Date of Award
Spring 2021
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Kimberly Erikson
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory gynecological condition. Laparoscopic abdominopelvic exploration is the gold standard of diagnosis, but is not performed until patients experience severe symptoms. This review analyzes the levels of circulating micro-RNAs (miRNAs) (I) for diagnosis of endometriosis (O) in women diagnosed with endometriosis (P) compared to laparoscopic exploration (C).
Methods: A literature search was conducted through PubMed and Cochrane Library in November 2019. A total of nine articles consisting of case-control or systematic reviews were selected based on publication date, main outcome, and the use of miRNAs or laparoscopy for diagnosis of endometriosis.
Results: The eight case-control studies demonstrated statistically significant differences in levels of miRNAs in cases versus controls. None of the studies examined the same miRNAs. Three of the studies examined expression levels of miRNA samples from serum; five examined expression levels of miRNA in plasma samples. Eight studies examined the diagnostic potential of miRNAs. Nine miRNAs had a sensitivity or specificity above 90%, but only one had both above 90%. One study established the specificity and sensitivity of laparoscopic exploration, which acted as the comparator.
Discussion: All of the case-control studies demonstrated that several miRNAs significantly differed between cases and controls. However, due to small sample sizes, differing endometriosis classification systems, varying miRNAs examined, or nonsignificant areas under the curve (AUC), it is difficult to determine the clinical significance of miRNAs in diagnosing endometriosis. The collected information was not enough to conclude that miRNAs are superior to laparoscopic exploration of the abdominopelvic cavity in the diagnosis of endometriosis.
Conclusion: miRNAs might be useful biomarkers for endometriosis. The studies selected for review found significant differences in levels of miRNAs in cases versus controls. However, lack of statistical power limits the clinical significance of these results. Further research is needed to determine diagnostic accuracy of miRNAs.
Recommended Citation
Franey, Maura, "The efficacy of miRNAs as a diagnostic tool for endometriosis" (2021). Capstone Showcase. 16.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2021/pa/16
Additional Files
Franey, Maura PICO references .docx (15 kB)References
Franey capstone.mp4 (8931 kB)
Description of Poster
The efficacy of miRNAs as a diagnostic tool for endometriosis
Abstract
Introduction: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory gynecological condition. Laparoscopic abdominopelvic exploration is the gold standard of diagnosis, but is not performed until patients experience severe symptoms. This review analyzes the levels of circulating micro-RNAs (miRNAs) (I) for diagnosis of endometriosis (O) in women diagnosed with endometriosis (P) compared to laparoscopic exploration (C).
Methods: A literature search was conducted through PubMed and Cochrane Library in November 2019. A total of nine articles consisting of case-control or systematic reviews were selected based on publication date, main outcome, and the use of miRNAs or laparoscopy for diagnosis of endometriosis.
Results: The eight case-control studies demonstrated statistically significant differences in levels of miRNAs in cases versus controls. None of the studies examined the same miRNAs. Three of the studies examined expression levels of miRNA samples from serum; five examined expression levels of miRNA in plasma samples. Eight studies examined the diagnostic potential of miRNAs. Nine miRNAs had a sensitivity or specificity above 90%, but only one had both above 90%. One study established the specificity and sensitivity of laparoscopic exploration, which acted as the comparator.
Discussion: All of the case-control studies demonstrated that several miRNAs significantly differed between cases and controls. However, due to small sample sizes, differing endometriosis classification systems, varying miRNAs examined, or nonsignificant areas under the curve (AUC), it is difficult to determine the clinical significance of miRNAs in diagnosing endometriosis. The collected information was not enough to conclude that miRNAs are superior to laparoscopic exploration of the abdominopelvic cavity in the diagnosis of endometriosis.
Conclusion: miRNAs might be useful biomarkers for endometriosis. The studies selected for review found significant differences in levels of miRNAs in cases versus controls. However, lack of statistical power limits the clinical significance of these results. Further research is needed to determine diagnostic accuracy of miRNAs.