A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of tuberculosis care around the time of pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis is estimated to cause 1.5 million deaths annually and is most common during the reproductive years. Despite that fact, we found that tuberculosis screening, prevention or care recommendations for people around the time of pregnancy were absent from some national policy recommendations and varied in others. Objectives: To address the apparent gaps and inconsistencies in policy, we aim to design a systematic review and potential meta-analysis of the original research evidence informing tuberculosis care around the time of pregnancy. Methods: With assistance from librarians at the Biomedical library of the University of Gothenburg, Pubmed, CINAHL and Scopus databases will be searched. Search terms will aim to identify studies generating original research evidence informing care for tuberculosis around the time of pregnancy. Two independent reviewers will screen and select for inclusion the eligible studies. Discrepancies will be resolved with a third reviewer. We anticipate triaging the eligible publications. Firstly, publications that provide contextual data will be tabulated, summarising their main contributions. Secondly, studies that provide evidence directly guiding patient care and have recently been systematically reviewed and meta-analysed will be tabulated with the recently published conclusions of the syntheses of their data. Thirdly, studies that provide evidence directly guiding patient care, but have not been the subject of recent systematic review and meta-analysis will be our focus and will be considered to be key. The key studies will be subject to quality assessment, data extraction and when possible, meta-analysis. Conclusions: This systematic review and potential meta-analysis aims to guide policy, practice and future research priorities concerning tuberculosis care around the time of pregnancy.