Comparing estimates of treatment effect of antibiotics for BRO from randomized controlled trials with a network meta-analysis

Abstract

Bovine respiratory disease is the most economically important disease of feedlot cattle in North America. Choice of antibiotic is a critical factor for producers and veterinarians. We previously published a mixed-treatment comparison meta-analysis that combined evidence from published trials and published estimates of comparative efficacy for 12 antibiotics registered for use in the US. Some of the comparative efficacy estimates were based only on indirect evidence. Since the original review was published, new randomized controlled trials that provide direct evidence of comparative efficacy have been published. Here, we compare the estimates from the original model with the estimates from the studies. Such information will enable us to determine if indirect comparisons from meta-analysis are informative.