Bayesian network meta-analysis suggests a similar effectiveness between a monovalent and a pentavalent rotavirus vaccine: a preliminary report of re-analyses of data from a Cochrane Database Systematic Review.

To assess the comparative effectiveness of a monovalent and a pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV1 and RV5), a Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted. Data of randomized trials from the Cochrane Review in 2012 were extracted and synthesized. For the prevention of severe rotavirus disease up to 2 years, no statistical difference was found in the effectiveness between the 2 types of vaccine (odds ratio: 2.23, 95% credible interval: 0.71-5.20). Similarly, the comparative effectiveness of RV1 and RV5 appeared equivalent for other rotavirus-associated outcome measures, such as prevention of severe disease up to 1 year and all severity of rotavirus infections for up to both 1- and 2-year follow-ups. These results indicates that, overall, RV1 and RV5 offer similar benefits to prevent rotavirus diseases; nonetheless, credible intervals are generally wide, highlighting the necessity of further meta-analyses including updated information or, ideally, controlled trials comparing both vaccines directly.