Predictive value of miR-210 as a novel biomarker for pre-eclampsia: a systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a serious condition affecting 3-5% of all pregnancies worldwide. However, underlying molecular pathogenesis of this disease has largely remained unknown. Recently, several studies have indicated the possibility role of microRNAs, especially miR-210, in the aetiology of PE. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the possible role of miR-210 as a novel biomarker for the prediction of PE.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Using a combination of mesh terms 'preeclampsia', 'microRNA' and their equivalents, an electronic search will be performed for all observational studies (cross sectional, case-control and cohort) in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS and OvidSP MEDLINE from January 2005 to December 2015. Furthermore, other sources are searched, including grey literature, reference lists of relevant primary studies as well as key journals. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment of studies will be performed independently by 2 reviewers, and any disagreement will be resolved by consensus. If sufficient data are available, it will be combined by either fixed or random effects models. We will investigate the source)s(and degree of heterogeneity using 'Heterogeneity χ(2)' and I(2). Heterogeneity would be investigated through either subgroup analysis or metaregression. Stata V.11.1 will be used for data analysis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The results of this study are disseminated in peer-reviewed journal articles and academic presentations. Formal ethical approval is not required, since the secondary data will be collected.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42015032345.