Meta-analysis Of Test Accuracy Research Articles

MRI and SPECT/CT demonstrate, with low certainty of evidence, the highest diagnostic accuracy for aseptic knee arthroplasty loosening: A systematic comparative diagnostic test review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of modalities used to aid the diagnosis of aseptic knee arthroplasty loosening. A comparative diagnostic test accuracy systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following the Cochrane and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. PubMed, EMBASEand Cochrane databases were searched for original articles evaluating diagnostic modalities up to March 2024. Included studies compared the modality (index test) to the intraoperative finding as reference test. The QUADAS-C (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-Comparative)tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Level of evidence was evaluated using the Oxford Levels of Evidence tool. The primary outcome wasthe summary of diagnostic accuracy metrics for each modality as demonstrated by a summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) curve. The search yielded 467 articles. Of these, 14 articles were included. These 14 articles evaluated a total of five different diagnostic modalities: bone scintigraphy (three studies, 146 cases), 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography(two studies, 50 cases), single-photon emission computed tomography combined with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) (seven studies, 371 cases), radionuclide arthrogram (three studies, 196 cases)and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (one study, 116 cases). Nine studies exhibited a high risk of bias in patient selection, and all studies showed a high risk of bias related to the reference test. The majority of the included studies were classified as Level III evidence, leading to an overall low level of certainty in the evidence. The most accurate tests, as demonstrated by the SROC analysis, were MRI and SPECT/CT, with sensitivities ranging from 0.00 to 1.00 and 0.33 to 1.00 and specificities between 0.31-1.00 and 0.00-1.00, respectively. This review and meta-analysis evaluated available diagnostic modalities to aid the diagnosis of knee arthroplasty loosening and based on a low certainty of evidence suggests that MRI and SPECT/CT are currently the most accurate modalities available to aid the diagnosis of aseptic loosening of knee arthroplasty components. Level III.

Prognostic nutritional index as a predictive marker for acute kidney injury in adult critical illness population: a systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis

BackgroundThe prognostic nutritional index (PNI), integrating nutrition and inflammation markers, has been increasingly recognized as a prognostic predictor in diverse patient cohorts. Recently, its effectiveness as a predictive marker for acute kidney injury (AKI) in various clinical settings has gained attention. This study aims to assess the predictive accuracy of the PNI for AKI in critically ill populations through systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsA systematic review was conducted using the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure up to August 2023. The included trials reported the PNI assessment in adult population with critical illness and its predictive capacity for AKI. Data on study characteristics, subgroup covariates, and diagnostic performance of PNI, including sensitivity, specificity, and event rates, were extracted. A diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis was performed. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were utilized to investigate the sources of heterogeneity. The GRADE framework evaluated the confidence in the meta-analysis’s evidence.ResultsThe analysis encompassed 16 studies with 17 separate cohorts, totaling 21,239 patients. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of PNI for AKI prediction were 0.67 (95% CI 0.58–0.74) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.67–0.80), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio was 2.49 (95% CI 1.99–3.11; low certainty), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.46 (95% CI 0.37–0.56; low certainty). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 5.54 (95% CI 3.80–8.07), with an area under curve of summary receiver operating characteristics of 0.76. Subgroup analysis showed that PNI’s sensitivity was higher in medical populations than in surgical populations (0.72 vs. 0.55; p < 0.05) and in studies excluding patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than in those including them (0.75 vs. 0.56; p < 0.01). Overall, diagnostic performance was superior in the non-chronic kidney disease group.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that PNI has practical accuracy for predicting the development of AKI in critically ill populations, with superior diagnostic performance observed in medical and non-CKD populations. However, the diagnostic efficacy of the PNI has significant heterogeneity with different cutoff value, indicating the need for further research.

Ultrasound-based radiomics for the differential diagnosis of breast masses: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ultrasound-based radiomics has demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance in differentiating benign and malignant breast masses. Given a few clinical studies on their diagnostic role, we conducted a meta-analysis of the potential effects of ultrasound-based radiomics for the differential diagnosis of breast masses, aiming to provide evidence-based medical basis for clinical research. We searched Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases from inception through to February 2023. The methodological quality assessment of the included studies was performed according to Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies checklist. A diagnostic test accuracy systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve delineating benign and malignant lesions were recorded. We also used sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Deeks' funnel plots was used to examine the publication bias. A total of 11 studies were included in this meta-analysis. For the diagnosis of malignant breast masses worldwide, the overall mean rates of sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound-based radiomics were 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-0.95) and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.82-0.94), respectively. The summary diagnostic odds ratio was 76 (95% CI, 26-219), and the area under the curve for the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93-0.97). Ultrasound-based radiomics has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy to discriminate between benign and malignant breast masses, and could reduce unnecessary biopsies.

Atrial Fibrillation Screening During Routine Automated Office, Home, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement: A Diagnostic Test Accuracy Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is often asymptomatic and undiagnosed. As AF and hypertension often coexist, opportunistic AF detection during routine automated blood pressure (BP) measurement appears to be an attractive screening method. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies assessing the diagnostic test accuracy of office, home, or 24-hour ambulatory BP measuring devices with AF detection algorithms versus reference electrocardiography. Analyses were performed per participant (AF status based on several BP readings; most office/home devices) or per reading (AF status based on individual readings; all ambulatory devices). A meta-analysis stratified by device type (office/home/ambulatory) was conducted to calculate pooled measures of diagnostic accuracy. Sensitivity/meta-regression analyses were also performed. Among 3096 records initially retrieved, 23 diagnostic test accuracy studies were included. Data derived from 11 093 individuals (weighted age 69 years, males 56%, hypertensives 79%, diabetics 24%, and AF prevalence 17%) indicated a pooled sensitivity 0.97 (95% CI, 0.92-0.99), specificity 0.93 (95% CI, 0.90-0.95), and accuracy 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89-0.95), with generally consistent results using office, home, or ambulatory BP devices (slightly lower specificity with the latter). The positive and negative predictive values were 0.70 (95% CI, 0.60-0.80) and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98-1.00), respectively. Sensitivity analyses indicated lower specificity in studies implementing reading versus participant analyses. Most studies presented a low risk of bias and minor applicability concerns. There is considerable and consistent evidence suggesting high diagnostic accuracy of AF detection algorithms implemented in automated BP monitors during routine BP measurements in and out of the office. AF diagnosis requires verification (electrocardiography) before treatment is administered.

Machine learning-based medical imaging diagnosis in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a diagnostic test accuracy systematic review and meta-analysis.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are the second most common musculoskeletal condition which are challenging tasks for most clinicians. Recent research used machine learning (ML) algorithms to diagnose TMDs intelligently. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the quality of these studies and assess the diagnostic accuracy of existing models. Twelve databases (Europe PMC, Embase, etc.) and two registers were searched for published and unpublished studies using ML algorithms on medical images. Two reviewers extracted the characteristics of studies and assessed the methodological quality using the QUADAS-2 tool independently. A total of 28 studies (29 reports) were included: one was at unclear risk of bias and the others were at high risk. Thus the certainty of evidence was quite low. These studies used many types of algorithms including 8 machine learning models (logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest, etc.) and 15 deep learning models (Resnet152, Yolo v5, Inception V3, etc.). The diagnostic accuracy of a few models was relatively satisfactory. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.745 (0.660-0.814) and 0.770 (0.700-0.828) in random forest, 0.765 (0.686-0.829) and 0.766 (0.688-0.830) in XGBoost, and 0.781 (0.704-0.843) and 0.781 (0.704-0.843) in LightGBM. Most studies had high risks of bias in Patient Selection and Index Test. Some algorithms are relatively satisfactory and might be promising in intelligent diagnosis. Overall, more high-quality studies and more types of algorithms should be conducted in the future. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the existing models and provided clinicians with much advice about the selection of algorithms. This study stated the promising orientation of future research, and we believe it will promote the intelligent diagnosis of TMDs.

A Clinical Practice Guideline for Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of Intraoperative Spinal Cord Injury: Recommendations for Use of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring and for the Use of Preoperative and Intraoperative Protocols for Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery.

Development of a clinical practice guideline following the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) process. The objectives of this study were to develop guidelines that outline the utility of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) to detect intraoperative spinal cord injury (ISCI) among patients undergoing spine surgery, to define a subset of patients undergoing spine surgery at higher risk for ISCI and to develop protocols to prevent, diagnose, and manage ISCI. All systematic reviews were performed according to PRISMA standards and registered on PROSPERO. A multidisciplinary, international Guidelines Development Group (GDG) reviewed and discussed the evidence using GRADE protocols. Consensus was defined by 80% agreement among GDG members. A systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) meta-analysis was performed to synthesize pooled evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of IONM to detect ISCI among patients undergoing spinal surgery. The IONM modalities evaluated included somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), motor evoked potentials (MEPs), electromyography (EMG), and multimodal neuromonitoring. Utilizing this knowledge and their clinical experience, the multidisciplinary GDG created recommendations for the use of IONM to identify ISCI in patients undergoing spine surgery. The evidence related to existing care pathways to manage ISCI was summarized and based on this a novel AO Spine-PRAXIS care pathway was created. Our recommendations are as follows: (1) We recommend that intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring be employed for high risk patients undergoing spine surgery, and (2) We suggest that patients at "high risk" for ISCI during spine surgery be proactively identified, that after identification of such patients, multi-disciplinary team discussions be undertaken to manage patients, and that an intraoperative protocol including the use of IONM be implemented. A care pathway for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of ISCI has been developed by the GDG. We anticipate that these guidelines will promote the use of IONM to detect and manage ISCI, and promote the use of preoperative and intraoperative checklists by surgeons and other team members for high risk patients undergoing spine surgery. We welcome teams to implement and evaluate the care pathway created by our GDG.

Urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori infection in adult dyspeptic patients: A meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been well-established as a significant risk factor for several gastrointestinal disorders. The urea breath test (UBT) has emerged as a leading non-invasive method for detecting H. pylori. Despite numerous studies confirming its substantial accuracy, the reliability of UBT results is often compromised by inherent limitations. These findings underscore the need for a rigorous statistical synthesis to clarify and reconcile the diagnostic accuracy of the UBT for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. To determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of 13C-UBT and 14C-UBT for H. pylori infection in adult patients with dyspepsia. We conducted an independent search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases until April 2022. Our search included diagnostic accuracy studies that evaluated at least one of the index tests (13C-UBT or 14C-UBT) against a reference standard. We used the QUADAS-2 tool to assess the methodological quality of the studies. We utilized the bivariate random-effects model to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative test likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-), as well as the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and their 95% confidence intervals. We conducted subgroup analyses based on urea dosing, time after urea administration, and assessment technique. To investigate a possible threshold effect, we conducted Spearman correlation analysis, and we generated summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves to assess heterogeneity. Finally, we visually inspected a funnel plot and used Egger's test to evaluate publication bias. The titles and abstracts of 4621 studies were screened; 79 articles were retrieved and selected for full-text reading. Finally, 60 studies were included in the diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis. Our analysis demonstrates superior diagnostic accuracy of 13C-UBT over 14C-UBT, indicated by higher sensitivity (96.60% vs 96.15%), specificity (96.93% vs 89.84%), likelihood ratios (LR+ 22.00 vs 10.10; LR- 0.05 vs 0.06), and area under the curve (AUC; 0.979 vs 0.968). Notably, 13C-UBT's DOR (586.47) significantly outperforms 14C-UBT (DOR 226.50), making it the preferred diagnostic tool for dyspeptic individuals with H. pylori infection. Correlation analysis revealed no threshold effect (13C-UBT: r = 0.48; 14C-UBT: r = -0.01), and SROC curves showed consistent accuracy. Both 13C-UBT and 14C-UBT showed high AUC values (13C-UBT 0.979; 14C-UBT 0.968) near 1.00, reinforcing their excellent accuracy and endorsing both as reliable diagnostic tools in clinical practice. In summary, our study has demonstrated that 13C-UBT has been found to outperform the 14C-UBT, making it the preferred diagnostic approach. Additionally, our results emphasize the significance of carefully considering urea dosage, assessment timing, and measurement techniques for both tests to enhance diagnostic precision. Nevertheless, it is crucial for researchers and clinicians to evaluate the strengths and limitations of our findings before implementing them in practice.

Risk of Endometrial Cancer in Asymptomatic Postmenopausal Women in Relation to Ultrasonographic Endometrial Thickness: Systematic Review and Diagnostic Test Accuracy Meta-analysis

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023;228:22–35.e2) Endometrial carcinoma (EC) can be suspected in cases of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) with a thickened endometrium on transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) examination. Typical guidelines recommend further investigation of PMB when the endometrial lining is greater than 4–5 mm, indicating an elevated risk of EC.

An empirical comparison of statistical methods for multiple cut-off diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis of the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) depression screening tool using published results vs individual participant data

BackgroundSelective reporting of results from only well-performing cut-offs leads to biased estimates of accuracy in primary studies of questionnaire-based screening tools and in meta-analyses that synthesize results. Individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA) of sensitivity and specificity at each cut-off via bivariate random-effects models (BREMs) can overcome this problem. However, IPDMA is laborious and depends on the ability to successfully obtain primary datasets, and BREMs ignore the correlation between cut-offs within primary studies.MethodsWe compared the performance of three recent multiple cut-off models developed by Steinhauser et al., Jones et al., and Hoyer and Kuss, that account for missing cut-offs when meta-analyzing diagnostic accuracy studies with multiple cut-offs, to BREMs fitted at each cut-off. We used data from 22 studies of the accuracy of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; 4475 participants, 758 major depression cases). We fitted each of the three multiple cut-off models and BREMs to a dataset with results from only published cut-offs from each study (published data) and an IPD dataset with results for all cut-offs (full IPD data). We estimated pooled sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each cut-off and the area under the curve.ResultsCompared to the BREMs fitted to the full IPD data, the Steinhauser et al., Jones et al., and Hoyer and Kuss models fitted to the published data produced similar receiver operating characteristic curves; though, the Hoyer and Kuss model had lower area under the curve, mainly due to estimating slightly lower sensitivity at lower cut-offs. When fitting the three multiple cut-off models to the full IPD data, a similar pattern of results was observed. Importantly, all models had similar 95% CIs for sensitivity and specificity, and the CI width increased with cut-off levels for sensitivity and decreased with an increasing cut-off for specificity, even the BREMs which treat each cut-off separately.ConclusionsMultiple cut-off models appear to be the favorable methods when only published data are available. While collecting IPD is expensive and time consuming, IPD can facilitate subgroup analyses that cannot be conducted with published data only.

Relapse in clinically stable adult patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: evidence-based criteria derived by equipercentile linking and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis

There is no consensus on defining relapse in schizophrenia, and scale-derived criteria with unclear clinical relevance are widely used. We aimed to develop an evidence-based scale-derived set of criteria to define relapse in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. We searched the Yale University Open Data Access (YODA) for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in clinically stable adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and obtained individual participant data on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression Severity (CGI-S), Personal and Social Performance (PSP), and Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS). Our main outcomes were PANSS-derived criteria based on worsening in PANSS total score. We examined their relevance using equipercentile linking with CGI-S and functioning scales, and their test-performance in defining relapse with diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis against CGI-S worsening (≥1-point increase together with a score ≥4 points) and psychiatric hospitalisation. Based on data from seven RCTs (2354 participants; 1348 men [57·3%] and 1006 women [42·7%], mean age of 39·5 years [SD 12·0, range 17-89]; 303 Asian [12.9%], 255 Black [10.8%], 1665 White [70.7%], and other or unspecified 131 [5.6%]), an increase of 12 points or more in PANSS total (range 30-210 points) corresponded to clinically important deterioration in global severity of illness (≥1 point increase in CGI-S, range 1-7) and functioning (≥10 points decline in PSP or SOFAS, range 1-100). The interpretation of percentage changes varied importantly across different baseline scores. An increase of 12 points or more in PANSS total had good sensitivity and specificity using CGI-S as reference standard (sensitivity 82·1% [95% CI 77·1-86·4], specificity 86·9% [82·9-90·3]), as well as good sensitivity but lower specificity compared to hospitalisation (sensitivity 81·7% [74·1-87·7], specificity 69·2% [60·5-76·9]). Requiring either an increase in PANSS total or in specific items for positive and disorganization symptoms further improved test-performance. Cutoffs for situations where high sensitivity or specificity is needed are presented. An increase of either 12 points or more in the PANSS total score, or worsening of specific positive and disorganisation symptom items could be a reasonable evidence-based definition of relapse in schizophrenia, potentially linking symptoms used to define remission and relapse. Percentage changes should not be used to define relapse because their interpretation depends on baseline scores. German Research Foundation (grant number: 428509362).

Identification of depression and anxiety during pregnancy: Asystematic review and meta-analysis of test accuracy.

Depression and anxiety are significant contributors to maternal perinatal morbidity and a range of negative child outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to review and assess the diagnostic test accuracy of selected screening tools (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS], EPDS-3A, Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]-, PHQ-2, Matthey Generic Mood Question [MGMQ], Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-7], GAD-2, and the Whooley questions) used to identify women with antenatal depression or anxiety in Western countries. On January 16, 2023, we searched 10 databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, CRD Database, Embase, Epistemonikos, International HTA Database, KSR Evidence, Ovid MEDLINE, PROSPERO and PsycINFO); the references of included studies were also screened. We included studies of any design that compared case-identification with a relevant screening tool to the outcome of a diagnostic interview based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth or fifth edition (DSM-IV or DSM-5), or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision (ICD-10). Diagnoses of interest were major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. Two authors independently screened abstracts and full-texts for relevance and evaluated the risk of bias using QUADAS-2. Data extraction was performed by one person and checked by another team member for accuracy. For synthesis, a bivariate model was used. The certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). PROSPERO CRD42021236333. We screened 8276 records for eligibility and included 16 original articles reporting on diagnostic test accuracy: 12 for the EPDS, one article each for the GAD-2, MGMQ, PHQ-9, PHQ-2, and Whooley questions, and no articles for the EPDS-3A or GAD-7. Most of the studies had moderate to high risk of bias. Ten of the EPDS articles provided data for synthesis at cutoffs ≥10 to ≥14 for diagnosing major depressive disorder. Cutoff ≥10 gave the optimal combined sensitivity (0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75-0.90) and specificity (0.87, 95% CI: 0.79-0.92). Findings from the meta-analysis suggest that the EPDS alone is not perfectly suitable for detection of major depressive disorder during pregnancy. Few studies have evaluated the other instruments, therefore, their usefulness for identification of women with depression and anxiety during pregnancy remains very uncertain. At present, case-identification with any tool may best serve as a complement to a broader dialogue between healthcare professionals and their patients.

Radiomics to Differentiate Malignant and Benign Breast Lesions: A Systematic Review and Diagnostic Test Accuracy Meta-Analysis.

Breast cancer is a prevalent global health concern, necessitating accurate diagnostic tools for effective management. Diagnostic imaging plays a pivotal role in breast cancer diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and outcome evaluation. Radiomics is an emerging field of study in medical imaging that contains a broad set of computational methods to extract quantitative features from radiographic images. This can be utilized to guide diagnosis, treatment response, and prognosis in clinical settings. A systematic review was performed in concordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy. Quality was assessed using the radiomics quality score. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of radiomics analysis, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were included for meta-analysis. The area under the curve analysis was recorded. An extensive statistical analysis was performed following the Cochrane guidelines. Statistical significance was determined if p-values were less than 0.05. Statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager (RevMan), Version 5.4.1. A total of 31 manuscripts involving 8,773 patients were included, with 17 contributing to the meta-analysis. The cohort comprised 56.2% malignant breast cancers and 43.8% benign breast lesions. MRI demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.89-0.92) and a specificity of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.82-0.86) in differentiating between benign and malignant breast cancers. Mammography-based radiomic features predicted breast cancer subtype with a sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76-0.82) and a specificity of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.79-0.84). Ultrasound-based analysis yielded a sensitivity of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.90-0.94) and a specificity of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.83-0.88). Only one study reported the results of radiomic evaluation from CT, which had a sensitivity of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.88-0.99) and a specificity of 0.56 (95% CI: 0.45-0.67). Across different imaging modalities, radiomics exhibited robust diagnostic accuracy in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions. The results underscore the potential of radiomic assessment as a minimally invasive alternative or adjunctive diagnostic tool for breast cancer. This is pioneering data that reports on a novel diagnostic approach that is understudied and underreported. However, due to study limitations, the complexity of this technology, and the need for future development, biopsy still remains the current gold standard method of determining breast cancer type.

A multiple cut-off diagnostic meta-analysis to identify the atrial high-rate episodes threshold that better relates to thromboembolic events

Abstract Background Despite the high prevalence of atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE) detected by cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED), clinical guidelines and consensus documents have failed to agree on a universal AHRE definition. Clear evidence on the best management strategy is lacking. Purpose The present is a diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis aiming to derive from available literature the optimal AHRE threshold to predict thromboembolic events. Methods PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were screened for studies on CIED patients reporting incidence of thromboembolic events referred to at least one AHRE definition. A random-effect diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis with multiple cut-offs was performed: duration of AHRE was the "diagnostic test" (positive test if the patients experienced an AHRE lasting at least as long as the time cut-off under examination) whose performance in predicting the "disease" (thromboembolic events) was evaluated across multiple cut-offs. Two analyses, according to AHRE definition (longest episode vs. cumulative burden), were performed. Results 23 studies were included in the analyses (Fig. 1 Panel A), encompassing 46,189 patients: 19 considering the longest single AHRE and 4 the AHRE burden, respectively. Median follow-up was 40.75 (IQR 28.25-52.80) months. The analysis on the longest single AHRE indicated 0.07 minutes as the optimal cut-off to differentiate AHRE associated or not to thromboembolic events [sensitivity 65.4% (95% CI 48.8-79.0%), specificity 52.7% (95%CI 46.0-59.4%), area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-SROC): 0.62; Fig. 1 Panel B]. The analysis on AHRE burden indicated, instead, 1.4 minutes as the optimal cut-off [sensitivity 58.2% (95%CI 25.6-85.0%), specificity 57.5% (95% CI 42.0-71.7%), AUC-SROC 0.60; Fig. 1 Panel C]. PPV and NPV for 6 minutes and 24 hours cut-offs were similar in each analysis (Figure 2). Sensitivity analyses exclusively considering studies reporting data on patients without previous AF diagnosis and high-quality studies only yield similar results. Conclusion The present evidence-based approach suggests the presence (or not) of AHRE, rather than a specific duration, relates to an increased thromboembolic risk in CIED patients. A linear relationship between AHRE duration (both in terms of single longest episode than cumulative burden) and thromboembolic events was not observed.

Role of atrial high-rate episodes in stratifying thromboembolic risk: a multiple cut-off diagnostic meta-analysis.

Despite the high prevalence rate of atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) detected using cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), clinical guidelines and consensus documents have disagreed on a universal AHRE definition and a temporal cut-off related to subsequent thromboembolic events. This diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis aims to derive the optimal temporal threshold of clinically significant AHREs from the available literature. The PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were screened for studies on CIED patients reporting the incidence of thromboembolic events related to at least one AHRE temporal cut-off. A total of 23 studies were included: 19 considering the longest single AHRE and four the AHRE burden, respectively. A random-effect diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis with multiple cut-offs was performed. Two analyses were performed according to the AHRE temporal cut-off subtype (longest episode vs. cumulative burden). The analysis on the longest single AHRE indicated 0.07 min as the optimal duration to differentiate AHRE associated or not with thromboembolic events [sensitivity 65.4% (95% CI 48.8%-79.0%), specificity 52.7% (95% CI 46.0%-59.4%), and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-SROC): 0.62]. The analysis on AHRE burden indicated 1.4 min as the optimal cut-off [sensitivity 58.2% (95% CI 25.6%-85.0%), specificity 57.5% (95% CI 42.0%-71.7%), and AUC-SROC 0.60]. A sensitivity analysis excluding patients with a history of atrial fibrillation and including high-quality studies only yielded similar results. The presence of AHRE, rather than a specific duration, relates to an increased, albeit low, thromboembolic risk in CIED patients. Any AHRE should constitute an additional element in patient-specific thromboembolic risk assessment.

Seeing the forest (plot) for the trees-the importance of evidence synthesis in older adult care.

Systematically reviewing all the available evidence and then creating summary analyses of the pooled data is the foundation of evidence-based practice. Indeed, this evidence synthesis approach informs much of the care of older adults in hospital and community. It is perhaps no surprise that the journal Age and Ageing is a frequent platform for publishing research papers based on systematic review and synthesis. This research has evolved substantially from the early days of evidence-based medicine and the Cochrane Collaboration. The traditional approach would be a quantitative summary, calculated using pair-wise meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of drug versus placebo, or a synthesis of observational studies to create summaries of prevalence, associations and outcomes. Methods have evolved and newer techniques such as scoping reviews, test accuracy meta-analysis and qualitative synthesis are all now available. The sophistication of these methods is driven in part by the increasingly complex decisions that need be made in contemporary older adult care. Age and Ageing continues to champion established and novel evidence synthesis approaches, and in the accompanying Collection exemplars of these differing methods are presented and described. Whilst there is marked heterogeneity in the techniques used, the consistent and defining feature of all these papers is the desire to comprehensively, and critically summarise the evidence in order to answer the most pertinent questions regarding older adult care.

Nucleobindin-2 derived nesfatin-1 in polycystic ovary syndrome: a PRISMA and GRADE-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis with diagnostic test accuracy.

Nesfatin-1 is a satiety peptide secreted by central, peripheral nervous system and some peripheral tissues. This meta-analysis was conducted to explore the associations with diagnostic accuracy of circulatory nesfatin-1 in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Relevant studies were retrieved by online database and manual searching. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained by a random-effects meta-analysis. The subgroup analysis based on the Body Mass Index (BMI), fasting insulin (F-INS), and the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was conducted. Meta-analysis of correlations and meta-regression were performed for the associations of nesfatin-1 with metabolic and hormonal covariates. The diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) meta-analysis was conducted for the utility of nesfatin-1 in PCOS. The publication bias was tested with Egger's and Begg's regression tests. The combined effect size including a total of 14 studies showed a significantly higher nesfatin-1 level in PCOS as compared to controls (SMD=0.93, Z=2.17, P=0.03). The nesfatin-1 was found to be significantly higher in a subgroup of studies with mean BMI>25 kg/m2 (SMD=1.35, Z=2.06, P=0.04), F-INS <13 mIU/mL (SMD=2.74, Z=3.59, P=0.0003), and HOMA-IR >2.7 (SMD=1.58, Z=2.65, P=0.008). The DTA meta-analysis produced a pooled diagnostic odds ratio of 19.58 and area under curve were of 0.888 for nesfatin-1 in PCOS. The results indicate a multifactorial involvement such as endocrine and metabolic alterations in the form of BMI, insulin and HOMA-IR status with the higher nesfatin-1 levels in PCOS. The promising results of DTA meta-analysis warrants further research into the clinical and prognostic utility of nesfatin-1 in PCOS.

Diagnostic accuracy of cone-beam breast computed tomography and head-to-head comparison of digital mammography, magnetic resonance imaging and cone-beam breast computed tomography for breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cone-beam breast computed tomography (CBBCT) is a new breast imaging technique, however, CBBCT is not yet widely used, and its future application will depend on its diagnostic potential and application value. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to systematically review and analyze the diagnostic accuracy of CBBCT for breast cancer detection in existing studies and compare it with other traditional imaging methods for the diagnosis of breast lesions. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Chinese databases until August 2022 for relevant papers. Studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of CBBCT in women with suspected breast cancer were included. Each study's quality was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Performance Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) instrument. Eighteen studies with a total of 1,792 patients were included in the analysis. The overall pooled sensitivity and specificity of CBBCT in diagnosing breast cancer were 0.95 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91-0.97] and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.62-0.80), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) for CBBCT was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.90-0.94). In a head-to-head comparison of CBBCT and digital mammography (DM), eight trials with 992 patients were included in the study, and the AUCs for CBBCT and DM were 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92-0.96) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.80-0.83), respectively. In a head-to-head comparison of CBBCT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), four trials with 203 patients were included in the analysis; the AUC for CBBCT and MRI were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85-0.91) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94-0.97), respectively. This meta-analysis of CBBCT test accuracy indicated encouraging diagnostic performance. In the summary of head-to-head comparative studies, there is a tendency for CBBCT to have greater diagnostic accuracy than DM, although its diagnostic performance is marginally inferior to that of MRI. However, the meta-analysis results were derived from studies with limited sample sizes. There is a need for more extensive research in this setting.

S611 Diagnostic Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Metaplasia and Dysplasia in Patients With Barrett’s Esophagus: A Diagnostic Test Accuracy Meta-Analysis

S611 Diagnostic Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Metaplasia and Dysplasia in Patients With Barrett’s Esophagus: A Diagnostic Test Accuracy Meta-Analysis

Distance from skin to epiglottis measurement with ultrasonography as a predictor of difficult laryngoscopy: A diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis

BackgroundThe studies investigating distance from the skin to epiglottis measurements by ultrasonography (US-DSEM) for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy are inconclusive and non-standardised. AimWe aimed to assess the diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of US-DSEM relative to Cormack Lehane 3–4 for diagnosing difficult laryngoscopy using a meta-analysis method. MethodStrict inclusion criteria were used to provide clear definition of how to measure US-DSEM. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Google Scholar were searched for papers published between January 2005 and March 2021 to perform a systematic review and DTA meta-analysis. Publications reporting data on US-DSEM in difficult laryngoscopy prediction in adults with normal airway were included. Exclusions were obese or pregnant patients and patients with difficult airway predictors and those in which the measurements were made in a position other than supine and neutral positions. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative likelihood ratios (PLR/NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the hierarchic summary receiver operating characteristics curve (AU-HSROC) were determined. Results1244 patients from nine studies were included. Pooled sensitivity: 0.68 (95%CI 0.39–0.87), specificity: 0.76 (95%CI 0.68–0.83), PLR: 2.87 (95%CI 2.20–3.73), NLR: 0.42 (%95CI 0.20–0.87), DOR: 6.80 (95%CI 2.72–17.3), and AU-HSROC: 0.79 (0.75–0.82) were the results. No threshold effect (r = 0.53, p = 0.137) and publication bias (p = 0.540) existed. ConclusionThis meta-analysis showed that US-DSEM measured with linear probe placed transversely at the thyrohyoid membrane level with midline approach and neutral head position is accurate and has diagnostic value in predicting difficult laryngoscopy. However, its sensitivity and specificity are not sufficient to replace clinical tests.

Efficacy of Eustachian Tube Function Tests in Predicting Myringoplasty Success Rate

Abstract Background Tympanoplasty is a commonly performed surgical procedure to close perforations of the tympanic membrane. The results of tympanic membrane based on multiple factors as the eustachian tube dysfunction. Aim of the Work to assess the efficacy of the eustachian tube function test in predicting myringoplasty success rate and compare the efficacy of different tests in prediction of myringoplasty outcome. Material and Methods An electronic search via PubMed, Cochrane library, google scholar and web of science (WOS) until janurary2021.We included articles published in English language and conducts adult cases only. We excluded studies based on expert opinion and laboratory studies. Outcomes of interest were success rate of tympanoplasty according to eustachian tube function test and the efficacy of the different tests of eustachian tube function. Analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta Analysis© version 3 (Biostat© Englewood, NJ) and the jamovi project (2021); jamovi (Version 1.6.23.0) [Computer Software] for the efficacy of the eustachian tube function tests in predicting tympanoplasty success rate and using Review Manager (RevMan) [Computer program]. Version 5.4. The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020, and MetaDTA: Diagnostic Test Accuracy Meta-Analysis v2.01, 2021 for detecting and comparing the accuracy of different eustachian tube function tests. Results Regarding tympanoplasty success rate meta-analysis of the revelent 14 studies shows that preoperative normal Eustachian tube function is associated with significantly higher probability of successful graft taking (Log odds ratio = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.10 to 2.46).Regarding to the different accuracy of eustachian tube function test meta-analysis of the revelent 14 studies shows that accuracy of the tests are ranked as follows: methylene blue (most accurate), saccharine, impedance audiometry, tubomanometry and sonotubometry (least accurate). Further studies are needed to validate our findings. Conclusions Our pooled estimate suggest a good benefits of preoperative eustachian tube function test and tympanoplasty success rate. According to efficacy of different test of tympanoplasty our pooled estimate that methylene blue test is the most accurate test while the sonotubometry test is the least accurate test.However, our evidence have several limitations and there is controversy among these studies. We suggest further studies are needed to validate our findings to detect the most accurate test of eustachian tube function.