Table 4.
Factors that affect symptomatic progression. Results of meta-analyses and individual data analyses
| Factors | Fixed effect model | Heterogeneity | References | Individual data analyses | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD or OR (95% confidence interval) | SympP vs. asymptomatic | ||||
| Age | 4.17* (−1.79 to 10.12), P = 0.29 | I2 = 51%, P = 0.10 | 12, 15, 21, 22, 26, 27 (n = 331) | Med, 73 y.o. vs. Med, 69 y.o. | n = 268, P = 0.091 |
| Sex | 10.08 (3.02–33.65), P = 0.0002 | I2 = 0%, P = 0.96 | 5, 6, 12, 15, 21, 26 (n = 257) | M 8 W 2 vs. M 47 W 211 | n = 268, P <0.0001 |
| Initial size | Diam. 12.44 (8.21–16.68), P <0.0001 | I2 = 28%, P = 0.25 | 12, 15, 21, 22, 26 (n = 288) | Vol. 9.96 cm3 vs. 2.55 cm3 | n = 229, vol. P = 0.0032, diam. P = 0.0035 |
| Diam. 2.67 cm vs. 1.86 cm | |||||
| Calcification | N.A. | (+) 1 (−) 3 vs. (+) 83 (−) 71 | n = 158, P = 0.34 | ||
| T2WI | N.A. | high, 2; iso, 1; low, 0; high, 46; iso, 63; low, 35 | n = 147, P = 0.61 | ||
| Edema | N.A. | (+) 2 (−) 2 vs. (+) 7 (−) 118 | n = 129, P = 0.024 | ||
*
Random effect model. Bold means statistically signify results. MD: mean difference, OR: odds ratio, SympP: symptomatic progression, y.o.: year-old, M: men, N.A.: not available, W: women, Diam.: diameter, Vol.: volume.