Table 3.

 Statistically significant results from direct and adjusted indirect comparisons

Comparison methods	Direct comparisons of A and B		Total
	Significant results (P<0.05)	Non-significant results
All trial networks	39	73	112
Indirect comparisons of A and B:
Significant results	14*	9	23
Non-significant results	25	64	89
Combination of direct and indirect estimates†:
Significant results	25	3	28
Non-significant results	14	70	84

*In one case (CD003262), both direct and indirect estimates were statistically significant but in opposite directions (see web appendix 1).

†DerSimonian-Laird random effects model used to combine direct and indirect estimates.