Representing attachment through meta-analyses: A move to the level of collaboration

Attachment Research ◽

Individual Participant ◽

Generations of researchers have tested and used attachment theory to understand children’s development. To bring coherence in the expansive set of findings, the field early on adopted meta-analysis, with 75 published since 1987. These meta-analyses are increasingly applied in research on disorder and intervention, and in self-report research on attachment anxiety and avoidance in adolescents. However, conventional approaches to meta-analysis have left thorny issues unresolved regarding the intergenerational transmission of individual differences in attachment. We discuss how attachment research has been addressing these challenges by collaborating to pooling data and resources in individual participant data meta-analyses, leading to novel insights and greater theoretical precision.

The Collaboration on Attachment Transmission Synthesis (CATS): A Move to the Level of Individual-Participant-Data Meta-Analysis

Current Directions in Psychological Science ◽

10.1177/0963721420904967 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 199-206 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marije L. Verhage ◽

Carlo Schuengel ◽

Robbie Duschinsky ◽

Marinus H. van IJzendoorn ◽

R. M. Pasco Fearon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Attachment Theory ◽

Intergenerational Transmission ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Small Sample ◽

Initiation Phase ◽

Attachment Research ◽

Individual Participant ◽

Community Of Researchers ◽

Generations of researchers have tested and used attachment theory to understand children’s development. To bring coherence to the expansive set of findings from small-sample studies, the field early on adopted meta-analysis. Nevertheless, gaps in understanding intergenerational transmission of individual differences in attachment continue to exist. We discuss how attachment research has been addressing these challenges by collaborating in formulating questions and pooling data and resources for individual-participant-data meta-analyses. The collaborative model means that sharing hard-won and valuable data goes hand in hand with directly and intensively interacting with a large community of researchers in the initiation phase of research, deliberating on and critically reviewing new hypotheses, and providing access to a large, carefully curated pool of data for testing these hypotheses. Challenges in pooling data are also discussed.

An individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis on the attachment network to multiple caregivers

10.31234/osf.io/8w5a3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Or Dagan ◽

Pasco Fearon ◽

Carlo Schuengel ◽

Marije Verhage ◽

Glenn I. Roisman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Developmental Outcomes ◽

Research Synthesis ◽

Attachment Relationship ◽

Attachment Research ◽

Individual Participant ◽

The Subject ◽

Since the seminal 1992 paper by van IJzendoorn, Sagi, and Lambermon, putting forward the “The multiple caretaker paradox”, relatively little attention has been given to the potential joint effects of the role early attachment network to mother and father play in development. Recently, Dagan and Sagi-Schwartz (2018) have published a paper that attempts to revive this unsettled issue, calling for research on the subject and offering a framework for posing attachment network hypotheses. This Collaboration for Attachment Research Synthesis project attempts to use an Individual Participant Data meta-analyses to test the hypotheses put forward in Dagan and Sagi-Schwartz (2018). Specifically, we test (a) whether the number of secure attachments (0,1, or 2) matter in predicting a range of developmental outcomes, and (b) whether the quality of attachment relationship with one parent contributes more than the other to these outcomes.

Arm Based on LEg blood pressures (ABLE-BP): can systolic leg blood pressure measurements predict systolic brachial blood pressure? Protocol for an individual participant data meta-analysis from the INTERPRESS-IPD Collaboration

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040481 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. e040481

Author(s):

Sinead T J McDonagh ◽

James P Sheppard ◽

Fiona C Warren ◽

Kate Boddy ◽

Leon Farmer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Public Involvement ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Patient And Public Involvement ◽

Prognostic Models ◽

Dissemination Strategy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Individual Participant ◽

IntroductionBlood pressure (BP) is normally measured on the upper arm, and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of high BP are based on such measurements. Leg BP measurement can be an alternative when brachial BP measurement is impractical, due to injury or disability. Limited data exist to guide interpretation of leg BP values for hypertension management; study-level systematic review findings suggest that systolic BP (SBP) is 17 mm Hg higher in the leg than the arm. However, uncertainty remains about the applicability of this figure in clinical practice due to substantial heterogeneity.AimsTo examine the relationship between arm and leg SBP, develop and validate a multivariable model predicting arm SBP from leg SBP and investigate the prognostic association between leg SBP and cardiovascular disease and mortality.Methods and analysisIndividual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses using arm and leg SBP measurements for 33 710 individuals from 14 studies within the Inter-arm blood pressure difference IPD (INTERPRESS-IPD) Collaboration. We will explore cross-sectional relationships between arm and leg SBP using hierarchical linear regression with participants nested by study, in multivariable models. Prognostic models will be derived for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular events.Ethics and disseminationData originate from studies with prior ethical approval and consent, and data sharing agreements are in place—no further approvals are required to undertake the secondary analyses proposed in this protocol. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journal articles and presented at conferences. A comprehensive dissemination strategy is in place, integrated with patient and public involvement.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42015031227.

Retrieval of Individual Participant Data for Exercise Meta-Analyses May Not Be Worth the Time and Effort

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2016/5059041 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

George A. Kelley ◽

Kristi S. Kelley

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Rheumatic Diseases ◽

Gold Standard ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Individual Participant ◽

Using Data ◽

Purpose. While individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses are considered the gold standard for meta-analysis, the feasibility of obtaining IPD may be problematic.Methods. Using data from a previous meta-analysis of 29 studies on exercise in adults with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, the percentage of studies in which useable IPD was provided was calculated.Results. Eight of 29 authors (28%, 95% CI = 11% to 44%) provided IPD. Using logistic regression, neither year of publication (odds ratio = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.90 to 1.27,p=0.58) nor country (odds ratio = 1.36, 95% CI = 0.20 to 10.9,p=1.00) was significantly associated with the obtainment of IPD.Conclusions. The retrieval of IPD for exercise meta-analyses may not be worth the time and effort. However, further research is needed before any final recommendations can be made.

Protocol for individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of patients with psychosis to investigate treatment effect modifiers for CBT versus treatment as usual or other psychosocial interventions

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035062 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e035062

Author(s):

Maria Sudell ◽

Catrin Tudur-Smith ◽

Xiaomeng Liao ◽

Eleanor Longden ◽

Graham Dunn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treatment Effect ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Psychosocial Interventions ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Potential Treatment ◽

Treatment As Usual ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽

Individual Participant ◽

IntroductionAggregate data meta-analyses have shown heterogeneous treatment effects for cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for patients with schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses. This heterogeneity could stem from specific intervention or patient characteristics that could influence the clinical effectiveness of CBT, termed treatment effect modifiers. This individual participant data meta-analysis will investigate a range of potential treatment effect modifiers of the efficacy of CBT.Methods and analysisWe will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating CBT versus treatment as usual, or CBT versus other psychosocial interventions, for patients with schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE and the online clinical trials registers of the US government, European Union, WHO and Current Controlled Trials will be searched. Two researchers will screen titles and abstracts identified by the search. Individual participant data will be requested for any eligible study, for the primary outcome (overall psychotic symptoms), secondary outcomes and treatment effect modifiers. Data will be checked and recoded according to an established statistical analysis plan. One-stage and two-stage random effects meta-analyses investigating potential treatment effect modifiers will be conducted. A list of potential treatment effect modifiers for CBT will be produced, motivating future research into particular modifiers.Ethics and disseminationThis study does not require ethical approval as it is based on data from existing studies, although best ethical practice for secondary analysis of clinical data will be followed. The findings will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and promoted to relevant stakeholders.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017060068.

The efficacy of antidepressant medication and interpersonal psychotherapy for adult acute-phase depression: study protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2021.4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Ellen Driessen ◽

Zachary D. Cohen ◽

Myrna M. Weissman ◽

John C. Markowitz ◽

Erica S. Weitz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Acute Phase ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Antidepressant Medication ◽

Depression Treatment ◽

Individual Participant ◽

Background Antidepressant medication and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) are both recommended interventions in depression treatment guidelines based on literature reviews and meta-analyses. However, ‘conventional’ meta-analyses comparing their efficacy are limited by their reliance on reported study-level information and a narrow focus on depression outcome measures assessed at treatment completion. Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis, considered the gold standard in evidence synthesis, can improve the quality of the analyses when compared with conventional meta-analysis. Aims We describe the protocol for a systematic review and IPD meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of antidepressants and IPT for adult acute-phase depression across a range of outcome measures, including depressive symptom severity as well as functioning and well-being, at both post-treatment and follow-up (PROSPERO: CRD42020219891). Method We will conduct a systematic literature search in PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase and the Cochrane Library to identify randomised clinical trials comparing antidepressants and IPT in the acute-phase treatment of adults with depression. We will invite the authors of these studies to share the participant-level data of their trials. One-stage IPD meta-analyses will be conducted using mixed-effects models to assess treatment effects at post-treatment and follow-up for all outcome measures that are assessed in at least two studies. Conclusions This will be the first IPD meta-analysis examining antidepressants versus IPT efficacy. This study has the potential to enhance our knowledge of depression treatment by comparing the short- and long-term effects of two widely used interventions across a range of outcome measures using state-of-the-art statistical techniques.

Systematic review and network meta-analysis with individual participant data on Cord Management at Preterm Birth (iCOMP): study protocol

10.1101/19007708 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Anna Lene Seidler ◽

Lelia Duley ◽

Anup Katheria ◽

Catalina De Paco Matallana ◽

Eugene Dempsey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preterm Birth ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Cord Clamping ◽

Individual Participant ◽

Participant Characteristics ◽

ABSTRACTIntroductionTiming of cord clamping and other cord management strategies may improve outcomes at preterm birth. However, it is unclear whether benefits apply to all preterm subgroups such as those who usually receive immediate neonatal care. Previous and current trials compare various policies, including immediate cord clamping, time- or physiology-based deferred cord clamping, and cord milking. Individual participant data (IPD) enables exploration of different strategies within subgroups. Network meta-analysis (NMA) enables comparison and ranking of all available interventions using a combination of direct and indirect comparisons.Objectives1) To evaluate the effectiveness of cord management strategies for preterm infants on neonatal mortality and morbidity overall and for different participant characteristics using IPD meta-analysis; and 2) to evaluate and rank the effect of different cord management strategies for preterm births on mortality and other key outcomes using NMA.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic search of Medline, Embase, clinical trial registries, and other sources for all planned, ongoing and completed randomised controlled trials comparing alternative cord management strategies at preterm birth (before 37 weeks’ gestation). IPD will be sought for all trials. First, deferred clamping and cord milking will be compared with immediate clamping in pairwise IPD meta-analyses. The primary outcome will be death prior to hospital discharge. Effect differences will be explored for pre-specified subgroups of participants. Second, all identified cord management strategies will be compared and ranked in an IPD NMA for the primary outcome and the key secondary outcomes intraventricular haemorrhage (any grade) and infant blood transfusions (any). Treatment effect differences by participant characteristics will be identified. Inconsistency and heterogeneity will be explored.Ethics and disseminationApproved by University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (2018/886). Results will be relevant to clinicians, guideline-developers and policy-makers, and will be disseminated via publications, presentations, and media releases.RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12619001305112.STRENGTH AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDYThis will be the most comprehensive review to date of interventions for umbilical cord management in preterm infants and the findings will be highly relevant to clinicians and guideline developersThe use of individual participant data will allow assessment of the best treatment option for key subgroups of participantsNetwork meta-analysis will enable the comparison and ranking of all available treatment options using direct and indirect evidenceFor some of the trials it will not be possible to obtain individual participant data, so published aggregate results will be used insteadRisk of bias in the primary trials will be assessed using Cochrane criteria, and certainty of evidence for the meta-analyses will be appraised using the GRADE approach for the pairwise comparisons, and the CINeMA approach for the network meta-analysis

Compliance With Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Individual Participant Data Statement for Meta-Analyses Published for Stroke Studies

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.120.033288 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fareed Jumah ◽

Silky Chotai ◽

Omar Ashraf ◽

Michael S. Rallo ◽

Bharath Raju ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Impact Factor ◽

Evidence Synthesis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Interquartile Range ◽

Related Factors ◽

Scoping Reviews ◽

Individual Participant ◽

Background and Purpose: Individual-participant data meta-analyses (IPD-MA) are powerful evidence synthesis studies which are considered the gold-standard of MA. The quality of reporting in these studies is guided by the 2015 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data (PRISMA-IPD) guidelines. The growing number of IPD-MA published for stroke studies calls for an assessment of the compliance of these studies with the PRISMA-IPD statement. Methods: PubMed and EMBASE were searched for MA in stroke published between January 1, 2016, and March 30, 2020, in journals with impact factor >2. Literature reviews, scoping reviews, and aggregate MA were excluded. The final articles were scored using the 31-item PRISMA-IPD checklist. Results were depicted using descriptive statistics. Compliance with each item in PRISM-IPD guideline was recorded. The study was defined as compliant to IPD analyses if it satisfied all IPD specific items. Results: From an initial set of 321 articles, 31 met the final eligibility for data extraction. Only 4 (13%) described the use of PRISMA-IPD guidelines in their methodology, while 8/31 (26%) used the old PRISMA guidelines and 19/31 (61%) followed none. Regardless of mention of using IPD specific guidelines, 42% (n=13) of studies were compliant with all 4 IPD specific domains. The poorest areas of compliance were bias assessment within (32%) and across (39%) studies, reporting protocol and registration (42%), and reporting of IPD integrity (48%). The median journal impact factor was similar between the compliant (median, 8.1 [interquartile range, 5.4–39.9]) and noncompliant (median, 6 [interquartile range, 4.5–16.2]) groups ( P =0.24). Similarly, the journal, country of correspondence, number of authors, number of studies included in MA, study sample size, and funding source were statistically similar between the groups. Conclusions: For the published IPD-MA stroke studies, the compliance with PRISMA-IPD statement and compliance with 4 IPD specific items was suboptimal. The journal, author, and study-related factors were not associated with compliance. Additional scrutiny measures to ensure adherence to mandated guidelines might increase the compliance. Several avenues to improve compliance and ensure optimal adherence are discussed.

Which patients benefit specifically from short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) for depression? Study protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018900 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. e018900 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ellen Driessen ◽

Allan A Abbass ◽

Jacques P Barber ◽

Mary Beth Connolly Gibbons ◽

Jack J M Dekker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Prospective Trial ◽

Short Term ◽

Link Type ◽

Individual Participant ◽

IntroductionShort-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) is an empirically supported treatment that is often used to treat depression. However, it is largely unclear if certain subgroups of depressed patients can benefit specifically from this treatment method. We describe the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data (IPD) aimed at identifying predictors and moderators of STPP for depression efficacy.Method and analysisWe will conduct a systematic literature search in multiple bibliographic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase.com, Web of Science and Cochrane’s Central Register of Controlled Trials), ‘grey literature’ databases (GLIN and UMI ProQuest) and a prospective trial register (http://www.controlled-trials.com). We will include studies reporting (a) outcomes on standardised measures of (b) depressed (c) adult patients (d) receiving STPP. We will next invite the authors of these studies to share the participant-level data of their trials and combine these data to conduct IPD meta-analyses. The primary outcome for this study is post-treatment efficacy as assessed by a continuous depression measure. Potential predictors and moderators include all sociodemographic variables, clinical variables and psychological patient characteristics that are measured before the start of treatment and are assessed consistently across studies. One-stage IPD meta-analyses will be conducted using mixed-effects models.Ethics and disseminationInstitutional review board approval is not required for this study. We intend to submit reports of the outcomes of this study for publication to international peer-reviewed journals in the fields of psychiatry or clinical psychology. We also intend to present the outcomes at international scientific conferences aimed at psychotherapy researchers and clinicians. The findings of this study can have important clinical implications, as they can inform expectations of STPP efficacy for individual patients, and help to make an informed choice concerning the best treatment option for a given patient.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017056029.

Subgrouping and TargetEd Exercise pRogrammes for knee and hip OsteoArthritis (STEER OA): a systematic review update and individual participant data meta-analysis protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018971 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

pp. e018971 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Melanie A Holden ◽

Danielle L Burke ◽

Jos Runhaar ◽

Danielle van Der Windt ◽

Richard D Riley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Physical Function ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Hip Osteoarthritis ◽

Therapeutic Exercise ◽

Exercise Interventions ◽

Individual Participant ◽

Exercise Programmes ◽

IntroductionKnee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Therapeutic exercise is a recommended core treatment for people with knee and hip OA, however, the observed effect sizes for reducing pain and improving physical function are small to moderate. This may be due to insufficient targeting of exercise to subgroups of people who are most likely to respond and/or suboptimal content of exercise programmes. This study aims to identify: (1) subgroups of people with knee and hip OA that do/do not respond to therapeutic exercise and to different types of exercise and (2) mediators of the effect of therapeutic exercise for reducing pain and improving physical function. This will enable optimal targeting and refining the content of future exercise interventions.Methodsand analysisSystematic review and individual participant data meta-analyses. A previous comprehensive systematic review will be updated to identify randomised controlled trials that compare the effects of therapeutic exercise for people with knee and hip OA on pain and physical function to a non-exercise control. Lead authors of eligible trials will be invited to share individual participant data. Trial-level and participant-level characteristics (for baseline variables and outcomes) of included studies will be summarised. Meta-analyses will use a two-stage approach, where effect estimates are obtained for each trial and then synthesised using a random effects model (to account for heterogeneity). All analyses will be on an intention-to-treat principle and all summary meta-analysis estimates will be reported as standardised mean differences with 95% CI.Ethics and disseminationResearch ethical or governance approval is exempt as no new data are being collected and no identifiable participant information will be shared. Findings will be disseminated via national and international conferences, publication in peer-reviewed journals and summaries posted on websites accessed by the public and clinicians.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017054049.