Multiple treatment comparison analysis: If A is better than B, and B is better than C, is A better than C? [L'analyse de comparaison de plusieurs traitements: Si A est mieux que B, et B est mieux que C, A est-il mieux que C?]

摘要

In this issue of the Journal, Rashiq et al. present a multiple treatment comparison (MTC) analysis to determine which of many possible anesthetic techniques is the most effective in reducing acute pain intensity and the occurrence of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing surgical repair of a hip fracture. Although MTCs are seen increasingly in the medical literature, a rudimentary search (Appendix) conducted in Medline yields only one other MTC in the anesthesia literature.