Risk factors for anterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Although the research on the risk factors of anterior communicating artery (AComA) aneurysm has made great progress, the independent effect of each risk factor on the rupture of AComA aneurysm is controversial among different studies. We will perform a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate risk factors for AComA aneurysm rupture and quantify their independent effects. METHODS: A systematic search according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted from inception to August 31, 2021 for published studies concerning risk factors for AComA aneurysm rupture. In the absence of statistical heterogeneity (ie, P > .10 and I(2) < 50%), we will use a fixed-effects model to pool the results across sufficient studies. Otherwise, we will present the results employing the random-effects model. Quality assessment of the included studies will be evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Statistical analyses will be performed using Stata16 (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA) software. RESULTS: The findings of this study will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will provide evidence to determine the risk factors that affect the rupture of the AComA aneurysm and quantify their independent effects. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Since the proposed study uses pre-published data, ethical approval is not required. REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021284262. (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/).