by Maguire BJ, Dahal P, Rashan S, Ngu R, Boon A, Forsyth C, Strub-Wourgraft N, Chatelain E, Barreira F, Sosa-Estani S, Guérin PJ. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021;15(8): e0009697. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009697
Summary: Our understanding of Chagas disease remains limited. Harnessing individual participant data (IPD) from studies could support more in-depth analyses to address outstanding research questions. The authors conducted a systematic review to describe studies with Chagas patients receiving antiparasitic treatment published after 1997. Heterogeneity was observed in study design, diagnostic methods, outcome assessment, and treatment regimens in the large number of studies that were identified. While this will be a limitation in pooling IPD, the volume of data available should allow sufficient comparison to form the basis of guidelines for future studies. Development of a Chagas disease data platform for clinical research would facilitate better use of existing data to strengthen evidence for the treatment and diagnosis of Chagas disease.
