Fig. 6.

a Trial sequential analysis for length of mechanical ventilation in trials: A diversity-adjusted information size of 80 circuits was calculated on the basis of a MD of − 3.16, variance of 53.52, I² = 33%, α = 5% (two-sided) and β = 20%. The cumulative Z-curve crosses the trial sequential monitoring boundary for benefit and reaches the required information size. b Trial sequential analysis for ICU LOS in trials: A diversity-adjusted information size of 1191 circuits was calculated on the basis of a MD of − 0.38, variance of 10.36, I² = 72%, α = 5% (two-sided) and β = 20%. The cumulative Z-curve did not cross the conventional boundary for benefits and did not enter the futility boundary