Summary measures
Effect sizes for the efficacy outcome were summarized using Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) since studies used different AD relief indices. Safety data was summarized using relative risk (RR) and 95% CI. Interval plots were generated to visualize the efficacy and safety effect estimates for the different postbiotic preparations compared to placebo. Forest plots were generated to inspect the relative effects of each strain-specific treatment.
A league table was generated for the outcomes, showing NMA summary estimates with 95% CI. Ranking of interventions was assessed using cumulative ranking probabilities and SUCRA values.