NetMetaXL is a macro command to conduct network meta-analysis in the frame of Microsoft Excel on basis of Bayesian theory. This macro command, which was officially launched in 2014, integrates data extraction and entry, analysis results output and graph plotting as a whole. Currently, this version contains enough optional models, and all operations are through menu and easy to conduct; however, it is appropriate only for the network meta-analysis based on dichotomous variables, which still has fairly a lot to be enhanced and improved. This article gives a brief introduction based on examples to implement network meta-analysis using NetMetaXL.
BugsXLA is a Microsoft Excel add-in that facilitates Bayesian analysis of GLMMs and other complex model types by providing an easy to use interface for the BUGS package. BugsXLA macro is of good compatibility, ease to operation, smoothly running, low memory cost, and ease for data entry, extraction, and storage compared with other software which can calling BUGS to perform network meta-analysis currently. BugsXLA macro also integrates data storage and calculation. However, its function of plot drawing is very simple and only draws the density plot nowadays; Moreover, the function for calling WinBUGS is mature while is premature for calling OpenBUGS.
