Baseline Data and Measurement Instruments Reported in Observational Studies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results from a Systematic Review

Background
Heterogeneity in demographic and outcomes data with corresponding measurement instruments [MIs] creates barriers to data pooling and analysis. Several core outcome sets have been developed in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] to homogenize outcomes data. A parallel Minimum Data Set [MDS] for baseline characteristics is lacking. We conducted a systematic review to develop the first MDS.

Methods
A systematic review was made of observational studies from three databases [2000–2021]. Titles and abstracts were screened, full-text articles were reviewed, and data were extracted by two reviewers. Baseline data were grouped into ten domains: demographics, clinical features, disease behaviour/complications, biomarkers, endoscopy, histology, radiology, healthcare utilization and patient-reported data. Frequency of baseline data and MIs within respective domains are reported.

Results
From 315 included studies [600 552 subjects], most originated from Europe [196; 62%] and North America [59; 19%], and were published between 2011 and 2021 [251; 80%]. The most frequent domains were demographics [311; 98.7%] and clinical [289; 91.7%]; 224 [71.1%] studies reported on the triad of sex [306; 97.1%], age [289; 91.7%], and disease phenotype [231; 73.3%]. Few included baseline data for radiology [19; 6%], healthcare utilization [19; 6%], and histology [17; 5.4%]. Ethnicity [19; 6%], race [17; 5.4%], and alcohol/drug consumption [6; 1.9%] were the least reported demographics. From 25 MIs for clinical disease activity, the Harvey–Bradshaw Index [n = 53] and Mayo score [n = 37] were most frequently used.

Conclusions
Substantial variability exists in baseline population data reporting. These findings will inform a future consensus for MDS in IBD to enhance data harmonization and credibility of real-world evidence.

Contributors

Charlotte Wong , Joep van Oostrom , Valerie Pittet , Peter Bossuyt , Jurij Hanzel , Mark Samaan , Monika Tripathi , Wladyslawa Czuber-Dochan , Johan Burisch , Salvatore Leone , Roberto Saldaña , Filip Baert , Uri Kopylov , Susanna Jaghult , Michel Adamina , Krisztina Gecse , Naila Arebi

Publication

Journal: Journal of Crohn's and Colitis
Volume: 18
Issue: 6
Pages: 875 - 884
Year: 2024
DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjae004

Further Study Information

Current Stage: Completed
Date:
Funding source(s): None


Health Area

Disease Category: Gastroenterology

Disease Name: Crohn's disease, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Ulcerative colitis

Target Population

Age Range: 18 - 120

Sex: Either

Nature of Intervention: Any

Stakeholders Involved

Study Type

- Systematic review of outcomes measured in trials

Method(s)

- Systematic review

A systematic review was made of observational studies from three databases [2000–2021]. Titles and abstracts were screened, full-text articles were reviewed, and data were extracted by two reviewers. Baseline data were grouped into ten domains: demographics, clinical features, disease behaviour/complications, biomarkers, endoscopy, histology, radiology, healthcare utilization and patient-reported data. Frequency of baseline data and MIs within respective domains are reported.