Sensitivity analysis
As presented in Table 2 , we re-analyzed all outcomes using
fixed-effects models, with subgroup analyses based on study design. For
the primary outcomes of SSE and major bleeding, the results of the
fixed-effects model and subgroup analyses were similar to the
random-effects model analyses described above. However, fixed-effects
models for major bleeding outcomes showed an advantage in using NOACs in
both moderate and severe polypharmacy patients. In the sensitivity
analysis, the corresponding HR values were not changed substantially
after excluding one study at a time.