Prognostic factors for the development and progression of proliferative diabetic retinopathy in people with diabetic retinopathy

Objectives: This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (prognosis). The objectives are as follows:. Primary objectives To assess prognostic factors for predicting the occurrence of PDR in individuals with diabetic retinopathy. Table 1. PICOTS of the primary objective (Table presented.). Secondary objectives To assess prognostic risk factors for predicting the progression of PDR from less than HRC-PDR to HRC-PDR. Table 2. PICOTS of the secondary objective (Table presented.). Investigation of sources of heterogeneity between studies We anticipate between-study heterogeneity relating to two key areas. Clinical heterogeneity including the effect of different comorbidities, medications, and interventions in study cohorts. Differences in how outcomes are measured, such as diagnoses of PDR (clinical examination versus supported by imaging/imaging technologies used) and how progression is defined. Methodological heterogeneity generated from different study designs, and how robustly studies are conducted with regard to risk of bias and approach to analysis. We will explore the effects of these aspects of heterogeneity if a meta-analysis is conducted.