Sharing Medical Big Data While Preserving Patient Confidentiality in Innovative Medicines Initiative: A Summary and Case Report from BigData@Heart

Sharing individual patient data (IPD) is a simple concept but complex to achieve due to data privacy and data security concerns, underdeveloped guidelines, and legal barriers. Sharing IPD is additionally difficult in big data-driven collaborations such as Bigdata@Heart in the Innovative Medicines Initiative, due to competing interests between diverse consortium members. One project within BigData@Heart, case study 1, needed to pool data from seven heterogeneous data sets: five randomized controlled trials from three different industry partners, and two disease registries. Sharing IPD was not considered feasible due to legal requirements and the sensitive medical nature of these data. In addition, harmonizing the data sets for a federated data analysis was difficult due to capacity constraints and the heterogeneity of the data sets. An alternative option was to share summary statistics through contingency tables. Here it is demonstrated that this method along with anonymization methods to ensure patient anonymity had minimal loss of information. Although sharing IPD should continue to be encouraged and strived for, our approach achieved a good balance between data transparency while protecting patient privacy. It also allowed a successful collaboration between industry and academia.

Accuracy of Breast Ultrasonography and Mammography in Comparison with Postoperative Histopathology in Breast Cancer Patients after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays chemotherapy in breast cancer patients is optionally applied neoadjuvant, which allows for testing of tumor response to the chemotherapeutical treatment in vivo, as well as allowing a greater number of patients to benefit from a subsequent breast-conserving surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We compared breast ultrasonography, mammography, and clinical examination (palpation) results with postoperative histopathological findings after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, aiming to determine the most accurate prediction of complete remission and tumor-free resection margins. To this end, clinical and imaging data of 184 patients (193 tumors) with confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer and neoadjuvant therapy were analyzed.

RESULTS

After chemotherapy, tumors could be assessed by palpation in 91.7%, by sonography in 99.5%, and by mammography in 84.5% (chi-square p < 0.0001) of cases. Although mammography proved more accurate in estimating the exact neoadjuvant tumor size than breast sonography in total numbers (136/163 (83.44%) vs. 142/192 (73.96%), n.s.), 29 tumors could be assessed solely by means of breast sonography. A sonographic measurement was feasible in 192 cases (99.48%) post-chemotherapy and in all cases prior to chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

We determined a superiority of mammography and breast sonography over clinical palpation in predicting neoadjuvant tumor size. However, neither examination method can predict either pCR or tumor margins with high confidence.

Substituting a randomised placebo control group with a historical placebo control in an endometriosis pain trial: a case study re-evaluating trial data using historical control data from another trial

OBJECTIVE

The substitution of an in-study control population with a historical control (HC) population is considered a viable option for reducing the necessary recruitment of control patients. However, it is necessary to evaluate whether this method is applicable to studies on indications targeting endometriosis-associated pelvic pain (EAPP). This study aims to evaluate the potential bias in the results of an EAPP study with an HC arm.

METHODS

For this case study, we re-evaluated data from a randomised, placebo-controlled trial using dienogest daily to treat EAPP with an HC arm based on data from a second randomised, placebo-controlled trial in the same indication. Propensity Score (PS) matching was used to match between the treatment and HC arm on all baseline variables. To evaluate the effect of matching on the introduced bias, we evaluated efficacy parameters with the full treatment and control group, as well as the matched group.

RESULTS

The difference between means (placebo minus treatment) in change in pain, as measured on the Visual Analogue Scale from baseline to end of treatment, deviates in the comparison treatment/pool of HC (7.15 (0.22 to 14.08)) from the overall in-study group (reference: 11.89 (6.06 to 17.73)). After PS matching on the baseline variables, the difference between means (11.79 (4.09 to 19.5)) is close to the reference.

CONCLUSIONS

Using HC with PS matching has proven to be useful in the setting of treating EAPP, while emphasis must be given to the selection mechanism and the underlying assumptions. This case study has shown that even for studies which are very similar in design, heterogeneity and between-study variations are present. With the use of an HC arm, it was possible to reproduce similar results than in the original study, while the PS matching improved the comparability considerably. For the main endpoint, PS matching could reproduce the original study results.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT00225199, NCT00185341.

Sex Differences in the Generalizability of Randomized Clinical Trials in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

AIMS

To understand how sex differences impact the generalizability of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, we sought to compare clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes between RCTs and HF observational registries stratified by sex.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data from 2 HF registries and 5 HFrEF RCTs were used to create three subpopulations: one RCT population (n=16,917; 21.7% females), registry patients eligible for RCT inclusion (n=26,104; 31.8% females), and registry patients ineligible for RCT inclusion (n=20,910; 30.2% females). Clinical endpoints included all-cause mortality, CV mortality, and first HF hospitalization at one-year. Males and females were equally eligible for trial enrollment (56.9% of females and 55.1% of males in the registries). One-year mortality rates were 5.6%, 14.0%, and 28.6% for females and 6.9%, 10.7%, and 24.6% for males in the RCT, RCT-eligible, and RCT-ineligible groups. After adjusting for 11 HF prognostic variables, RCT females showed higher survival compared to RCT-eligible females (Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) 0.72; 95% CI 0.62 - 0.83), while RCT males showed higher adjusted mortality rates compared to RCT-eligible males (SMR 1.16; 95% CI 1.09-1.24). Similar results were also found for cardiovascular mortality (SMR 0.89; 95%CI 0.76-1.03 for females, SMR 1.43; 95%CI 1.33-1.53 for males).

CONCLUSION

Generalizability of HFrEF RCTs differed substantially between the sexes, with females having lower trial participation and females trial participants having lower mortality rates compared to similar females in the registries, while males had higher than expected cardiovascular mortality rates in RCTs compared to similar males in registries. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Postpartum Assessment of the Correlation between Serum Hormone Levels of Estradiol, Progesterone, Prolactin and ß-HCG and Blood Pressure Measurements in Pre-Eclampsia Patients

Background: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disease. Aberrant hormone levels have been implicated in blood pressure disorders. This study investigated the association of postpartum maternal serum hormone levels of estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and ß-HCG with poorer PE-related complications including arterial hypertension. Methods: Thirty patient women with preeclampsia, and twenty women with uncomplicated pregnancy were included in this study. Serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and ß-HCG were determined immediately after delivery, and on the first and third postpartum days by means of ECLIA. Results: Compared with normal pregnancy cases, preeclampsia cases had higher serum levels of ß-HCG levels on Day-0 (319%), of progesterone on Day-0 (207%) and Day-1 (178%), and of estradiol on Day-1 (187%) and Day-3 (185%). Increased prolactin levels were positively associated with disease severity and estradiol and progesterone levels were decreased in poorer preeclampsia features including disease onset and IUGR diagnosis. No significant correlation between different hormone levels and blood pressure measurements was reported. Conclusions: This study is the first that detected postpartum maternal serum hormone levels and their correlation with blood pressure measurements in preeclampsia. We believe that the persistent arterial hypertension in the puerperium in preeclampsia as well as poorer disease specifications are most likely not of hormonal origin. Larger, well-defined prospective studies are recommended.

Risk of Hypersensitivity Reactions to Iopromide in Children and Elderly: An Analysis of 132,850 Patients From 4 Observational Studies and Pharmacovigilance Covering >288 Million Administrations

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze the risk of hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to iopromide in children and elderly patients in comparison to adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four observational studies were pooled and analyzed (analysis I). In addition, spontaneous reports from 1985 to 2020 from the pharmacovigilance database were evaluated (analysis II). All patients received iopromide for angiographic procedures or contrast-enhanced computed tomography in various indications. In analysis I, a nested case-control analysis, including a multivariable logistic regression model, based on pooled observational study data, was performed. Cases were defined as patients with a typical and unequivocal HSR; controls were patients without any recorded reaction. In analysis II, all spontaneous reports on HSRs after iopromide administration recorded in the pharmacovigilance database were descriptively analyzed. Exposure estimates on the size of the exposed age groups were derived from sales data and data from market research. The primary target variable was the risk of HSR to iopromide in children (<18 years) and elderly patients (≥65 years) compared with adults (≥18 to <65 years).

RESULTS

In analysis I, a total of 132,850 patients were included (2978 children, 43,209 elderly, and 86,663 adults). Hypersensitivity reactions were significantly less frequent in children (0.47%) and elderly (0.38%) compared with adults (0.74%). The adjusted odds ratio (vs adults) for children was 0.58 (95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.98; P < 0.043), and that for the elderly was 0.51 (95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.61; P < 0.001), indicating a lower risk for both subpopulations as compared with adults. In analysis II, of the overall >288 million iopromide administrations, 5.87, 114.18, and 167.97 million administrations were administered to children, elderly, and adults, respectively. The reporting rate for HSRs in children (0.0114%) and elderly (0.0071%) was significantly lower as compared with adults (0.0143%) (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypersensitivity reactions to iopromide were significantly less frequent in children and elderly compared with adults.

Comparison of Maternal Serum Levels and Placental mRNA Levels of Dickkopf-1 in Preeclamptic and Normal Pregnant Women at Delivery

Background Preeclampsia remains a major cause of perinatal and maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is known to be critically involved in placenta development processes. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is a key regulator of this transduction pathway. The aim of this study is to compare maternal serum DKK1 levels and placental mRNA levels of DKK1 and β-catenin in preeclamptic and normal pregnant women at delivery.

Methods The present study included 30 women with preeclampsia and 30 women with normal pregnancy. Maternal serum DKK1 levels were measured by ELISA. Placental mRNA levels of DKK1 and β-catenin were detected using RT-PCR.

Results Decreased maternal serum DKK1 levels were associated with worse maternal and fetal complications including HELLP syndrome, determination of one or more pathological symptom and IUGR diagnosis. No significant difference in maternal serum DKK1 levels was reported between preeclamptic women and women with normal pregnancy. Placental mRNA DKK1 levels were lower in preeclamptic women compared with normal pregnant women. Placental mRNA β-catenin levels showed no significant difference between two groups.

Conclusions Our findings reported the aberrant placental mRNA DKK1 levels in patients with preeclampsia. In addition, worse preeclampsia features were associated with decreased maternal serum DKK1 levels. Hence, aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling might present a plausible mechanism in preeclampsia pathogenicity. Dysregulated expression of DKK1 at gene level in the placenta but not at protein level in the maternal serum might confirm the notion that preeclampsia is a type of placenta-derived disease.

Real world data on symptomology and diagnostic approaches of 27,840 women living with endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that requires a suitable, lifelong treatment. To our knowledge, the Visanne Post-approval Observational Study (VIPOS) is to date the largest real-world, non-interventional study investigating hormonal management of endometriosis. We describe women’s experiences of endometriosis in the real world by considering their symptoms and the diagnostic process in their healthcare setting. Overall, 27,840 women were enrolled from six European countries via networks of gynecologists or specialized centers. Of these, 87.8% of women were diagnosed based on clinical symptoms; the greatest and lowest proportions of women were in Russia (94.1%) and Germany (61.9%), respectively. Most women (82.8%) experienced at least one of the triad of endometriosis-associated pain symptoms: pelvic pain, pain after/during sexual intercourse, and painful menstrual periods. The most frequently reported endometriosis-associated symptoms were painful periods (61.8%), heavy/irregular bleeding (50.8%), and pelvic pain (37.2%). Women reported that endometriosis impacted their mood; 55.6% reported feeling “down”, depressed, or hopeless, and 53.2% reported feeling like a failure or having let down family/friends. VIPOS broadens our understanding of endometriosis based on real-world data by exploring the heterogeneity of symptoms women with endometriosis experience and the differences in diagnostic approaches between European countries.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01266421; registered 24 December 2010. Registered in the European Union electronic Register of Post-Authorisation Studies as number 1613.

Cervical and Lower Uterine Parameter Ultrasound and Elastographic Parameters for the Prediction of a Successful Induction of Labor

PURPOSE

 The prediction of successful induction of labor (IOL) has been the subject of a series of studies. The predictive role of cervical sonographic and elastographic parameters has been controversially discussed. Lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness and strain values have not been discussed yet in this regard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 A prospective cohort study was performed to examine the predictive power of Bishop score parameters, sonographic cervical length (CL), cervical funneling, cervical strain values, LUS thickness and its strain values regarding successful IOL within 24 hours and intervals to onset of labor, ROM and delivery of the fetus. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

 135 patients were examined. A cervical length of 25 mm, the presence of cervical funneling and digital shorter cervix was significant for the prediction of successful induction of labor (IOL) within 24 hours. There was weak correlation between the functional CL and the onset of labor (r² = 0.10) and ROM (r² = 0.13). There was also a weak correlation between the cervical funnel width and the time interval to the onset of labor (r² = 0.25), ROM (r² = 0.23) and delivery of the fetus (r² = 0.22). Cervical elastography, LUS thickness and strain values were not significant for the prediction of a successful IOL.

CONCLUSION

 We were able to show that cervical structural changes at the level of the internal os, i. e., shortening through funneling, may be the determining factor for successful IOL.

Generalisability of Randomised Controlled Trials in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Background

Heart failure (HF) trials have stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, but limited data exist regarding generalizability of trials. We compared patient characteristics and outcomes between patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in trials and observational registries.

Methods and Results

Individual patient data for 16 922 patients from five randomized clinical trials and 46 914 patients from two HF registries were included. The registry patients were categorized into trial-eligible and non-eligible groups using the most commonly used inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 26 104 (56%) registry patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Unadjusted all-cause mortality rates at 1 year were lowest in the trial population (7%), followed by trial-eligible patients (12%) and trial-non-eligible registry patients (26%). After adjustment for age and sex, all-cause mortality rates were similar between trial participants and trial-eligible registry patients [standardized mortality ratio (SMR) 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92–1.03] but cardiovascular mortality was higher in trial participants (SMR 1.19; 1.12–1.27). After full case-mix adjustment, the SMR for cardiovascular mortality remained higher in the trials at 1.28 (1.20–1.37) compared to RCT-eligible registry patients.

Conclusion

In contemporary HF registries, over half of HFrEF patients would have been eligible for trial enrolment. Crude clinical event rates were lower in the trials, but, after adjustment for case-mix, trial participants had similar rates of survival as registries. Despite this, they had about 30% higher cardiovascular mortality rates. Age and sex were the main drivers of differences in clinical outcomes between HF trials and observational HF registries.

Patient-reported utilization patterns of endometriosis medications in Europe: Real-world results from the non-interventional VIPOS study

Introduction:

Women with endometriosis require individualized, long-term treatment. Analyzing prescription choices, medication switches, discontinuations, and breaks can describe real-world treatment patterns and optimize pathways for women. To our knowledge, the Visanne Post-approval Observational Study (VIPOS) is the largest real-world, non-interventional study examining the safety of hormonal treatments for the routine clinical management of endometriosis. We present data from VIPOS on endometriosis drug utilization patterns, including treatment discontinuation due to treatment failure.

Methods:

VIPOS was a prospective, long-term, controlled, non-interventional cohort study in six European countries (Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Poland, Ukraine, and Hungary) conducted between 2010 and 2018. Women self-reported medical and gynecological history and symptoms and treatment information via comprehensive questionnaires.

Results:

Overall, 27,840 women were enrolled via gynecologists or specialized centers. Inter-country variance in treatment prescription patterns suggests the influence of differential management strategies and guidelines on prescribing behavior and diagnostic methods. Most enrolled women were receiving combined hormonal contraceptives. Women receiving dienogest 2 mg or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists more often had a surgical diagnosis of endometriosis compared to other treatments, while most women receiving combined hormonal contraceptives, other progestins or danazol had a symptom-based diagnosis. Although treatment changes during follow-up were common, only 4733 discontinuations out of 42,342 treatment starts were reported due to side effects or treatment ineffectiveness.

Conclusion:

VIPOS provides valuable insights into the considerable inter-country variance in endometriosis treatment prescription and potential role of differing management guidelines and practices strategies. Findings presented here suggest the need greater alignment of clinical practice to optimize patient management.

Incidence of and risk factors for vaginal cuff dehiscence following total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a monocentric hospital analysis

PURPOSE

Vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD) is one of the major surgical complications following hysterectomy with data on incidence rates varying largely and studies assessing risk factors being sparse with contradictive results. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence rate of and risk factors for VCD in a homogenous cohort of women treated for benign uterine pathologies via total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with standardized follow-up.

METHODS

All patients undergoing TLH at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Saarland University Hospital between November 2010 and February 2019 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained service database.

RESULTS

VCD occurred in 18 (2.9%) of 617 patients included. In univariate and multivariate analyses, a lower level of surgeon laparoscopic expertise (odds ratio 3.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-9.38; p = 0.03) and lower weight of removed uterus (odds ratio 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99; p = 0.02) were associated positively with the risk of VCD.

CONCLUSION

In this homogenous cohort undergoing TLH, laparoscopic expertise and uterine weight influenced the risk of postoperative VCD. These findings might help to further reduce the rate of this complication.

The use of external controls: To what extent can it currently be recommended?

With more and better clinical data being captured outside of clinical studies and greater data sharing of clinical studies, external controls may become a more attractive alternative to randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Both industry and regulators recognize that in situations where a randomized study cannot be performed, external controls can provide the needed contextualization to allow a better interpretation of studies without a randomized control. It is also agreed that external controls will not fully replace RCTs as the gold standard for formal proof of efficacy in drug development and the yardstick of clinical research. However, it remains unclear in which situations conclusions about efficacy and a positive benefit/risk can reliably be based on the use of an external control. This paper will provide an overview on types of external control, their applications and the different sources of bias their use may incur, and discuss potential mitigation steps. It will also give recommendations on how the use of external controls can be justified.

Urogynecology in obstetrics: impact of pregnancy and delivery on pelvic floor disorders, a prospective longitudinal observational pilot study

Purpose

To assess changes in the pelvic floor anatomy that cause pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) in primigravidae during and after pregnancy and to evaluate their impact on women’s quality of life (QoL).

Methods

POP-Q and translabial ultrasound examination was performed in the third trimester and 3 months after delivery in a cohort of primigravidae with singleton pregnancy delivering in a tertiary center. Results were analyzed regarding mode of delivery and other pre- and peripartal factors. Two individualized detailed questionnaires were distributed at 3 months and at 12 months after childbirth to determinate QoL.

Results

We recruited 45 women, of whom 17 delivered vaginally (VD), 11 received a vacuum extraction delivery (VE) and 17 a Cesarean section in labor (CS). When comparing third-trimester sonography to 3 months after delivery, bladder neck mobility increased significantly in each delivery group and hiatal area increased significantly in the VD group. A LAM avulsion was found in two women after VE. Connective tissue weakness (p = 0.0483) and fetal weight at birth (p = 0.0384) were identified as significant risk factors for the occurrence of PFDs in a multivariant regression analysis. Urinary incontinence was most common with 15% and 11% of cases at 3, respectively, 12 months after delivery. 42% of women reported discomfort during sexual intercourse, 3 months after delivery and 24% 12 months postpartum. Although 93% of women engage a midwife after delivery, only 56% participated in pelvic floor muscle training.

Conclusion

Connective tissue weakness and high fetal weight at birth are important risk factors for the occurrence of PFDs. Nevertheless, more parturients should participate in postpartal care services to prevent future PFDs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00404-021-06022-w.

Teaching breast ultrasound skills including core-needle biopsies on a phantom enhances undergraduate student's knowledge and learning satisfaction

Purpose

To investigate whether a training program on breast ultrasound skills including core-needle biopsies to undergraduate students can improve medical knowledge and learning satisfaction.

Methods

Medical students attending mandatory classes at the Medical School of the University of Saarland received a supplemental theoretical and hands-on training program on ultrasound (US) breast screening and on US-guided core-needle biopsy using an agar–agar phantom. Experienced breast specialists and ultrasound examiners served as trainers applying Peyton’s 4-step training approach. The students’ theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills were tested before and after the training program, using a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ), the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and a student curriculum evaluation.

Results

The MCQ results showed a significant increase of the student’s theoretical knowledge (50.2–75.2%, p < 0.001). After the course, the OSCE showed a mean total of 17.3/20 points (86.5%), confirming the practical implementation of the new skills. The student curriculum evaluation in general was very positive. A total of 16/20 questions were rated between 1.2 and 1.7 (very good) and 3 questions were rated as 2.1 (good).

Conclusion

Undergraduate student’s medical education can be enhanced by teaching breast US skills.

Patients' and clinicians' perspectives on item importance, scoring, and clinically meaningful differences for the Endometriosis Symptom Diary (ESD) and Endometriosis Impact Scale (EIS)

Background

The Endometriosis Symptom Diary (ESD) and Endometriosis Impact Scale (EIS) are patient-reported outcome measures developed to evaluate efficacy in clinical trials and clinical practice. The ESD is a daily electronic diary assessing symptom severity; the EIS is a weekly electronic diary assessing symptom impact. This study explored the importance of symptoms (ESD items) and impacts (EIS domains), perspectives on scoring algorithms, and clinically important difference (CID) thresholds to inform clinical trial score interpretation.

Methods

Endometriosis patients in Germany (n = 8) and the US (n = 17), and expert clinicians (n = 4) in Germany, the US, Spain, and Finland participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews comprising structured tasks. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques.

Results

Quality and severity of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain varied considerably among patients; some experienced pelvic pain daily, others during menstrual bleeding (dysmenorrhea) only. Patients and clinicians ranked “worst pelvic pain” as the most meaningful pain concept assessed by the ESD, followed by constant and short-term pelvic pain. Preferences for summarizing daily pain scores over the 28-day menstrual cycle depended on individuals’ experience of pain: patients experiencing pain daily preferred scores summarizing data for all 28 days; patients primarily experiencing pain during selected days, and their treating clinicians preferred scores based on the most severe pain days. Initial CID exploration for the “worst pelvic pain” 0–10 numerical rating scale (0–10 NRS) revealed that, for most patients, a 2- or 3-point reduction was considered meaningful, depending on baseline severity. Patients and clinicians ranked “emotional well-being” and “limitations in physical activities” as the most important EIS domains.

Conclusions

This study informs the use of the ESD and EIS as clinically relevant measures of endometriosis symptoms and their impact. Findings from the ESD highlight the importance of individual-patient assessment of pain experience and identify “worst pelvic pain” as the most meaningful symptom assessed. Aggregating scores over the 28-day menstrual cycle may inform meaningful endpoints for clinical trials. Diverse EIS concepts (e.g. impact on emotional well-being and physical activities) are meaningful to patients and clinicians, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the impact on both to comprehensively assess treatment efficacy and decisions.

Trial registration

Not applicable. Qualitative, non-interventional study; registration not required.

Predicting menstrual bleeding patterns with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems

PURPOSE

To develop a bleeding-pattern prediction model to inform counselling on amount and regularity of bleeding after levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fixed-cluster and regression-tree models were developed using bleeding data pooled from two clinical trials of LNG-IUSs. Models were trained and cross-validated on LNG-IUS 12 data, then applied to LNG-IUS 20 and LNG-IUS 8 data. Three clusters were generated for the fixed-cluster model: predominantly amenorrhoea; predominantly spotting; and predominantly bleeding. A random-forest model predicted the future-bleeding cluster, then the probability of cycle regularity was calculated. In the regression-tree model, women were assigned by the model to less- or more-bleeding groups.

RESULTS

With LNG-IUS 12 (n = 1351) in the fixed-cluster model, 70.4% of women were correctly classified. The correct classification rates for LNG-IUS 20 (n = 216) and LNG-IUS 8 (n = 1300) were 72.2% and 69.0%. The probability distribution for cycle regularity showed regular and irregular bleeding were best separated with LNG-IUS 12 data, and less well with LNG-IUS 20 and LNG-IUS 8 data. In the regression-tree model there was high variability in the more- and less-bleeding group distributions with LNG-IUS 12 data.

CONCLUSIONS

A fixed-cluster model predicted bleeding patterns better than a regression-tree model in women using LNG-IUS, yielding understandable, informative output.

Validation of a menstrual pictogram and a daily bleeding diary for assessment of uterine fibroid treatment efficacy in clinical studies

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the psychometric and measurement properties of two patient-reported outcome instruments, the menstrual pictogram superabsorbent polymer-containing version 3 (MP SAP-c v3) and Uterine Fibroid Daily Bleeding Diary (UF-DBD). Test-retest reliability, criterion, construct validity, responsiveness, missingness and comparability of the MP SAP-c v3 and UF-DBD versus the alkaline hematin (AH) method and a patient global impression of severity (PGI-S) were analyzed in post hoc trial analyses.

RESULTS

Analyses were based on data from up to 756 patients. The full range of MP SAP-c v3 and UF-DBD response options were used, with score distributions reflecting the cyclic character of the disease. Test-retest reliability of MP SAP-c v3 and UF-DBD scores was supported by acceptable intraclass correlation coefficients when stability was defined by the AH method and Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S) scores (0.80-0.96 and 0.42-0.94, respectively). MP SAP-c v3 and UF-DBD scores demonstrated strong and moderate-to-strong correlations with menstrual blood loss assessed by the AH method. Scores increased in monotonic fashion, with greater disease severities, defined by the AH method and PGI-S scores; differences between groups were mostly statistically significant (P < 0.05). MP SAP-c v3 and UF-DBD were sensitive to changes in disease severity, defined by the AH method and PGI-S. MP SAP-c v3 and UF-DBD showed a lower frequency of missing patient data versus the AH method, and good agreement with the AH method.

CONCLUSIONS

This evidence supports the use of the MP SAP-c v3 and UF-DBD to assess clinical efficacy endpoints in UF phase III studies replacing the AH method.

Clinical Trials Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic: Adaptive Designs to the Rescue?

Very recently the new pathogen severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The pandemic has a number of consequences for ongoing clinical trials in non-COVID-19 conditions. Motivated by four current clinical trials in a variety of disease areas we illustrate the challenges faced by the pandemic and sketch out possible solutions including adaptive designs. Guidance is provided on (i) where blinded adaptations can help; (ii) how to achieve Type I error rate control, if required; (iii) how to deal with potential treatment effect heterogeneity; (iv) how to use early read-outs; and (v) how to use Bayesian techniques. In more detail approaches to resizing a trial affected by the pandemic are developed including considerations to stop a trial early, the use of group-sequential designs or sample size adjustment. All methods considered are implemented in a freely available R shiny app. Furthermore, regulatory and operational issues including the role of data monitoring committees are discussed.

Using Real-World Data to Predict Clinical and Economic Benefits of a Future Drug Based on its Target Product Profile

Introduction

For a new drug to be developed, the desired properties are described in a target product profile.

Objective

We propose a framework for using real-world data to measure the disease-specific costs of the current standard of care and then to project the costs of the proposed new product for early data-driven portfolio decisions to select drug candidates for development.

Methods

We sampled from a cohort of patients representing the current standard of care to generate a hypothetical cohort of patients that fits a given target product profile for a new (hypothetical) treatment. The healthcare costs were determined and compared between standard of care and the new treatment. The approach differed according to the number of outcomes defined in the target product profile, and the cases for one, two, and three outcome variables are described.

Results

Based on assumed hypothetical treatment effect, absolute risk and cost reductions were estimated in a worked example. The median costs per day for one patient were estimated to be $10.37 and $8.39 in the original and hypothetical cohorts, respectively. This means that the assumed target product profile would result in cost savings of $1.98 per day and patient—not accounting for any additional drug costs.

Conclusions

We present a simple approach to assess the potential absolute clinical and economic benefit of a new drug based on real-world data and its target product profile. The approach allows for early data-driven portfolio decisions to select drug candidates based on their expected cost savings.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40801-020-00203-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Development and content validation of two new patient-reported outcome measures for endometriosis: the Endometriosis Symptom Diary (ESD) and Endometriosis Impact Scale (EIS)

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is a common, chronic, impactful condition in women of reproductive age. In the absence of established sensitive and specific biomarkers, disease severity is determined by patient-reported symptoms and impacts. This article details the development of two new patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures designed to assess efficacy endpoints in clinical studies: The Endometriosis Symptom Diary (ESD) and the Endometriosis Impact Scale (EIS).

METHODS

The ESD and EIS were developed according to best practice and scientific standards (including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) PRO Guidance) and with extensive input from women with surgically-confirmed endometriosis. Research included: a review of published qualitative literature; concept elicitation interviews in the US, Germany and France (n = 45) to explore the experiences of women with endometriosis and to inform ESD and EIS development; and cognitive interviews in the US and Germany (n = 31) to assess relevance and understanding of the ESD and EIS and usability of administration using an electronic handheld device. The FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as well as PRO and clinical experts were consulted throughout the process.

RESULTS

Pelvic pain was identified as the most frequent, severe and bothersome symptom for women with endometriosis. Pain was reported to be greatest during menstruation (dysmenorrhea) and during or after sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). Pain resulted in significant impairments in physical activities, work/study, social/leisure activities, household activities and sexual functioning. All women highlighted the emotional impact of endometriosis. Descriptions of pain and associated impacts were largely consistent across participants from the US and Europe, with the most notable differences being the words used to describe the location of pain (e.g., 'pelvis' vs. 'abdomen'). Testing during cognitive interviews indicated that the ESD and EIS were well understood and consistently interpreted. Furthermore, all participants found the ePRO devices easy to use and no issues regarding visual presentation, selection of responses or navigation were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from extensive qualitative research supports the content validity of the ESD and EIS as patient-reported measures of the disease-defining symptoms of endometriosis and the associated impact on women's lives. Future research will seek to establish the measurement properties of the measures.

Pictorial methods to assess heavy menstrual bleeding in research and clinical practice: a systematic literature review

Background

Pictorial blood loss assessment charts (PBACs) represent the most widely used method to assess menstrual blood loss (MBL) in clinical trials. The aims of this review were to: (1) determine the diagnostic accuracy of PBACs that have been validated against the reference alkaline hematin technique; (2) categorize the pitfalls of using obsolete and nonvalidated charts; (3) provide guidelines for development of a new PBAC or use of an existing chart to measure MBL in clinical trials; and (4) consider the feasibility of using pictorial charts in primary care.

Methods

A literature review was conducted using Embase and MEDLINE databases. The review identified reports of women with self-perceived or actual heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), bleeding disorders, abnormal uterine bleeding, leiomyomata (uterine fibroids) or endometriosis, and women undergoing treatment for HMB, as well as those with normal menstrual periods. Data were reviewed from studies that focused on the development and validation of PBACs and from those that used derivative noncertified charts to assess HMB.

Results

Nine studies reported validation of PBAC scoring systems against the alkaline hematin technique. Across these studies, the sensitivity was 58–97%, the specificity was 7.5–95.5%, the positive and negative likelihood ratios were 1.1–13.8 and 0.14–0.56, respectively, and the diagnostic odds ratio was 2.6–52.4. The cut-off score above which the diagnosis of HMB was made ranged from 50 to 185. Several modifications of these PBACs were used in other studies; however, objective confirmation of their validity was not reported. Overall, there was widespread inconsistency of chart design, scoring systems, diagnostic cut-off limits and post-treatment outcome measures.

Conclusions

PBACs are best suited to the controlled and specific environment of clinical studies, where clinical outcome parameters are defined. The current lack of standardization precludes widespread use of the PBAC in primary care.

Review registration number

PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews: CRD42016030083.

Bleeding patterns with the 19.5 mg LNG-IUS, with special focus on the first year of use: implications for counselling

Objective: The aim of the study was to provide an additional, detailed description of early bleeding patterns with the 19.5 mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). Methods: We conducted a pooled analysis of the bleeding diaries of participants in a previously reported phase II randomised controlled study (n = 741) and a phase III study (n = 2904), with 2-year extension phase (n = 707), of the 19.5 mg LNG-IUS. Main outcome measures were the median number of bleeding and/or spotting days per 30-day reference period for 12 months and the influence of the previous contraceptive method and levonorgestrel dose on bleeding patterns. Results: The pooled analysis comprised 1697 women. There was a progressive decline in the number of bleeding and/or spotting days from month 1: the proportion of women with ≤4 bleeding and/or spotting days per month increased from 6.2% in month 1 to 15.8% in month 2, 26.0% in month 3, 39.3% in month 6 and 54.1% in month 12. The median number of bleeding and/or spotting days in month 1 was lowest in women who had previously been using an LNG-IUS. Conclusion: Analysis of bleeding diaries using 30-day reference periods provides detailed insight into bleeding changes in the first months following placement of the 19.5 mg LNG-IUS. This insight may prove useful when counselling women about contraceptive choice and method continuation.

Muscle mass loss in patients with metastatic breast cancer

PURPOSE

To assess the change of body mass index (BMI), muscle mass, visceral and subcutaneous fat in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

METHODS

In this retrospective chart analysis, patients with metastatic breast cancer as initial diagnosis between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed. Patients had received either chemotherapy (CTH) or endocrine therapy (ETH) according to the German S3 Guideline. BMI was calculated from the patients' weight and height. Change of muscle mass, visceral and subcutaneous fat was determined by comparing the surface area of these tissues on transverse CT images at the level of the third lumbar vertebrae (L3) at baseline and during treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients were included in the study, 29 on CTH and 16 on ETH. BMI, visceral and subcutaneous fat remained stable over time for both treatment groups. When taking both treatment groups together, muscle mass decreased significantly by 5.0 ± 2.5 cm² per year (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In patients with metastatic breast cancer, a slight reduction of muscle mass was observed, independent of therapy regimes.

Responsible data sharing in international health research: a systematic review of principles and norms

BACKGROUND

Large-scale linkage of international clinical datasets could lead to unique insights into disease aetiology and facilitate treatment evaluation and drug development. Hereto, multi-stakeholder consortia are currently designing several disease-specific translational research platforms to enable international health data sharing. Despite the recent adoption of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the procedures for how to govern responsible data sharing in such projects are not at all spelled out yet. In search of a first, basic outline of an ethical governance framework, we set out to explore relevant ethical principles and norms.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of literature and ethical guidelines for principles and norms pertaining to data sharing for international health research.

RESULTS

We observed an abundance of principles and norms with considerable convergence at the aggregate level of four overarching themes: societal benefits and value; distribution of risks, benefits and burdens; respect for individuals and groups; and public trust and engagement. However, at the level of principles and norms we identified substantial variation in the phrasing and level of detail, the number and content of norms considered necessary to protect a principle, and the contextual approaches in which principles and norms are used.

CONCLUSIONS

While providing some helpful leads for further work on a coherent governance framework for data sharing, the current collection of principles and norms prompts important questions about how to streamline terminology regarding de-identification and how to harmonise the identified principles and norms into a coherent governance framework that promotes data sharing while securing public trust.

Comparing the EQ-5D-5L utility index based on value sets of different countries: impact on the interpretation of clinical study results

Objective

To compare the country-specific value sets of the EQ-5D-5L utility index and to evaluate the impact on the interpretation of clinical study results. Six country value sets from Canada, England, Japan, Korea, Netherlands and Uruguay were obtained from literature. In addition, ten crosswalk value sets were downloaded from the EuroQol.org website.

Results

For each of the 3125 possible health states the difference between the country with the highest index and the country with the lowest index was calculated. The median difference was 0.417 across the health states. When analyzing multinational clinical studies, country-specific value sets should be used to evaluate treatment effects. Additional country-specific analyses are needed.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-019-4067-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Introduction of a learning model for type 1 loop excision of the transformation zone of the uterine cervix in undergraduate medical students: a prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

We address the impact of applying loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) under direct colposcopic vision teaching to our undergraduates using a self-developed simulation model and a standardized assessment to evaluate the progress of learning.

METHODS

The undergraduate teaching module was composed of a theoretical course on cervical dysplasia, colposcopy, electrosurgery and excisional procedures of the uterine cervix. This was followed by hands-on practical rounds. During the hands-on practice the students performed five "type 1" LEEP under direct colposcopic vision on the self-developed simulator. Based on specimen fragmentation and excision accuracy a score system was established. The students were asked to answer a course evaluation questionnaire.

RESULTS

The accuracy of the excisions showed a statistically significant improvement during the five training procedures (excision depth 7.34 ± 1.60-8.54 ± 1.67 mm, p = 0.0041; deviation from target cone thickness 0.88 ± 1.16-0.13 ± 0.94 mm, p = 0.0116). The fragmentation of the conus decreased (2.57 ± 1.26-1.29 ± 0.60 pieces, p < 0.0001). All this led to a general improvement of the LEEP score (2.59 ± 1.93-0.84 ± 1.03, p = 0.001). The student's questionnaire revealed a subjective satisfaction and improvement of their knowledge in pathomechanism, diagnosis and therapy of cervical pathologies.

CONCLUSION

Undergraduate surgical training, in cervical excisional procedure, is a successful method in improving the students' perception and management of cervical pathologies.

Cross design analysis of randomized and observational data - application to continuation rates for a contraceptive intra uterine device containing Levonorgestrel in adolescents and adults

Background

To combine results from a randomized controlled study (RCT) and an observational study (OS) to evaluate discontinuation rate of a levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine contraceptive device (LNG IUD) in a real-life setting.

Methods

We included 253 parous and nulliparous women aged 21–40 years from our own phase II RCT. A total of 1607 women of all ages (including adolescents, < 20 years) were recruited from an OS. We applied the cross design synthesis (CDS) method recommended by the United States General Accounting Office. This method combines the different strengths of RCTs and OSs into one single estimate.

Results

Combined continuation rates for parous vs nulliparous women could be estimated more precisely as well as overall continuation rates after one (86.6%) and two years (78.5%), irrespective of age and parity.

Conclusion

Cross design synthesis allowed more precise estimation of continuation rates of an intrauterine device.

Using Real-World Data to Extrapolate Evidence From Randomized Controlled Trials

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide evidence for regulatory agencies, shape clinical practice, influence formulary decisions, and have important implications for patients. However, many patient groups that are major consumers of drugs are under-represented in randomized trials. We review three methods to extrapolate evidence from trial participants to different target populations following market approval and discuss how these could be implemented in practice to support regulatory and health technology assessment decisions. Although these methods are not a substitute for less restrictive pre-approval RCTs or rigorous observational studies when sufficient data are available in the post-approval setting, they can help to fill the evidence gap that exists in the early marketing period. Early evidence using real-world data and methods for extrapolating evidence should be reported with clear explanation of assumptions and limitations especially when used to support regulatory and health technology assessment decisions.

A systematic review of methods to measure menstrual blood loss

Background

Since the publication over 50 years ago of the alkaline hematin method for quantifying menstrual blood loss (MBL) many new approaches have been developed to assess MBL. The aim of this systematic review is to determine for methods of measuring MBL: ability to distinguish between normal and heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB); practicalities and limitations in the research setting; and suitability for diagnosing HMB in routine clinical practice.

Methods

Embase®™, MEDLINE®, and ClinicalTrials.gov were screened for studies on the development/validation of MBL assessment methods in women with self-perceived HMB, actual HMB or uterine fibroids, or patients undergoing treatment for HMB. Studies using simulated menstrual fluid and those that included women with normal MBL as controls were also eligible for inclusion. Extracted data included study population, results of validation, and advantages/disadvantages of the technique.

Results

Seventy-one studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The sensitivity and/or specificity of diagnosing HMB were calculated in 16 studies of methods involving self-perception of MBL (11 pictorial), and in one analysis of the menstrual-fluid-loss (MFL) method; in 13 of these studies the comparator was the gold standard alkaline hematin technique. Sensitivity and specificity values by method were, respectively: MFL model, 89, 98%; pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC), 58–99%, 7.5–89%; menstrual pictogram, 82–96%, 88–94%; models/questionnaires, 59–87%, 62–86%, and complaint of HMB, 74, 74%. The power of methods to identify HMB was also assessed using other analyses such as comparison of average measurements: statistical significance was reported for the PBAC, MFL, subjective complaint, and six questionnaires. In addition, PBAC scores, menstrual pictogram volumes, MFL, pad/tampon count, iron loss, and output from three questionnaires correlated significantly with values from a reference method in at least one study. In general, pictorial methods have been more comprehensively validated than questionnaires and models.

Conclusions

Every method to assess MBL has limitations. Pictorial methods strike a good balance between ease of use and validated accuracy of MBL determination, and could complement assessment of HMB using quality of life (QoL) in the clinical and research setting.

Trial registration

PRISMA registration number: CRD42016032956.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12905-018-0627-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Patterns of missing data in the use of the endometriosis symptom diary

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is a common, chronic condition in women of reproductive age that is characterized by the presence of functional endometriotic lesions outside the uterus. The Endometriosis Symptom Diary (ESD) is an electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) instrument that assesses women's experience of endometriosis symptoms, with pain scored using a 0-10 numeric rating scale. This study investigated patterns of data missing from the ESD in the VALEPRO study.

METHODS

Post hoc analyses of missing data were conducted.

RESULTS

Of 272 participants using the ESD, 26.5% had no missing diary entries, 46.7% had > 0-5% of entries missing, 13.2% had > 5-10% of entries missing and 13.6% had > 10% of entries missing over the entire study period. The duration of missing episodes (defined as ≥1 consecutive days with missing diary entries) was generally short; most (81.4%) were 1 day. The difference in mean worst pain scores between missing and complete episodes per participant was - 0.1, suggesting that missing episodes were not related to severity of pain. Entries were significantly more likely to be missing on Fridays (18.5%) and Saturdays (22.9%) compared with other days of the week (p < 0.0001). Participants in the USA had significantly more long missing episodes than those in Germany (proportions of missing episodes longer than 1 day, 22.6 and 10.5%, respectively; p < 0.0001). The proportions of women with ≥1 missing entry were 50.0, 70.2 and 79.8% for women with elementary education, secondary education, and a college or university education, respectively. The proportions of women with ≥1 missing entry were similar for those with and without children (72.2 and 74.3%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Most participants were highly compliant with entering data in the ESD and the amount of missing data was low. Entries were significantly more likely to be missing on Fridays and Saturdays compared with other days of the week, and participants in the USA had significantly more long missing episodes than participants in Germany.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01643122 , registered 4 July 2012.

Evaluating the Relationship Between Visual Acuity and Utilities in Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema Enrolled in Intravitreal Aflibercept Studies

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between visual acuity and utility (health-related quality of life) in diabetic macular edema (DME) using intravitreal aflibercept data.

Methods

The relationship between visual acuity in the best-seeing eye (BSE) and worse-seeing eye (WSE) and utility was explored using ordinary least squares (OLS) and random-effects models adjusted for different covariates (age, age2, sex, body mass index, smoking status, glycated hemoglobin, diabetes severity, comorbidities, and geographic region). Utility was measured using the EuroQoL-five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) and Visual Functioning Questionnaire-Utility Index (VFQ-UI). For each model, coefficients (R2) were reported, and WSE/BSE was expressed as the ratio of coefficients (OLS models). Models were independent of treatment effects, and outcomes from all time points (up to week 100) were included where available.

Results

Data from 1320 patients with DME were analyzed. In all models, the association between visual acuity (BSE > WSE) was stronger with VFQ-UI- than EQ-5D-derived utilities. The estimated relationship between VFQ-UI and visual acuity in the BSE and WSE was robust, even with an increasing number of covariates. WSE/BSE coefficient ratios were similar across VFQ-UI OLS models (32%) compared with EQ-5D models (41%-48%). Actual (unadjusted) versus predicted data plots also showed a better fit with VFQ-UI- than EQ-5D-derived utilities.

Conclusions

These analyses show that VFQ-UI was more sensitive than EQ-5D-derived utilities for measuring the impact of visual acuity in the BSE and WSE. Visual acuity in the BSE was a major contributor to utility, but WSE is also important though to a lesser degree as shown by the coefficient ratios. These new data will be useful for health technology assessments in DME, where utilities data are lacking.

An empirically generated responder definition for rosacea treatment

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to empirically generate a responder definition for the treatment of papulopustular rosacea.

METHODS

A total of 8 multicenter clinical studies on patients with papulopustular facial rosacea were analyzed. All patients were treated with azelaic acid and/or comparator treatments. The severity of rosacea was described by the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) and the number of lesions. Patients with the IGA score of "clear/minimal" were considered as responders, and those staying in the range of IGA "mild to severe" as nonresponders. The respective number of lesions was determined.

RESULTS

A total of 2,748 patients providing 12,410 measurements were included. After treatment, responders showed 2.23±2.48 lesions (median 2 lesions [0-3]), and nonresponders showed 13.74±10.40 lesions (median 12 lesions [6-18]). The optimal cutoff point between both groups was 5.69 lesions.

CONCLUSION

The calculated cutoff point of 5.69 lesions allows discrimination of responders (5 or less remaining lesions) and nonresponders (6 or more remaining lesions) of therapeutic interventions in rosacea.

Cervical Strain Elastography in Pregnancy and Association with Maternal Factors

Purpose To assess cervical elasticity in different regions by sonoelastography, to compare the results to the Bishop score, cervical length, week of pregnancy and other maternal factors (age, weight, parity) and to evaluate the reproducibility of the method. Materials and Methods 131 patients between 17 - 41 gestational weeks were examined by transvaginal cervical strain elastography. In the sagittal view strain values were calculated in 7 regions of interest (ROI; external and internal os anterior/posterior, middle part anterior/posterior, cervical canal). In the cross sectional views strain values in 3 ROIs were evaluated at the level of the internal and external cervical os (anterior/posterior, cervical canal). The intra- and interobserver variance was tested. Results Strain values differed highly significantly in different parts of the cervix (p < 0.001). The anterior parts and the cervical canal were significantly softer with increasing gestational age and Bishop score, and the posterior parts were significantly harder with increasing maternal age, weight, parity. Cervical length showed an inverse relationship to cervical softness. The intra- and interobserver variance was low. Conclusion Elastography is a reproducible method for the evaluation of cervical elasticity in pregnancy. It showed a significant association with the Bishop score and other maternal factors and could provide additional information about changes in cervical stiffness in pregnancy.

Safety and perioperative morbidity of laparoscopic sacropexy: a systematic analysis and a comparison with laparoscopic hysterectomy

PURPOSE

The high prevalence of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) along with the demographic trend of the ageing population raises the value of sacropexy in the treatment of POP. Thus, efforts to decrease risks associated with this procedure have the potential for public health impact. We examined the perioperative morbidity of laparoscopic sacropexy regarding the surgical access and compared it with the morbidity of one of the most common gynecological procedure, the laparoscopic hysterectomy. Our aim was to prove the safety of laparoscopic sacropexy.

METHODS

A retrospective evaluation of 80 consecutive laparoscopic sacropexies performed from Sept. 2012 until Oct. 2014 and 126 laparoscopic hysterectomies for a benign indication were undertaken. We assessed the anatomical outcome and the intra- and postoperative complications using the classification system according to Clavien-Dindo (CD).

RESULTS

Apical success rate after sacropexy was 100% and global success rate was 95% (POP-Q stage ≤1). The decline in hemoglobin was low in both groups and showed no statistically significant differences. Both operative time (P < 0.001) and the duration of hospitalization (P < 0.001) were longer in case of a sacropexy. Although overall intraoperative complications seemed more frequent during a sacropexy, differences were not statistically significant. Both early and late postoperative complications showed a higher rate of mild complications (CD-I/II) and a lower rate of severe complications (CD-IIIa/IIIb) after a sacropexy. The differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic sacropexy represents a safe procedure with good anatomical outcome. Despite higher technical severity, it doesn't seem to bare higher risks for perioperative morbidity than the laparoscopic hysterectomy does.

Best practice for analysis of shared clinical trial data

Background

Greater transparency, including sharing of patient-level data for further research, is an increasingly important topic for organisations who sponsor, fund and conduct clinical trials. This is a major paradigm shift with the aim of maximising the value of patient-level data from clinical trials for the benefit of future patients and society. We consider the analysis of shared clinical trial data in three broad categories: (1) reanalysis - further investigation of the efficacy and safety of the randomized intervention, (2) meta-analysis, and (3) supplemental analysis for a research question that is not directly assessing the randomized intervention.

Discussion

In order to support appropriate interpretation and limit the risk of misleading findings, analysis of shared clinical trial data should have a pre-specified analysis plan. However, it is not generally possible to limit bias and control multiplicity to the extent that is possible in the original trial design, conduct and analysis, and this should be acknowledged and taken into account when interpreting results. We highlight a number of areas where specific considerations arise in planning, conducting, interpreting and reporting analyses of shared clinical trial data. A key issue is that that these analyses essentially share many of the limitations of any post hoc analyses beyond the original specified analyses. The use of individual patient data in meta-analysis can provide increased precision and reduce bias. Supplemental analyses are subject to many of the same issues that arise in broader epidemiological analyses. Specific discussion topics are addressed within each of these areas.

Summary

Increased provision of patient-level data from industry and academic-led clinical trials for secondary research can benefit future patients and society. Responsible data sharing, including transparency of the research objectives, analysis plans and of the results will support appropriate interpretation and help to address the risk of misleading results and avoid unfounded health scares.