Ahmed Elghzali, Vinay Swami, M D Hossain, Garrett Jones, J Tyler Babek, Christian Hemmerich, Haley Howard, Seraphim Himes, Jennifer Cox, Alicia Ito Ford, Matt Vassar
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the diversity and representation of diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients in clinical trials conducted in the United States from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023.
Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was conducted on May 28th, 2024 using MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase (Elsevier) to identify relevant clinical trials. Inclusion criteria included trials published between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2023, focusing on interventions for DR that were conducted in the United States. Screening and data extraction were independently performed by three reviewers.
Results: Eleven clinical trials met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for participant representation based on sex, age, and race/ethnicity. Sex representation was rated as good in 9 of the 11 studies. However, age representation was rarely reported (only 1/11 studies) and race/ethnicity representation was poor in 6 of the 11 studies. The findings highlight significant underrepresentation of Asian and Black populations.
Conclusion: This study reveals substantial disparities in the demographic representation within DR clinical trials in the United States, emphasizing the critical need for improved inclusion strategies. Enhancing diversity in these trials is essential for producing research findings that are more applicable to the broader population affected by DR, ultimately contributing to more equitable healthcare outcomes and advancing the effectiveness of treatments across diverse demographic groups.
期刊介绍:
Ophthalmic Epidemiology is dedicated to the publication of original research into eye and vision health in the fields of epidemiology, public health and the prevention of blindness. Ophthalmic Epidemiology publishes editorials, original research reports, systematic reviews and meta-analysis articles, brief communications and letters to the editor on all subjects related to ophthalmic epidemiology. A broad range of topics is suitable, such as: evaluating the risk of ocular diseases, general and specific study designs, screening program implementation and evaluation, eye health care access, delivery and outcomes, therapeutic efficacy or effectiveness, disease prognosis and quality of life, cost-benefit analysis, biostatistical theory and risk factor analysis. We are looking to expand our engagement with reports of international interest, including those regarding problems affecting developing countries, although reports from all over the world potentially are suitable. Clinical case reports, small case series (not enough for a cohort analysis) articles and animal research reports are not appropriate for this journal.