Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Measurements and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Protocol of Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: It is commonly used to assess the severity and functional impairments associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) using the disability scales such as the expanded disability status scale (EDSS). A number of studies have demonstrated a correlation between optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements, which demonstrate optical neurodegeneration, and disability, though some studies failed to detect a significant correlation.Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements and disability in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).Inclusion criteria: Eligible peer-reviewed English studies will include a correlation coefficient between disability scales and OCT measurements.Methods: The systematic review will be conducted using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline. MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science will be searched to identify published studies without date restrictions. Studies with potential relevance will be screened by titles and abstracts, and the full texts of potentially relevant studies will be reviewed for eligibility and critical review of the methodologies. Those studies selected for inclusion will provide data that will be extracted. An analysis of the data will be carried out in a statistical meta-analysis to the extent possible.Clinical implications: The results of this study may serve as a guide for determining which OCT measurements can be used to predict disability among pwMS.