Protocol for a systematic review of the diagnostic test accuracy of
tests for IgE-mediated food allergy
Abstract
Background: The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
(EAACI) is in the process of updating the guidelines on the diagnosis
and management of food allergy. The existing guidelines are based on a
systematic review of the literature until 30th September 2012.
Therefore, a new systematic review must be undertaken to inform the new
guidelines. This systematic review aims to assess the accuracy of index
tests to support the diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergy. Methods:
The databases Cochrane CENTRAL (Trials), MEDLINE (OVID) and Embase
(OVID) will be searched for diagnostic test accuracy studies from 1st
October 2012 to 30th June 2021. Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be
used to select appropriate studies. Data from these studies will be
extracted and tabulated, and then reviewed for risk of bias and
applicability using the QUADAS-2 tool. All evaluation will be done in
duplicate. Studies with a high risk of bias and low applicability will
be excluded. Meta-analysis will be performed if there are three or more
studies of the same index test and food. Results: A protocol for the
systematic review and meta-analyses is presented and was registered
using Prospero prior to commencing the literature search. Discussion:
Oral food challenges are the reference standard for diagnosis but
involve considerable risks and resources. This protocol for systematic
review aims to assess the accuracy of various tests to diagnose food
allergy, which can be useful in both clinical and research settings.