The Role of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Incidence and Prevalence Studies in Neuroepidemiology

Abstract

Background: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the incidence and prevalence of neurological conditions are important methods of quantifying the burden and risk of disease. Methods: The rigorous methodology required in order to minimize publication bias, account for study heterogeneity, and variation in study quality are described. When appropriate, a meta-analysis is a powerful statistical tool that can help synthesize a vast literature quantitatively, taking into account study heterogeneity. As the epidemiology of neurological conditions continue to be widely studied internationally, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have become essential. Results: If not conducted carefully, systematic reviews and meta-analyses in neuroepidemiology may lead to erroneous conclusions. It is important to consider various methodological, clinical and statistical factors at all stages of the review and analysis process. Detailed documentation should be kept to assist in the reporting process. Conclusions: Published reporting standards should be consulted when conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the incidence and prevalence of neurological conditions, though reporting standards specific to neuroepidemiology are urgently needed.

Genetic epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…While collecting data from articles included in the meta-analysis, we did not use a ‘quality score’ to evaluate included articles as its use has been criticised for being inaccurate in some cases 8. Instead, we used a table to document all aspects of the studies that might influence the mutation frequencies (see online supplementary table S1).…”

“…However, the mutation frequencies varied dramatically across studies. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are powerful tools in neuroepidemiology, by integrating and evaluating the wealth of primary research 8. Until now, no meta-analysis has been performed to determine the mutation frequencies of these major ALS-related genes in patients with ALS.…”

Variation in worldwide incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a meta-analysis

“…We applied the guidelines for Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies (MOOSE) 17 and followed other specific recommendations for systematic reviews and meta-analyses 18 . As this review of literature/meta-analysis did not include ALS patients but only publications on ALS, informed consent of patients was not applicable.…”

“…During the collection of data from articles included in the review, we did not calculate a ‘quality score’ as its use has been criticized for being inaccurate in some cases 18 . Instead we used a checklist, whose components are described below, based on the basic principles of descriptive epidemiology and focused on all aspects of the study design that can influence the quality of case ascertainment and results.…”

Prevalence of Muscular Dystrophies: A Systematic Literature Review

“…Synthesizing evidence in a systematic review helps to quantify both the burden and risk of disease across countries [8]. A systematic review of the prevalence of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy has recently been undertaken, which has provided details of prevalence per 100,000 of the male population [9].…”