Multifocal multichannel objective perimetry
Medical Services Advisory Committee
Record ID 32003000462
English
Authors' objectives:
This review aims to assess the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and safety of multifocal multichannel objective perimetry (MMP), an objective electrophysiological technique used to detect visual field defects.
Authors' results and conclusions:
Safety: The extensive literature search revealed a lack of safety data. However, as the test is noninvasive, the risks to subjects should be minimal. Multifocal VEPs are recorded by placing electrodes on the back of the scalp over the area of the occipital cortex. Skin abrasions may be associated with the use of scalp electrodes. Although this possibility was acknowledged in the literature, no frequencies of adverse events were reported in any of the papers reviewed.
Effectiveness: Limitations associated with the available evidence preclude evaluation of the clinical effectiveness of MMP. Two studies with a sub-optimal design for determining the effectiveness of a diagnostic test were identified. Both reported sensitivities ranging from 95 per cent to 100 per cent and specificities from 93 per cent to 97 per cent which are likely to be overestimates, as the included studies were susceptible to bias due to study design constraints and failure to meet validity criteria. As patient management and clinical outcomes were not addressed in any of the available studies it cannot be demonstrated whether the test would improve patient management or whether it could help to slow the progression of glaucoma or any other disease that results in visual field defects.
Authors' recommendations:
Since there is currently insufficient evidence pertaining to multifocal multichannel objective perimetry, the MSAC recommended that public funding should not be supported at this time for this procedure.
Authors' methods:
Systematic review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.msac.gov.au/reports.htm
Year Published:
2002
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Australia
MeSH Terms
- Costs and Cost Analysis
- Visual Fields
- Vision Disorders
Contact
Organisation Name:
Medical Services Advisory Committee
Contact Address:
MSAC (MDP 107), GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Tel: +61 2 6289 6811; Fax: +61 2 6289 8799.
Contact Name:
msac.secretariat@health.gov.au
Contact Email:
msac.secretariat@health.gov.au
Copyright:
Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.