A topology map of the network of available comparisons used for meta-analysis of different interventions in children with chronic middle ear effusion. Five classes of intervention are displayed; including Tympanostomy tubes, Tympanostomy tubes and Adenoidectomy, Watchful waiting, Myringotomy and Adenoidectomy and antibiotic prophylaxis. Of the 10 possible pairwise contrasts, 5 are covered by direct comparisons. Two studies provided direct comparisons between Tympanostomy tubes and watchful waiting, and two provide the comparison between Adenoidectomy with Tympanostomy vs. Adenoidectomy vs Myringotomy and Adenoidectomy. All of the other direct comparisons (Tympanostomy tubes vs. Antibiotic prophylaxis, Tympanostomy and Adenoidectomy vs. Tympanostomy or Watchful waiting.

Figure GNetwork graph of comparators for late (12 to 24 months) hearing thresholds

The network plot consists of nodes representing the interventions being compared and edges representing the available direct comparisons. The number of studies that include each comparison is indicated next to each edge (connecting lines with thickness proportional to this number.

From: Executive Summary

Cover of Tympanostomy Tubes in Children With Otitis Media
Tympanostomy Tubes in Children With Otitis Media [Internet].
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews, No. 185.
Steele D, Adam GP, Di M, et al.
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