Longitudinal multi-centre brain imaging studies: guidelines and practical tips for accurate and reproducible imaging endpoints and data sharing

Le résumé fourni par la source

Research involving brain imaging is important for understanding common brain diseases. Study endpoints can include features and measures derived from imaging modalities, providing a benchmark against which other phenotypical data can be assessed. In trials, imaging data provides objective evidence of beneficial and adverse outcomes. Multi-centre studies increase generalizability and statistical power. However, there is a lack of practical guidelines for the set-up and conduct of large neuroimaging studies. We address this deficit by describing aspects of study design and other essential practical considerations that will help researchers avoid common pitfalls and data loss. The recommendations are grouped as: 1. Get help from experts in the field and plan the study, 2. Define the imaging endpoints, develop an imaging manual and have a system in place to manage the workflow, 3. Perform a dummy run test scan and test the analysis methods, 4. Acquire the scans, 5. Data anonymisation and transfer, 6. Quality control, 7. Data sharing. Implementing these steps will lead to valuable and usable data and help avoid imaging data wastage. Additionally, we highlight the importance of data sharing to maximize the benefits of the research to society by making the data available to other researchers.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.