Improving CSF Biomarkers' Performance for Predicting Progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease by Considering Different Confounding Factors: A Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers' performance for predicting conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still suboptimal.

Objective

By considering several confounding factors we aimed to identify in which situations these CSF biomarkers can be useful.

Data sources

A systematic review was conducted on MEDLINE, PreMedline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane, and CRD (1990-2013).

Eligibility criteria

(1) Prospective studies of CSF biomarkers' performance for predicting conversion from MCI to AD/dementia; (2) inclusion of Aβ42 and T-tau and/or p-tau. Several meta-analyses were performed.

Results

Aβ42/p-tau ratio had high capacity to predict conversion to AD in MCI patients younger than 70 years. The p-tau had high capacity to identify MCI cases converting to AD in ≤24 months.

Conclusions

Explaining how different confounding factors influence CSF biomarkers' predictive performance is mandatory to elaborate a definitive map of situations, where these CSF biomarkers are useful both in clinics and research.

SUBMITTER: Ferreira D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4199277 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature