Gallbladder/Biliary and Pancreatic Adverse Events Associated With Incretin-Based Therapies in Biopsy-Confirmed MASH

Statistical Data Analysis and Meta-Analysis for a Systematic Review of Incretin-Based Therapies in Biopsy-Confirmed MASH/NASH

Project Description

I am looking for an experienced biostatistician or systematic review and meta-analysis specialist to assist with the statistical analysis of an ongoing systematic review investigating the safety of incretin-based therapies in adults with biopsy-confirmed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH/NASH).

Most of the study selection and data extraction have already been completed. I need professional assistance with data validation, statistical analysis, meta-analysis, interpretation of results, and preparation of publication-ready figures and tables.

Research Objectives

The review evaluates adverse events associated with incretin-based therapies, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and other relevant incretin-based agents, with a particular focus on:

Gallbladder and biliary adverse events.

Acute pancreatitis and other prespecified pancreatic adverse events.

Other relevant safety outcomes specified in the review protocol.

Scope of Work

1. Data validation and preparation

Review the existing data-extraction spreadsheet.

Identify missing, inconsistent, or incorrectly extracted data.

Check for duplicate publications, overlapping trial populations, and potential double-counting of participants or events.

Assess whether the extracted data are suitable for quantitative synthesis.

2. Statistical analysis and meta-analysis

Determine which outcomes can appropriately be pooled based on clinical and methodological comparability.

Recommend and implement suitable effect measures, such as odds ratios (ORs) or risk ratios (RRs), with 95% confidence intervals.

Conduct meta-analysis using an appropriate model, including random-effects analysis where justified.

Address rare events and zero-event studies using statistically appropriate methods.

Assess statistical heterogeneity using measures such as I² and τ².

Conduct prespecified subgroup and sensitivity analyses where the available data permit.

Perform publication-bias assessments only where the number and characteristics of included studies make them appropriate.

Provide narrative synthesis for outcomes that cannot be reliably pooled.

3. Figures and tables

Generate publication-quality forest plots for eligible outcomes.

Prepare summary tables of pooled effect estimates, confidence intervals, heterogeneity statistics, and numbers of studies and participants.

Provide funnel plots or other relevant diagnostic plots when appropriate.

4. Interpretation and reporting

Explain the statistical findings in clear, clinically meaningful language.

Prepare a draft statistical methods section and results section suitable for a peer-reviewed medical journal.

Identify limitations, analytical assumptions, and any findings that require cautious interpretation.

Provide recommendations for presenting the results in accordance with PRISMA reporting principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.

Experience analyzing adverse events and rare safety outcomes.

Strong knowledge of Cochrane methodology and PRISMA guidance.

Proficiency in R (particularly the meta or metafor packages), Stata, or equivalent validated statistical software.

Previous publications in clinical medicine, hepatology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, or pharmacovigilance would be advantageous.

Expected Deliverables

A reviewed and analysis-ready dataset, with corrections or queries documented.

A clear statistical analysis plan, including the rationale for the selected methods.

Completed meta-analyses for all eligible outcomes.

Publication-quality forest plots and relevant statistical tables.

Reproducible analysis scripts and output files.

A written interpretation of the results.

Draft statistical methods and results text for the manuscript.

A brief handover explaining the analyses, assumptions, and how to reproduce the results.

Important Requirements

The project is intended to support a systematic review that will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication. The freelancer must use transparent, reproducible methods, avoid unsupported pooling of incompatible outcomes, and document any analytical decisions or deviations from the existing protocol.

I will provide the existing extraction spreadsheet, relevant study information, and the review protocol. Please indicate your proposed analytical approach, estimated timeline, total cost, and relevant previous experience.

Please apply only if you have practical experience conducting clinical systematic reviews and meta-analyses, rather than general statistical data analysis alone.

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來源：Freelancer.com | 出價次數：27 | 剩餘時間：6 日 | 專案類型：固定預算