Epidemiology of oncologic emergency in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Oncologic emergency is a serious clinical experience that presents significant challenges to patients and caregivers. A comprehensive understanding of the overall magnitude of oncologic emergencies is critical. However, existing literatures are fragmented and varying in the report of results. Therefore, this study aims to determine the overall magnitude of oncologic emergency in Ethiopia METHODS: Comprehensive literature search was conducted from various sources. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted using DerSimonian-Laird to estimate the pooled effect size. Heterogeneity was checked using I² statistic. Sub group and sensitivity analysis was conducted to mitigate heterogeneity. Funnel plot and egger's regression test was used to check publication bias and small study effect.

This study included 23 studies involving a total of 6755 cancer patients. The pooled prevalence of oncologic emergency across in Ethiopia was 30.87% (95%CI 23.72-38.02). Substantial heterogeneity (I² = 98.5%) across the studies were identified. The 95% prediction interval ranged from 5.62% to 67.40%, reflecting the expected prevalence in a new study. Comorbidity, advanced age, being on cancer treatment, and metastasis were significant predictors of oncologic emergency.

Advancing innovations in early detection and prompt intervention is critical to reduce the burden of oncologic emergency on patients and the health care system. A notable challenge encountered was the variability in definitions and measurement of oncologic emergencies across included studies.