Journal of the National Medical Association最新文献

{"title":"Superior sagittal sinus thrombosis in a neonate","authors":"Ezzat Khodashenas , Ashraf Mohammadzadeh , Ahmad Shah Farhat , Elias mazrooei rad , Vahideh Hosseinzadeh , Zakiyeh Hosseinnia","doi":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.09.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.09.004","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17369,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the National Medical Association","volume":"117 6","pages":"Pages 373-376"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145182480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A spatiotemporal analysis of liver cancer in the US (2010 – 2019)","authors":"Raid Amin ,&nbsp;Sudakshina Singha Roy","doi":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Liver cancer remains an important issue of public health management in the United States, and the geographical differences in mortality indicators are noticeable. Understanding space-time models and basic risk factors is important for targeted public health mediation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study examined liver cancer mortality at the county level across the United States from 2010 to 2019. The disease surveillance software SatScan™ was employed to detect statistically significant purely spatial and temporal clusters of elevated liver cancer mortality counts and rates. The negative binomial regression model was used to assess the connection between the mortality of liver cancer, and various important risk factors such as mortality due to cirrhosis, the prevalence of hepatitis C, and other selected socioeconomic and demographic indicators.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study shows 20 significant purely spatial clusters and 15 retrospective space-time clusters with high death risk, with the most extreme cluster located in Anderson County, Texas (Relative Risk = 4.04). High risk areas were concentrated in Northwestern United States, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and the southeastern United States. The regression model pointed out mortality rate due to cirrhosis, excessive alcohol consumption, stomach cancer mortality and the prevalence of hepatitis C as the strongest predictors of liver cancer mortality based on Wald’s chi-square statistic. A covariate adjusted spatial analysis revealed high-risk clusters in parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida, implying the influence of additional unexplained factors.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study emphasizes specific elevated risk areas that require further epidemiological studies by providing important information on the spatial and temporal distribution of deaths due to liver cancer in the United States. The results highlight the role of biological, behavioral and socioeconomic risk factors in the formation of mortality patterns. These results showcase future research on environmental, medical and lifestyles that support public health plans to promote liver cancer and reduce the mortality of vulnerable population groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17369,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the National Medical Association","volume":"117 6","pages":"Pages 397-406"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144985101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preterm birth trends in the United States post aspirin recommendation guidelines","authors":"Mariam K. Ayyash ,&nbsp;Huda B. Al-Kouatly ,&nbsp;Majid Shaman ,&nbsp;Rodney A. Mclaren Jr.","doi":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To evaluate changes in preterm birth (PTB) rates in the U.S. following the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) aspirin recommendation guidelines.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the US Natality database. The pre-aspirin (pre-ASA) group included births from 2010–2014, while the post-aspirin (post-ASA) group included births from 2016–2021. Births from 2015, the guideline publication year, were excluded. Outcomes were overall PTB rates (&lt;37 weeks) and early PTB rates (&lt;34 weeks). Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. Projected trends based on 2010–2014 data were compared to observed trends post-guideline implementation to assess differences.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The pre-ASA group included 12.1 million births, and the post-ASA group included 17.6 million. Adjusted analyses showed lower PTB rates in the post-ASA group: &lt;37 weeks (8.4 % vs 8.8 %; aOR 0.940 [0.937–0.944]) and &lt;34 weeks (2.3 % vs 2.4 %; aOR 0.92 [0.910–0.923]). However, observed post-ASA trends closely followed projected trends until 2021, when PTB rates exceeded projections.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Although adjusted analyses suggest modest reductions in PTB following USPSTF aspirin guidelines, observed trends did not show a clear reduction following aspirin implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17369,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the National Medical Association","volume":"117 6","pages":"Pages 378-383"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144985058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disparities and trends in cardiovascular disease mortality in patients with acute kidney injury in the United States from 1999-2020","authors":"Syed Ibad Ahsan ,&nbsp;Ruqiat Masooma Batool ,&nbsp;Mariam Shahabi ,&nbsp;Reyan Hussain Shaikh ,&nbsp;Saad Ahmed Waqas ,&nbsp;Mian Muinuddin Jamshed ,&nbsp;Farhan Shahid ,&nbsp;Syed Rizwan Bokhari ,&nbsp;Saeed Ahmed ,&nbsp;Raheel Ahmed","doi":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant health burden associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Persistent disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality among AKI patients underscore the need for improved understanding and interventions to improve patient outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed data from the CDC WONDER dataset to examine trends in CVD-related mortality among AKI patients in the United States from 1999 to 2020. Trends were assessed by demographic factors, geographic region, and underlying CVD causes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A significant decline in CVD mortality among AKI patients was observed, particularly after 2010. However, disparities persisted. Males, older adults, and Non-Hispanic Black individuals exhibited higher CVD mortality rates. Geographic variations were evident, with the Western region showing the highest burden. Ischemic heart disease was the most prevalent underlying cause of CVD-related deaths.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Continued efforts are needed to reduce CVD mortality in AKI patients, especially among vulnerable populations. Addressing disparities in healthcare access, improving early detection and management of AKI, and implementing preventive strategies are crucial to improve outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17369,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the National Medical Association","volume":"117 6","pages":"Pages 384-396"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144985041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influencing factors and their diagnostic value of plastic bronchitis in children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia","authors":"Yanan Deng ,&nbsp;Jing Zhang ,&nbsp;Weigang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.104","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.104","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>We aimed to investigate the influencing factors and diagnostic value of plastic bronchitis (PB) in children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae (RMPP).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective analysis was conducted on 147 children diagnosed with RMPP between January 2022 and December 2024. Patients were divided into a PB group (n =32) and a Non-PB group (n = 115). General features, extrapulmonary manifestations, and laboratory parameters were compared. Independent risk factors for PB were identified by binary logistic regression. ROC curve and DeLong test were used to assess the predictive performance of CRP, LDH, and their combination.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The PB group exhibited higher rates of fever duration &gt; 10 days, wheeze, hypoxemia, atelectasis, and pleural effusion versus the Non-PB group (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Digestive, hematologic, mucocutaneous, and pleural complications were more frequent in PB cases (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Laboratory analyses revealed lower LY and elevated NEUT, CRP, LDH, ALT, AST, D-D, and Fibrinogen (Fg) in the PB group relative to the Non-PB group (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Binary logistic regression identified CRP and LDH as independent risk factors for PB in RMPP children (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Combined CRP+LDH showed superior predictive accuracy (AUC 0.911) compared to CRP (0.805) or LDH (0.824) alone (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Elevated CRP and LDH levels are strong predictors for PB in children with RMPP, and their combined assessment offers higher diagnostic value.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17369,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the National Medical Association","volume":"117 6","pages":"Pages 530-536"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145277035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Full subsidy and direct delivery of essential chronic disease medications for low-income populations: A pilot randomized controlled trial","authors":"Satya Surbhi ,&nbsp;Cori Grant ,&nbsp;Elizabeth A Tolley ,&nbsp;Kriti Bomb ,&nbsp;Csaba P. Kovesdy ,&nbsp;Thomas Kerby ,&nbsp;Hadii M. Mamudu ,&nbsp;James E. Bailey","doi":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Care transition interventions focused on medication therapy management have not proven effective among low-income populations. This pilot study assesses a novel intervention approach that directly addresses social determinants of health (SDoH) reported as major barriers to medication adherence post-hospitalization by low-income patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This pilot pragmatic randomized controlled trial enrolled hospitalized adult Medicaid and uninsured patients with ambulatory care sensitive conditions using ≥2 chronic disease medications from a large safety-net hospital in the Mid-South. Patients were randomized to one of four groups 1) usual care, 2) full medication subsidy, 3) bedside delivery at discharge and subsequent home delivery of medications, or 4) full medication subsidy combined with bedside delivery and home delivery of medications. Interventions were implemented through standardized hospital pharmacy protocols for 3 months following index hospital discharge. Using generalized linear models, we assessed average adherence to chronic disease medications using pill counts and quality of life using a patient-reported Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Health-Related Quality of Life survey at 3-month.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 42 patients randomized, the majority were uninsured (52 %), men (60 %), and African Americans (81 %). The mean was 51.1 (SD±10.5) years. The majority had less than a high school education (80.9 %) and low health literacy (51.3 %). At baseline, 40.4 % reported not being able to pay rent and utility bills, 28.6 % reported living in an unsafe neighborhood, and 45.2 % reported having food insecurity in the past year. Those randomized to full medication subsidy, bedside delivery, and home delivery (Group 4) had the highest nominal mean medication adherence at 3-months at 87.5 % (<em>p</em> = 0.20) when compared to the other three groups (group 1: 69.5 %, group 2: 64.2 %, group 3: 59.3 %). Additionally, after adjusting for baseline quality of life, at 3-month, patients in group 4 reported the lowest nominal mean number of days in the past 30 days when their physical health was not good, compared to other groups (group 1: 15.5, group 2: 11.1, group 3: 10.3, group 4: 7.8, <em>p</em> = 0.25).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>While not statistically significant, the findings demonstrate the potential benefit of providing both medication subsidy and bedside and home delivery of medications among low-income populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17369,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the National Medical Association","volume":"117 6","pages":"Pages 470-478"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145093402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between hemoglobin albumin lymphocyte and platelet (HALP) score and psoriasis: Evidence from NHANES","authors":"Min Fan ,&nbsp;Lingli Zhang ,&nbsp;Qing Yin ,&nbsp;Fangfang Bao ,&nbsp;Yuping Zhou ,&nbsp;Enfa Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.099","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.099","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The HALP (hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet) score is a novel indicator that measures systemic inflammation and nutritional status. This study aimed to investigate the association between HALP score and psoriasis in US participants.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2003–2006, 2009–2014) were utilized. HALP score was calculated as hemoglobin (g/L) × albumin (g/L) × lymphocytes (/L)/platelets (/L).</div><div>The study participants were divided into 4 groups based on quartiles cutoffs of the HALP score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between the HALP score and psoriasis. Restricted cubic spline analysis, and subgroup analysis were used to investigate relationships between HALP score and psoriasis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 23,389 participants were included, with 613 (2.62 %) having psoriasis. HALP scores ranged from 0.381 to 21.152, with quartile cutoffs of Q1: ≤3.87, Q2: 3.87–5.09, Q3: 5.09–6.63, and Q4: ≥6.63. The relationship between HALP score and psoriasis was linear (P for nonlinear = 0.4612). Each unit increase in HALP score was associated with 5 % lower odds of psoriasis (OR = 0.95, 95 %CI: 0.91–0.99, <em>P</em> = 0.022). Participants in the third and fourth HALP quartiles had significantly lower odds of psoriasis (OR = 0.76; 95 % CI: 0.60–0.98; OR = 0.71; 95 % CI: 0.54–0.92, respectively) compared with the first quartile, representing a clinically meaningful 29 % risk reduction that could inform psoriasis risk stratification strategies. Similar results were seen in female, non-Hispanic White, without history of malignancy, CVD, and diabetes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Higher HALP score was independently associated with a clinically meaningful decreased risk of psoriasis. The substantial risk reduction observed suggests that HALP score, derived from routine laboratory tests, could serve as a practical and cost-effective biomarker for psoriasis risk stratification in clinical practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17369,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the National Medical Association","volume":"117 6","pages":"Pages 412-423"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Harnessing Drosophila melanogaster for biomedical innovation in Africa: Trends, challenges, and opportunities","authors":"Sefiu Olalekan Olaleye ,&nbsp;Tamuno-Boma Odinga-Israel","doi":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Africa bears 24 % of the global disease burden yet contributes only 1 % of research output. <em>Drosophila melanogaster</em> – with 75 % human disease gene homology and minimal infrastructure needs – offers untapped potential for equitable biomedical innovation in resource-limited settings. This study is aimed at analyzing two decades of publication trends to identify key advancements in harnessing <em>Drosophila</em> for African biomedical innovation, challenges, and opportunities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted bibliometric analysis (2004–2024) using Scopus with set inclusion criteria. Our validated search string identified 438 eligible publications from African institutions. Data on authorship, citations, funding, and keywords were extracted and analyzed via VOSviewer. Manual thematic validation aligned publications with biomedical innovation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Africa contributed 1.1 % of global Drosophila output on biomedical research. Annual publications grew from 8 (2004) to 59 (2022), yet output concentrated in three nations: Nigeria (34 %), Egypt (27 %), and South Africa (14 %) out of the 54 African countries. Foreign funders, such as National Institutes of Health (NIH) and European Union (EU Commission), supported &gt;80 % of studies, creating dependency. Intra-African collaboration was negligible (&lt;5 % cross-border co-authorships). Biochemistry and Genetics constituted 24.6 % of research.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Drosophila</em> enables cost-effective study of Africa’s priority diseases (malaria, sickle cell anemia) and biodiverse pharmacopeia. We propose: decentralized hubs using Nigeria’s Drosophila Research and Training Centre (DRTC) model; African-led funding; and pan-African networks to democratize innovation. Strategic investment can transform regional health challenges into globally relevant breakthroughs while reversing brain drain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17369,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the National Medical Association","volume":"117 6","pages":"Pages 443-448"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144985082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare and society: A historical imperative, ethical framework, and strategic pathway amidst evolving challenges","authors":"Daniel Laroche ,&nbsp;Melanie Scheive","doi":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.098","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.098","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives aim to address systemic inequalities related to race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other identities in workplaces and society. Rooted in the civil rights struggles of the United States, DEI has evolved from affirmative action policies of the 1960s to broader efforts promoting inclusive environments and equitable opportunities.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This paper explores the core principles of DEI, its historical context in American legal discrimination, the evolution and expansion of DEI initiatives, evidence-based responses to common criticisms, and the ongoing challenges and societal benefits of advancing DEI efforts.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature review of historical documents, legislative milestones, social movements, contemporary literature was conducted to synthesize the evolution and practical implications of DEI. This approach facilitates a nuanced understanding of DEI’s necessity and impact within health equity.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>DEI encompasses diversity (valuing differences), equity (fair treatment and access), and inclusion (empowering participation). Historical legal discrimination against African Americans, including slavery, Black Codes, Jim Crow laws, and voter suppression, created deep-seated systemic inequities within American society, workplaces, and healthcare. Affirmative action, initiated in the 1960s, laid the foundation for modern DEI efforts, which have expanded to include multiple marginalized groups. DEI initiatives have benefits to individuals and organizations that improve collaborate and innovation to overall enhance U.S. population health and wellbeing.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>DEI remains a vital framework for addressing historical and systemic inequalities in American society and workplaces, particularly within healthcare. Effective DEI programs require sustained commitment, expert facilitation, and broad-based support to overcome resistance. Continued advocacy and research are essential to realize the full benefits of DEI for all individuals and organizations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17369,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the National Medical Association","volume":"117 6","pages":"Pages 364-369"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145103261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Forecasting medical school success: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the predictive value of MCAT scores","authors":"Benedict Harvey ,&nbsp;Muhammad Danyal Ahsan ,&nbsp;Isabelle R. Chandler ,&nbsp;Rylee McGonigle ,&nbsp;Isabel Murray ,&nbsp;Rebecca Zhang ,&nbsp;Hussain A. Qazi ,&nbsp;Jesse Brewer ,&nbsp;Benjamin Grant ,&nbsp;Rohit Palekar ,&nbsp;Julia Rothman ,&nbsp;Adina Mistry ,&nbsp;Kevin M. Holcomb","doi":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.108","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.108","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the ability of the 2015 Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to predict various medical school performance metrics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature search was conducted, and articles were evaluated for inclusion per pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Peer-reviewed primary research studies reporting on the association between the 2015 MCAT and medical school performance metrics at US allopathic medical schools were included. Correlation data for MCAT scores and pre-clinical grades, clinical clerkship grades, NBME clerkship exam scores, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2CK scores, and other relevant metrics were extracted. Meta-analyses of pooled correlation coefficients were performed using R software. The strength of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE framework.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twelve studies comprising 39,413 medical students were included. Meta-analysis of 3 studies showed a pooled correlation coefficient of r=0.49 (95% CI 0.37 – 0.60) between MCAT and USMLE Step 1 scores. Meta-analysis of 2 studies showed a pooled correlation coefficient of r=0.42 (95% CI 0.15 – 0.64) between MCAT and USMLE Step 2CK scores. The overall quality of evidence supporting the MCAT as a predictive measure of USMLE Step 1 or 2CK scores was rated as low using the GRADE framework.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>There are limited data evaluating the predictive ability of the current MCAT on medical school performance, with our meta-analyses demonstrating a moderate correlation between MCAT and USMLE Step 1 or 2CK scores. Future research exploring the MCAT's predictive performance for diverse student populations and medical school performance metrics beyond standardized test scores is warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17369,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the National Medical Association","volume":"117 6","pages":"Pages 479-489"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145093387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}