Risk-Based Cardio–Renal Benefits of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and SGLT-2 Inhibitors: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Decision-Support Tool

This repository contains the full set of R codes used for the meta-analysis entitled “Risk-Based Cardio–Renal Benefits of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and SGLT-2 Inhibitors: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Decision-Support Tool”.The scripts reproduce the primary analyses, class-to-class contrasts, and absolute benefit translations:Primary meta-analysis: Random-effects (REML) models conducted separately for GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors across three major outcomes (MACE, hospitalization for heart failure, and renal endpoints). Outputs include pooled estimates, heterogeneity metrics, forest plots, and contour-enhanced funnel plots.Small-study effects: Egger’s regression and Begg’s test (where feasible) were applied to assess potential publication bias.Class-to-class contrasts: Direct comparisons of pooled hazard ratios between GLP-1RA and SGLT-2i were performed, yielding HR ratios with 95% confidence intervals.Absolute risk reduction (ARR) and number needed to treat (NNT): Relative treatment effects were translated into absolute terms using trial-weighted baseline risks, producing ARR and NNT estimates for clinical decision support.All input and output files are handled in CSV format, and figures are automatically saved as PNGs/PDFs. The repository also includes a structured README with instructions for reproducing the analyses.This material is intended for transparency, reproducibility, and to accompany the PROSPERO-registered review (CRD420251142103).