scholarly journals Prognostic biomarkers to identify patients likely to develop severe Crohn’s disease: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (45) ◽  
pp. 1-66
Author(s):  
Steve Halligan ◽  
Darren Boone ◽  
Lucinda Archer ◽  
Tariq Ahmad ◽  
Stuart Bloom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Crohn’S Disease ◽  
Crohn's Disease ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Clinical Biomarkers

Background Identification of biomarkers that predict severe Crohn’s disease is an urgent unmet research need, but existing research is piecemeal and haphazard. Objective To identify biomarkers that are potentially able to predict the development of subsequent severe Crohn’s disease. Design This was a prognostic systematic review with meta-analysis reserved for those potential predictors with sufficient existing research (defined as five or more primary studies). Data sources PubMed and EMBASE searched from inception to 1 January 2016, updated to 1 January 2018. Review methods Eligible studies were studies that compared biomarkers in patients who did or did not subsequently develop severe Crohn’s disease. We excluded biomarkers that had insufficient research evidence. A clinician and two statisticians independently extracted data relating to predictors, severe disease definitions, event numbers and outcomes, including odds/hazard ratios. We assessed risk of bias. We searched for associations with subsequent severe disease rather than precise estimates of strength. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed separately for odds ratios. Results In total, 29,950 abstracts yielded just 71 individual studies, reporting 56 non-overlapping cohorts. Five clinical biomarkers (Montreal behaviour, age, disease duration, disease location and smoking), two serological biomarkers (anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies and anti-flagellin antibodies) and one genetic biomarker (nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-containing protein 2) displayed statistically significant prognostic potential. Overall, the strongest association with subsequent severe disease was identified for Montreal B2 and B3 categories (odds ratio 4.09 and 6.25, respectively). Limitations Definitions of severe disease varied widely, and some studies confounded diagnosis and prognosis. Risk of bias was rated as ‘high’ in 92% of studies overall. Some biomarkers that are used regularly in daily practice, for example C-reactive protein, were studied too infrequently for meta-analysis. Conclusions Research for individual biomarkers to predict severe Crohn’s disease is scant, heterogeneous and at a high risk of bias. Despite a large amount of potential research, we encountered relatively few biomarkers with data sufficient for meta-analysis, identifying only eight biomarkers with potential predictive capability. Future work We will use existing data sets to develop and then validate a predictive model based on the potential predictors identified by this systematic review. Contingent on the outcome of that research, a prospective external validation may prove clinically desirable. Study registration This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42016029363. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 45. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Pharmacological treatment of oro-facial pain - health technology assessment including a systematic review with network meta-analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (10) ◽  
pp. 800-826 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Häggman-Henrikson ◽  
P. Alstergren ◽  
T. Davidson ◽  
E. D. Högestätt ◽  
P. Östlund ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Pharmacological Treatment ◽  
Facial Pain ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Health Technology

scholarly journals Non-pharmacological treatments for stuttering in children and adults: a systematic review and evaluation of clinical effectiveness, and exploration of barriers to successful outcomes

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Baxter ◽  
Maxine Johnson ◽  
Lindsay Blank ◽  
Anna Cantrell ◽  
Shelagh Brumfitt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Science Citation Index ◽  
Citation Index ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Science Citation ◽  
Qualitative Literature

BackgroundDespite many years of research, there is no certainty regarding the cause of stuttering. Although numerous interventions have been developed, a broad-based systematic review across all forms of intervention for adults and children was needed including views and perceptions of people who stutter.ObjectiveThe aims of the study were to report the clinical effectiveness of interventions for people who stutter (or clutter), to examine evidence regarding the views of people who stutter and the views of professionals regarding interventions.Data sourcesA systematic review of quantitative and qualitative literature was carried out between August 2013 and April 2014. The following electronic databases were searched: (1) MEDLINE, (2) EMBASE, (3) The Cochrane Library (including The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Health Technology Assessment Database and NHS Economic Evaluations Database), (4) PsycINFO, (5) Science Citation Index, (6) Social Science Citation Index, (7) Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, (8) ASSIA, (9) Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts, (10) Sociological Abstracts and (11) the EPPI Centre. Reference lists of included papers and other reviews were screened and also key journals in the subject area were hand-searched.Review methodsThe searches aimed to identify (1) evidence of clinical effectiveness in populations of pre-school children, school-aged children, adolescents and adults, and (2) data relating to perceptions of barriers and facilitators to intervention clinical effectiveness among staff and people who stutter. A metasynthesis of the two linked elements via development of a conceptual model was also carried out to provide further interpretation of the review findings.ResultsA systematic search of the literature identified a large number of potentially relevant studies. Of these, 111 studies examining the clinical effectiveness of interventions, 25 qualitative papers and one mixed-methods paper met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Review of the effectiveness literature indicated evidence of positive outcomes across all types of interventions. Virtually all evidence we identified reported at least some positive effect for some participants. However, there was evidence of considerable individual variation in outcome for study participants. The qualitative literature highlighted the need for programmes to be tailored to individual need with variation at the levels of the intervention, the individual and interpersonal/social elements. Metasynthesis of the data highlighted the complexity of elements that need to be considered in evaluation of long-term impacts following stuttering interventions.LimitationsAround two-thirds of the studies were considered to be at higher risk of bias. The heterogeneous nature and variability in outcomes meant that we were unable to complete a meta-analysis.ConclusionsAlthough much of the evidence we identified was from studies at risk of bias, it is suggested that most available interventions for stuttering may be of benefit to at least some people who stutter. There is a requirement for greater clarity regarding what the core outcomes following stuttering intervention should be and also enhanced understanding of the process whereby interventions effect change. Further analysis of those for whom interventions have not produced a significant benefit may provide additional insights into the complex intervention–outcomes pathway.Study registrationThis study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42013004861.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

scholarly journals Imaging tests for the detection of osteomyelitis: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (61) ◽  
pp. 1-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Llewellyn ◽  
Julie Jones-Diette ◽  
Jeannette Kraft ◽  
Colin Holton ◽  
Melissa Harden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
The Body ◽  
Emission Computed Tomography ◽  
Rater Reliability

Background Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Medical imaging tests, such as radiography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET), are often used to diagnose osteomyelitis. Objectives To systematically review the evidence on the diagnostic accuracy, inter-rater reliability and implementation of imaging tests to diagnose osteomyelitis. Data sources We conducted a systematic review of imaging tests to diagnose osteomyelitis. We searched MEDLINE and other databases from inception to July 2018. Review methods Risk of bias was assessed with QUADAS-2 [quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (version 2)]. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using bivariate regression models. Imaging tests were compared. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the location and nature of the suspected osteomyelitis. Studies of children, inter-rater reliability and implementation outcomes were synthesised narratively. Results Eighty-one studies were included (diagnostic accuracy: 77 studies; inter-rater reliability: 11 studies; implementation: one study; some studies were included in two reviews). One-quarter of diagnostic accuracy studies were rated as being at a high risk of bias. In adults, MRI had high diagnostic accuracy [95.6% sensitivity, 95% confidence interval (CI) 92.4% to 97.5%; 80.7% specificity, 95% CI 70.8% to 87.8%]. PET also had high accuracy (85.1% sensitivity, 95% CI 71.5% to 92.9%; 92.8% specificity, 95% CI 83.0% to 97.1%), as did SPECT (95.1% sensitivity, 95% CI 87.8% to 98.1%; 82.0% specificity, 95% CI 61.5% to 92.8%). There was similar diagnostic performance with MRI, PET and SPECT. Scintigraphy (83.6% sensitivity, 95% CI 71.8% to 91.1%; 70.6% specificity, 57.7% to 80.8%), computed tomography (69.7% sensitivity, 95% CI 40.1% to 88.7%; 90.2% specificity, 95% CI 57.6% to 98.4%) and radiography (70.4% sensitivity, 95% CI 61.6% to 77.8%; 81.5% specificity, 95% CI 69.6% to 89.5%) all had generally inferior diagnostic accuracy. Technetium-99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime white blood cell scintigraphy (87.3% sensitivity, 95% CI 75.1% to 94.0%; 94.7% specificity, 95% CI 84.9% to 98.3%) had higher diagnostic accuracy, similar to that of PET or MRI. There was no evidence that diagnostic accuracy varied by scan location or cause of osteomyelitis, although data on many scan locations were limited. Diagnostic accuracy in diabetic foot patients was similar to the overall results. Only three studies in children were identified; results were too limited to draw any conclusions. Eleven studies evaluated inter-rater reliability. MRI had acceptable inter-rater reliability. We found only one study on test implementation and no evidence on patient preferences or cost-effectiveness of imaging tests for osteomyelitis. Limitations Most studies included < 50 participants and were poorly reported. There was limited evidence for children, ultrasonography and on clinical factors other than diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions Osteomyelitis is reliably diagnosed by MRI, PET and SPECT. No clear reason to prefer one test over the other in terms of diagnostic accuracy was identified. The wider availability of MRI machines, and the fact that MRI does not expose patients to harmful ionising radiation, may mean that MRI is preferable in most cases. Diagnostic accuracy does not appear to vary with the potential cause of osteomyelitis or with the body part scanned. Considerable uncertainty remains over the diagnostic accuracy of imaging tests in children. Studies of diagnostic accuracy in children, particularly using MRI and ultrasound, are needed. Study registration This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017068511. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 61. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

scholarly journals Effects and repercussions of local/hospital-based health technology assessment (HTA): a systematic review

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Pierre Gagnon ◽  
Marie Desmartis ◽  
Thomas Poder ◽  
William Witteman
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Local Hospital

ETHICS IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 447-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian A. Bellemare ◽  
Pierre Dagenais ◽  
Suzanne K.-Bédard ◽  
Jean-Pierre Béland ◽  
Louise Bernier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Policy Decision ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Ethical Analysis ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Inductive Method ◽  
Value Judgments ◽  
Ethical Evaluation

Objectives:Integration of ethics into health technology assessment (HTA) remains challenging for HTA practitioners. We conducted a systematic review on social and methodological issues related to ethical analysis in HTA. We examined: (1) reasons for integrating ethics (social needs); (2) obstacles to ethical integration; (3) concepts and processes deployed in ethical evaluation (more specifically value judgments) and critical analyses of formal experimentations of ethical evaluation in HTA.Methods:Search criteria included “ethic,” “technology assessment,” and “HTA”. The literature search was done in Medline/Ovid, SCOPUS, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the international HTA Database. Screening of citations, full-text screening, and data extraction were performed by two subgroups of two independent reviewers. Data extracted from articles were grouped into categories using a general inductive method.Results:A list of 1,646 citations remained after the removal of duplicates. Of these, 132 were fully reviewed, yielding 67 eligible articles for analysis. The social need most often reported was to inform policy decision making. The absence of shared standard models for ethical analysis was the obstacle to integration most often mentioned. Fairness and Equity and values embedded in Principlism were the values most often mentioned in relation to ethical evaluation.Conclusions:Compared with the scientific experimental paradigm, there are no settled proceedings for ethics in HTA nor consensus on the role of ethical theory and ethical expertise hindering its integration. Our findings enable us to hypothesize that there exists interdependence between the three issues studied in this work and that value judgments could be their linking concept.

scholarly journals Methotrexate for the Treatment of Pediatric Crohn’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 2135-2141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruben J Colman ◽  
Rachel C Lawton ◽  
Marla C Dubinsky ◽  
David T Rubin
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Crohn’S Disease ◽  
Crohn's Disease ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Treatment Efficacy ◽  
Clinical Remission ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Pediatric Ibd

Abstract Background Methotrexate (MTX) is an immunomodulator used for the treatment of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are currently no RCTs that assess the treatment efficacy of methotrexate within the pediatric IBD patient population. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the efficacy of MTX therapy among the existing pediatric literature. Methods A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE and the Cochrane library from inception until March 2016. Synonyms for ‘pediatric’, ‘methotrexate’ and ‘IBD’ were utilized as both free text and MESH search terms. The studies included contained clinical remission (CR) rates for MTX treatment of pediatric IBD patients 18 yrs old, as mono- or combination therapy. Case studies with <10 patients were excluded. Quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis calculated pooled CR rates. A random-effects meta-analysis with forest plots was performed using R. Results Fourteen (11 monotherapy, 1 combination therapy, 2 both; n = 886 patients) observational studies were eligible out of 202 studies. No interventional studies were identified. The pooled achieved CR rate for pediatric CD patients on monotherapy within 3-6 months was 57.7% (95% CI 48.2-66.6%), (P =0.22; I2 = 29.8%). The CR was 37.1% (95% CI 29.5-45.5%), (P = 0.20; I2 = 37.4%) for maintenance therapy at 12 months. Sub-analysis could not identify CR differences between MTX administration types, thiopurine exposure. Conclusions This meta-analysis demonstrated that, over 50% of pediatric Crohn’s disease patients induced with methotrexate achieved clinical remission, while 12-month remission rate was only 37%. Prospective controlled interventional trials should assess treatment efficacy among patient subgroups.

Opportunities to improve reporting of rapid response in health technology assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matheus O. de Almeida ◽  
Thais Montezuma ◽  
Haliton A. de Oliveira Júnior ◽  
Cleusa Pinheiro Ferri
Keyword(s):  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Epidemiologic Study ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Study Selection

Abstract Introduction Mini health technology assessment (HTA) reports have been used to support policy makers and health systems by providing a timely summary of scientific evidence. The objective of this meta-epidemiologic study was to evaluate the quality of reporting of mini-HTA reports published in Brazil. Methods An electronic search for all mini-HTA reports published between 2014 and March 2019 was conducted in the SISREBRATS and CONITEC databases. The study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent assessors. The following data were extracted: bibliographic data; research question; characteristics of the population, health technologies and outcomes assessed; eligibility criteria; information about searches and study selection; risk of bias assessment; quality of evidence assessment; synthesis of results; and recommendation about the technology evaluated. A descriptive analysis was used to summarize the information retrieved from all the included mini-HTA reports. Results We included 103 mini-HTA reports, the great majority of which (92.3 percent) focused on the coverage of the technologies in the healthcare system, with more than 60 percent being about drugs. Only five mini-HTA reports (4.8 percent) gave reasons for the choice of outcomes, and fifteen (14.5 percent) discriminated between primary and secondary outcomes. All mini-HTAs reported the databases searched and 99 percent of them reported using Medline. Sixty percent of the mini-HTA reported assessing the risk of bias, and 52 percent reported assessing the quality of evidence. Conclusion The quality of reporting of the mini-HTA reports performed in Brazil is insufficient and needs to be improved to guarantee transparency and replicability.

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