Examining anti-inflammatory therapies in the prevention of cardiovascular events: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Introduction: Inflammation is emerging as an important risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and has been a recent target for many novel therapeutic agents. However, comparative evidence regarding efficacy of these anti-inflammatory treatment options is currently lacking.

Methods And Analysis: This systematic review will include randomised controlled trials evaluating the effect of anti-inflammatory agents on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with known cardiovascular disease.