title: Meta-analysis by random effect modelling in generalized linear models.
abstract: The meta-analysis of multi-centre trials can be based on either fixed or random effect models. This paper argues for the general use of random effect models, and illustrates the value of non-parametric maximum likelihood (NPML) analysis of such trials. The same general approach unifies administrative 'league table' analyses in epidemiological and other studies. Several examples of the NPML analysis are given, including a 70-centre trial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Statistics, University of Newcastle, Newcastle-upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aitkin
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D016014:Linear Models; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy; D016011:Normal Distribution; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents