading: a network meta-analysis of comprehension across devices

  2026cites this paper
• Additive Effects of Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitors and Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors on Neurohormonal Inhibition Therapy in Severe HFrEF: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Optimizing cognitive functions in healthy older adults: a network meta-analysis of dual- and single-task interventions.

  2026cites this paper
• Laser‐ und energiebasierte Systeme zur Behandlung der Rosazea – ein systematischer Review mit Netzwerk‐Metaanalyse

  2026cites this paper
• Identifying Conditions Favouring Multiplicative Heterogeneity Models in Network Meta-Analysis

  2026cites this paper
• THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS IN DERMATOMYCOSIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH NETWORK ANALYSIS

  2026cites this paper
• Effects of Exercise-Based Prehabilitation on Functional Capacity in Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery: A Network Meta-Analysis

  2026influential citation
• Annular repair method in lumbar disc herniation: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

  2026cites this paper
• Optimal antithrombotic therapy for post-ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A frequentist network meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Optimal antithrombotic strategies in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing PCI: A network meta-analysis of randomized trials.

  2026cites this paper
• Do Combined Resistance and Aerobic Exercise Programs Cause an Interference Effect in Women with Breast Cancer? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Beliefs of delusional intensity about body image or eating-related concerns in individuals with Feeding and Eating Disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Effects of timing and eating duration of time restricted eating on metabolic outcomes: systematic review and network meta-analysis

  2026cites this paper
• Comparative efficacy, safety and compliance with dual, triple and quadruple therapy as the first-line treatment regimens for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

  2026cites this paper
• Adverse effects of non-invasive brain stimulation as a treatment for mental disorders: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

  2026cites this paper
• Cosmetic Botulinum Toxin A Injections to the Upper Face: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Clinical Studies

  2026cites this paper
• Efficacy and safety of dextromethorphan/quinidine in treating pseudobulbar affect in neurological disorders: A systematic review and dose-classified network meta-analysis

  2026cites this paper
• Effect of different feeding approaches on growth, neonatal morbidities, mortality and neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

  2026cites this paper
• The Efficacy and Safety of Four Novel PCSK9 Monoclonal Antibodies in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia: A Systematic Review With Network Meta‐Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

  2026influential citation
• Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trial evidence of spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain

  2026influential citation
• Effects of different non-pharmacological interventions on executive function in healthy older people: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Comparative Effectiveness of Emotion-Oriented Therapies for Behavioral and Cognitive Outcomes in People With Dementia: A Network Meta-Analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Alcohol Consumption and Atrial Fibrillation Risk: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Network Meta-Analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Comparative effects of salt substitutes on blood pressure, cardiovascular events and mortality: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

  2026cites this paper
• Effectiveness of telemedicine in bronchial asthma: A network meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Effects of Digital Health Interventions to Promote Safer Sex Behaviors Among Youth: Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis

  2026cites this paper
• Impact of plant-based drinks on cardiometabolic outcomes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Mineral nitrogen input modulates the methane mitigation potential of biochar in rice systems: based on meta-analysis and field experiment demonstration

  2026cites this paper
• The Route of Misoprostol in Reducing Blood Loss for Transperitoneal Myomectomies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Efficacy and tolerability of first-line treatment regimens for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer – a grade-assessed network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

  2026cites this paper
• Treatment Efficacy for Functional Voice Disorders with Dysphonia: A Network Meta-analysis.

  2026cites this paper
• Cognitive bias modification for social anxiety: a living systematic review and network meta-analysis

  2026cites this paper
• Efficacy and safety comparisons of PD-1 versus PD-L1 inhibitors in patients with solid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  2026cites this paper
• Comparative efficacy and tolerability of antidopaminergic and muscarinic antipsychotics for acute schizophrenia: a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials indexed in international English and Chinese databases.

  2026cites this paper
• The Efficacy of Psychotherapeutic and Pharmacological Interventions for Trichotillomania: A Review and Meta-Analysis

  2026cites this paper
• Efficacy and Safety of Different Combinations of Add-on Diuretic Therapy in Acute Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

  2025cites this paper
• Fatigue and Co‐Occurring Cancer‐Related Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Efficacy and Safety of Pulmonary Vasodilator and Inodilator Drugs in Congenital Heart Disease Surgery: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

  2025cites this paper
• Optimizing surveillance in Lynch syndrome: lesion detection and comparative performance of different colonoscopy modalities—a systematic review and network meta-analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Biological Therapy and Small Molecules for Adults With Crohn's Disease: Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Effectiveness and safety of opioid-free anesthesia compared to opioid-based anesthesia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

  2025cites this paper
• The Effects of Different Exercises on Insulin Resistance and Testosterone Changes in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Network Meta-Analysis Study

  2025influential citation
• Efficacy and Safety of Osteobiologics for Lumbar Spinal Fusion

  2025cites this paper
• Trials and triangles: Network meta-analysis of multi-arm trials with correlated arms

  2025cites this paper
• Systemic pharmacological treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis: a network meta-analysis.

  2025cites this paper
• A leave-one-out algorithm for contribution analysis in component network meta-analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Comparative analysis on renal and cardiovascular outcomes of antidiabetic treatment in chronic kidney disease patients—A systematic review and network meta‐analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Gastrointestinal adverse events associated with GLP-1 RA in non-diabetic patients with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

  2025influential citation
• Microplastics and Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Critical Reflection on Meta-Analyses.

  2025cites this paper
• Comparative Efficacy and Tolerability of Tirzepatide Versus Semaglutide at Varying Doses for Weight Loss in Non-diabetic Adults With Obesity: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

  2025cites this paper
• Comparative safety and efficacy of invasive therapies for carotid artery stenosis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Comparative Efficacy of Treatment Regimens for Chronic Hepatitis D Virus Infection: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis

  2025influential citation
• A database to initiate methodological advances in the evaluation of transitivity assumption in network meta-analysis: qualitative features and limitations of the tracenma R package

  2025cites this paper
• A network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials in lenalidomide-exposed or -refractory multiple myeloma patients.

  2025cites this paper
• Complement and coagulation cascade cross-talk in endometriosis and the potential of Janus Kinase inhibitors—a network meta-analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Path-Based Approach for Detecting and Assessing Inconsistency in Network Meta-Analysis: A Novel Method

  2025cites this paper
• Clinical efficacy and safety evaluation of drug therapies for the treatment of progressive fibrotic-interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILDs): a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

  2025influential citation
• Effectiveness of different intervention designs for improving physical activity in adults with cardiometabolic conditions over time: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

  2025cites this paper
• Does Computer‐Assisted Surgery Improve the Accuracy of Immediate Implant Placement? A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis

  2025influential citation
• Efficacy of non-surgical treatments for acute non-specific low back pain: protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

  2025influential citation
• Comparative effectiveness of resilience-related interventions on resilience and stress for healthcare professionals: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

  2025cites this paper
• A systematic review and network meta-analysis of interventions to preserve insulin-secreting beta cell function in people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes: results from randomised controlled trials of immunomodulatory therapies

  2025cites this paper
• Expression signatures with specificity for type I and II IFN response and relevance for autoimmune diseases and cancer

  2025cites this paper
• Open, hybrid, minimally invasive, and robotic-assisted transthoracic esophagectomy for cancer: a network meta-analysis of randomized trials

  2025influential citation
• Optimal Tranexamic Acid Dosing for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery

  2025cites this paper
• Different types of oesophageal reconstructions in the contemporary era: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Intermittent fasting strategies and their effects on body weight and other cardiometabolic risk factors: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

  2025cites this paper
• Regional analgesia techniques for postoperative pain after breast cancer surgery: a network meta-analysis.

  2025cites this paper
• New and Emerging Pharmacotherapies for Pruritus: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Plant‐Derived Natural Products for Dietary Intervention in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Pharmacological treatments for atypical depression: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

  2025cites this paper
• Community‐based interventions for the prevention or management of dental caries in children

  2025cites this paper
• Exploring the role of left atrial fibrosis and left atrial volume index through cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in embolic stroke of undetermined source: A network meta-analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Effectiveness of Nonsurgical Interventions for Patients With Acute and Subacute Sciatica: A Systematic Review With Network Meta-Analysis.

  2025cites this paper
• Comparative efficacy and acceptability of interventions for universal, selective and indicated prevention of eating disorders: study protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Effectiveness of non-surgical interventions for patients with chronic sciatica: a systematic review with network meta-analysis.

  2025cites this paper
• Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions on arteriovenous fistula cannulation-related pain in patients receiving hemodialysis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

  2025cites this paper
• Evaluation of the Aspects of Digital Interventions That Successfully Support Weight Loss: Systematic Review With Component Network Meta-Analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Every minute counts: a network meta-analysis comparing the effect of prophylactic endovascular procedures in abnormal placentation

  2025cites this paper
• Pharmacotherapy options for the management of subjective tinnitus: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Do Older Patients With Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer Benefit From Triplet or Doublet Therapy? A Network Meta-Analysis.

  2025cites this paper
• New topical molecular targeted therapies for atopic dermatitis in children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Antiseptics as effective virucidal agents against SARS-CoV-2: Systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

  2025influential citation
• Uterine volume assay after gonadotoxic therapies in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta‐analysis

  2025cites this paper
• Medications to reduce breast cancer risk: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

  2025cites this paper
• Efficacy and Safety of Medical Interventions for Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Living Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

  2025cites this paper
• Comparison of different interval training methods on athletes’ oxygen uptake: a systematic review with pairwise and network meta-analysis

  2025cites this paper
• A systematic review and network meta-analysis of the use of gabapentinoids perioperatively at the time of cesarean for reducing opioid use.

  2025cites this paper
• Comparing Umbilical Cord Management Strategies in Nonvigorous Newborns: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

  2025cites this paper