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The value of predicting restriction of fetal growth and compromise of its wellbeing: Systematic quantitative overviews (meta-analysis) of test accuracy literature

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Steve RobsonORCiD

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Abstract

Background: Restriction of fetal growth and compromise of fetal wellbeing remain significant causes of perinatal death and childhood disability. At present, there is a lack of scientific consensus about the best strategies for predicting these conditions before birth. Therefore, there is uncertainty about the best management of pregnant women who might have a growth restricted baby. This is likely to be due to a dearth of clear collated information from individual research studies drawn from different sources on this subject. Methods/Design: Aseries of systematic reviews and meta-analyses will be undertaken to determine, among pregnant women, the accuracy of various tests to predict and/or diagnose fetal growth restriction and compromise of fetal wellbeing. We will search Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDION, citation lists of review articles and eligible primary articles and will contact experts in the field. Independent reviewers will select studies, extract data and assess study quality according to established criteria. Language restrictions will not be applied. Data synthesis will involve meta-analysis (where appropriate), exploration of heterogeneity and publication bias. Discussion: The project will collate and synthesise the available evidence regarding the value of the tests for predicting restriction of fetal growth and compromise of fetal wellbeing. The systematic overviews will assess the quality of the available evidence, estimate the magnitude of potential benefits, identify those tests with good predictive value and help formulate practice recommendations. © 2007 Morris et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Morris RK, Khan KS, Coomarasamy A, Robson SC, Kleijnen J

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Year: 2007

Volume: 7

Pages: -

Print publication date: 08/03/2007

Date deposited: 21/05/2010

ISSN (print): 1471-2393

ISSN (electronic):

Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-7-3

DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-7-3

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