Diagnostic tests for pregnancy-related deep vein thrombosis

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Abstract

Objectives: This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (diagnostic). The objectives are as follows:. To determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of the clinically used tests for pregnancy-related DVT. This is a generic protocol that covers two separate reviews. The primary objectives of each review will be the following. Review one:. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of CDRs and D-dimer as triage tests for diagnosis of lower-extremity DVT during pregnancy and the postpartum period. CDR and D-dimer are analyzed as triage tests and will not be directly compared to each other since they are not alternatives but potentially complimentary. Review two:. To determine and compare the accuracy of US and MRI for diagnosis of lower-extremity DVT during pregnancy and the postpartum period. US and MRI are alternatives for the diagnosis of lower-extremity DVT in pregnancy and the postpartum period and will, therefore, be compared for diagnostic superiority if sufficient data are available, as will alternative CDRs. Secondary objectives Secondary objectives will be the following. To investigate the effects of different technological aspects of D-dimer assays, US, and MRI on test accuracy. These will include D-dimer assay types; use of Doppler flow measurement in US; MRI scanner type and scanning technique. To investigate the effect of different thrombus locations on US and MRI accuracy: distal (distal from popliteal vein), proximal (including and proximal from popliteal vein, but below the groin), and pelvic (above the groin). To investigate the effects of varying D-dimer cut-off values on test accuracy. To investigate the effect of trimester on test accuracy. To determine the number of inconclusive test results for US and MRI, defined as neither showing nor excluding DVT.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberCD013794
JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Volume2020
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Nov 2020

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