Diagnostic value of BiP or anti-BiP antibodies for rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis

To evaluate the diagnostic value of BiP or anti-BiP antibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Relevant studies published on PubMed and CNKI from January 1995 to July 2016 were retrieved. Two reviewers independently evaluated studies and QUADAS tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A random-effects model was used to combine sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratio. Stratified analysis was performed for exploring heterogeneity and funnel plot was examined for the possibility of publication bias.

Nine studies met our inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR-, DOR were 0.67 (95%CI, 0.64-0.70), 0.92 (95%CI, 0.90-0.93), 7.65(95%CI, 4.08-14.36), 0.36(95%CI, 0.33-0.39), 23.73(95%CI, 13.01-43.28), respectively.

This meta-analysis shows that BiP or anti-BiP antibodies have a moderate accuracy for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis with a moderate sensitivity and high specificity. It can be an efficient supplement to the existing diagnostic method.