Table 2

Mean differences and 95% CrI for EGA at delivery (in weeks) from the pairwise and network meta-analyses

.Placebo/controlProstaglandin inhibitorsMagnesium sulfateBetamimeticsCalcium channel blockersNitratesOxytocin receptor blockers
Placebo/control2.32 (1.27 to 3.35)1.29 (0.29 to 2.27)1.25 (0.40 to 2.07)1.69 (0.69 to 2.66)1.65 (0.52 to 2.78)0.68 (−1.32 to 2.67)
Prostaglandin inhibitors3.27 (1.68 to 4.78)−1.04 (−2.01 to –0.04)−1.08 (−2.08 to –0.05)−0.64 (−1.68 to 0.42)−0.67 (−1.97 to 0.67)−1.65 (−3.76 to 0.52)
Magnesium sulfate−0.14 (−1.60 to 1.28)−0.23 (−1.45 to 0.97)−0.04 (−0.99 to 0.91)0.40 (−0.51 to 1.31)0.36 (−0.88 to 1.63)−0.61 (−2.69 to 1.50)
Betamimetics1.91 (0.90 to 2.90)−1.56 (−3.42 to 0.28)−0.19 (−2.78 to 2.45)0.44 (−0.32 to 1.20)0.40 (−0.54 to 1.37)−0.57 (−2.58 to 1.47)
Calcium channel blockersna−0.53 (−2.32 to 1.25)−0.02 (−1.25 to 1.22)0.80 (−0.08 to 1.67)−0.03 (−1.16 to 1.10)−1.01 (−2.98 to 0.99)
Nitrates0.17 (−1.72 to 2.06)nana−0.58 (−0.47 to 1.67)1.30 (−1.07 to 3.68)−0.98 (−3.15 to 1.21)
Oxytocin receptor blockers0.90 (−1.74 to 3.53)nanana−1.21 (−3.66 to 1.23)na
  • The upper diagonal displays the mean differences for the column intervention vs the row intervention, derived from the NMA. Values >0 favour the column defining intervention. The lower diagonal displays the mean differences for the row intervention vs the column intervention, derived from direct comparisons only. Values >0 favour the row defining the intervention.

  • Adapted from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline.13

  • Crl, credible interval; EGA, estimated gestational age; na, not available; NMA, network meta-analysis.