Prediction Models for Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS): A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal

Background

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) are complications with a risk of maternal morbidity. To estimate the individual risk of OASIS, prediction models have been developed.

Objectives

Identifying studies on development and validation of prediction models for OASIS, with a critical assessment of methodology and clinical applicability.

Search Strategy

This systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the CHecklist for Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies (CHARMS). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched up to 26 June 2024.

Selection Criteria

Studies with description of model performance used for the development of prediction models.

Data Collection and Analysis

Data extraction and assessment were performed by two independent researchers. The Prediction model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) was used to assess risk of bias and applicability.

Main Results

Of the 855 retrieved papers, 16 papers with 25 prediction models for OASIS were included. In these models, 2 to 15 variables were used. Model discrimination ranged from 0.64 to 0.83. All studies had shortcomings, particularly because of small or non-generalisable cohorts and were at risk of bias. Nine studies were of concern regarding clinical applicability. There were no geographical external validation studies of the 25 pre-existing models.

Conclusions

The included prediction models for OASIS were of low or moderate quality and not applicable for use in clinical care yet. Future studies should focus on developing models based on larger generalisable multicentre cohorts, with clinically applicable predictors and with internal and external validation.