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Tests for predicting complications of pre-eclampsia: a protocol for systematic reviews
Shakila Thangaratinam1, Arri Coomarasamy, Steve Sharp
1Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, UK. s.thangaratinam@bham.ac.uk
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
|August 13, 2008
Summary
This review assesses diagnostic tests for predicting pre-eclampsia complications. Identifying high-risk women early aids timely management and improves maternal and fetal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Pre-eclampsia presents significant risks for maternal and fetal complications.
- Timely prediction and management are crucial for reducing mortality and morbidity.
- Effective testing strategies are needed to identify high-risk pregnancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and quantify the accuracy of various tests in predicting pre-eclampsia complications.
- To inform clinical decision-making by identifying optimal diagnostic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic quantitative review of literature from MEDLINE and EMBASE (1951-2004).
- Inclusion of manual searches and bibliographies.
- Independent data extraction and 2x2 table construction by two reviewers.
- Meta-analysis using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves and likelihood ratios.
Main Results:
- The review will synthesize accuracy data from selected studies.
- Summary Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves will be generated.
- Summary likelihood ratios will be calculated to assess test performance.
Conclusions:
- The review will provide predictive information on tests for pre-eclampsia complications.
- Integration of predictive data with therapeutic effectiveness will guide clinical practice.
- Aims to determine the absolute benefit and harm of therapies in reducing complications.
