Existing data sources for clinical epidemiology: the Danish National Pathology Registry and Data Bank

Abstract

Diagnostic histological and cytological specimens are routinely stored in pathology department archives. These biobanks are a valuable research resource for many diseases, particularly if they can be linked to high quality population-based health registries, allowing large retrospective epidemiological studies to be carried out. Such studies are of significant importance, for example in the search for novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers in the era of personalized medicine. Denmark has a wealth of highly-regarded population-based registries that are ideally suited to conduct this type of epidemiological research. We describe two recent additions to these databases: the Danish National Pathology Registry (DNPR) and its underlying national online registration database, the Danish Pathology Data Bank (DPDB). The DNPR and the DPDB contain detailed nationwide records of all pathology specimens analyzed in Denmark since 1997, and an incomplete but nonetheless valuable record of specimens from some pathology departments dating back to the 1970s. The data are of high quality and completeness and are sufficient to allow precise and efficient localization of the specimens. We describe the relatively uncomplicated procedures required to use these pathology databases in clinical research and to gain access to the archived specimens.

Enforcing centralization for gastric cancer in Denmark

“…Using the civil registration number we linked the data from the national database with data from the National Pathology Registry, the National Registry of Patients and the Danish Civil Registration System. The National Pathology Registry holds detailed data on all pathology specimens analysed in Denmark since 1997 [12]. The National Registry of Patients contains data on all discharges from all non psychiatric hospitals in Denmark since 1977 [13].…”

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and breast cancer risk: a nationwide cohort study

“…We conducted a large nationwide population-based cohort study, with complete follow-up and highly valid data for thyroid disease (21,23,33) and breast cancer diagnoses (34,35). The higher incidence of hyperthyroidism compared with hypothyroidism is in agreement with previous studies (36), as is the increased incidence of thyroid disease over time (37).…”

Detection of recurrence in early stage endometrial cancer – the role of symptoms and routine follow-up

“…To identify patients with recurrent disease, additional searches were performed in the Danish National Pathology Registry [9] and the National Patient Registry [10]. The data construction and the external and internal validity of the databases have been described in detail previously [7].…”