Table 7—

Combined analysis for mean inspiratory flow(VT/tI) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease nonrandomised controlled trials

First author [Ref.]Favours bilevel nFavours control nMD±seWeight %MD (random) 95% CI
Ambrosino 257773.0000±64.134922.0273.00 (−52.70–198.70)
Highcock 1888149.0000±222.04341.84149.00 (−286.20–584.20)
Lien 26111130.0000±42.640149.8130.00 (−53.57–113.57)
Nava 1767145.0000±58.639926.34145.00 (30.07–259.93)
Total323310071.94 (12.96–130.92)
  • MD: mean difference; CI confidence interval. Comparison: crossover trials of bilevel noninvasive positive pressure ventilation versus all modalities. Outcome: VT/tI mL·s−1. Test for heterogeneity: Chi squared = 2.64, df = 3 (p<0.45), I2 = 0%. Test for overall effect: Z = 2.39 (p = 0.02).