Challenges in Reporting Meta-analyses of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies

Abstract

Letters17 March 2009Challenges in Reporting Meta-analyses of Diagnostic Accuracy StudiesLevente Kriston, PhD, Martin Härter, MD, PhD, and Lars Hölzel, MALevente Kriston, PhDFrom University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany, and University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany., Martin Härter, MD, PhDFrom University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany, and University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany., and Lars Hölzel, MAFrom University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany, and University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.Author, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-150-6-200903170-00025 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:In a recent meta-analysis (1), we compared the diagnostic accuracy of 2 tests for detecting unhealthy alcohol use. We applied the currently recommended hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis to synthesize findings of primary research (2). However, we were uncertain how to present our findings.First, for a comprehensive research report, the choice of what should be reported is essential. Our analysis provided numerous results, from which we had to select a manageable amount. Point estimates, such as pooled sensitivity and specificity, may be preferred by clinicians. Furthermore, under certain assumptions, they can easily be converted ...References1. Kriston L, Hölzel L, Weiser AK, Berner MM, Härter M. Meta-analysis: are 3 questions enough to detect unhealthy alcohol use? Ann Intern Med. 2008;149:879-88. [PMID: 19075207] LinkGoogle Scholar2. Rutter CM, Gatsonis CA. A hierarchical regression approach to meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy evaluations. Stat Med. 2001;20:2865-84. [PMID: 11568945] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. Cornell J, Mulrow CD, Localio AR. Diagnostic test accuracy and clinical decision making [Editorial]. Ann Intern Med. 2008;149:904-6. [PMID: 19075211] LinkGoogle Scholar4. Leeflang MM, Deeks JJ, Gatsonis C, Bossuyt PM; Cochrane Diagnostic Test Accuracy Working Group. Systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy. Ann Intern Med. 2008;149:889-97. [PMID: 19075208] LinkGoogle Scholar5. Deeks JJ, Bossuyt PM, Gatsonis C, eds. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Version 1.0.0. Oxford, UK: The Cochrane Collaboration, 2009. [Forthcoming]. Accessed at srdta.cochrane.org/en/authors.html on 2 February 2009. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: From University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany, and University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.Disclosures: None disclosed. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsSee AlsoMeta-analysis: Are 3 Questions Enough to Detect Unhealthy Alcohol Use? Levente Kriston , Lars Hölzel , Ann-Kristin Weiser , Michael M. Berner , and Martin Härter Diagnostic Test Accuracy and Clinical Decision Making John Cornell , Cynthia D. Mulrow , and A. Russell Localio Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Mariska M.G. Leeflang , Jonathan J. Deeks , Constantine Gatsonis , Patrick M.M. Bossuyt , and Metrics Cited ByD-dimer in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection: a systematic review and meta-analysisCharacterization of Three Novel Linear Neutralizing B-Cell Epitopes in the Capsid Protein of Swine Hepatitis E VirusUnexplained abnormal liver function in patients with primary antibody deficiency: could it be chronic hepatitis E infection?The Alpha-Defensin Immunoassay and Leukocyte Esterase Colorimetric Strip Test for the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic InfectionDiagnostic Performance of Five Assays for Anti-Hepatitis E Virus IgG and IgM in a Large Cohort StudySystematic Serological Testing for Hepatitis E Virus in Kidney Transplant RecipientsHepatitis E Virus Reinfections in Solid-Organ-Transplant Recipients Can Evolve Into Chronic InfectionsHost Immune Status and Response to Hepatitis E Virus InfectionHepatitis E: Are Rheumatic Patients at Risk?Diagnostic performance of computed tomography angiography for differentiating ischemic vs nonischemic cardiomyopathyMeta-analysis as the core of evidence-based behavioral medicine: tools and pitfalls of a statistical approach 17 March 2009Volume 150, Issue 6Page: 430KeywordsAlcoholsConflicts of interestResearch reporting guidelinesSpecificityStatistical models ePublished: 17 March 2009 Issue Published: 17 March 2009 CopyrightCopyright © 2009 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF DownloadLoading ...

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