Research Article: Transdiagnostic MRI markers of psychopathology following traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol
Abstract:
Introduction Psychopathology following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common and debilitating consequence that is often associated with reduced functional and psychosocial outcomes. There is a lack of evidence regarding the neural underpinnings of psychopathology following TBI, and whether there may be transdiagnostic neural markers that are shared across traditional psychiatric diagnoses. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the association of MRI-derived markers of brain structure and function with both transdiagnostic and specific psychopathology following moderate–severe TBI. Methods and analysis A systematic literature search of Embase (1974–2022), Ovid MEDLINE (1946–2022) and PsycINFO (1806–2022) will be conducted. Publications in English that investigate MRI correlates of psychopathology characterised by formal diagnoses or symptoms of psychopathology in closed moderate–severe TBI populations over 16 years of age will be included. Publications will be excluded that: (a) evaluate non-MRI neuroimaging techniques (CT, positron emission tomography, magnetoencephalography, electroencephalogram); (b) comprise primarily a paediatric cohort; (c) comprise primarily penetrating TBI. Eligible studies will be assessed against a modified Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instrument and data will be extracted by two independent reviewers. A descriptive analysis of MRI findings will be provided based on qualitative synthesis of data extracted. Quantitative analyses will include a meta-analysis and a network meta-analysis where there are sufficient data available. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval is not required for the present study as there will be no original data collected. We intend to disseminate the results through publication to a high-quality peer-reviewed journal and conference presentations on completion. PROSPERO registration number CRD42022358358.
Introduction:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death, disability and economic burden worldwide. 1 TBI is defined as an alteration to brain function, or the presence of brain pathology caused by an extraneous force to the head. 2 Closed-head injuries are the most common form of TBI among civilians and occur due to a blunt impact, such as from traffic accidents, falls and sporting-related injuries. 3 4 These injuries are highly heterogeneous and occur across a spectrum of severity from mild to severe based…
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