The Erlangen Glaucoma Registry: a Scientific Database for Longitudinal Analysis of Glaucoma

Language
en
Document Type
Working Paper
Issue Date
2012-11-23
Issue Year
2011
Authors
Lauterwald, Frank
Neumann, Christoph P.
Lenz, Richard
Jünemann, Anselm G.
Mardin, Christian Y.
Meyer-Wegener, Klaus
Horn, Folkert K.
Editor
Abstract

Background: Due to the slow progression of the Glaucoma disease, a large study population and long-time observations are needed to gain insights into its long-term effects and progression rates. Since modalities can export data in machine-readable formats, statistical analyses of the large number of examinations is feasible. These data have been integrated in a central patient registry, the Erlangen Glaucoma Registry (EGR). Objectives: The primary focus of the EGR system design has been its fitness for analyses. It holds almost all the available research data for registered glaucoma patients. This allows for cross-sectional and longitudinal observations and for evaluation of prognostic validity of diagnostic procedures. Methods: An adequate technology for integration of data and flexibility in data analysis is a database management system (DBMS). Here, a careful schema design is mandatory. Adding new modalities leads to schema modifications which are supported by defining a core database schema and attaching all data to this core. On that basis, a large number of modalities have been connected to the EGR. Results: The registry contains data of 1,400 patients in the main longitudinal study. It has successfully helped in scientific research, as can be seen in a large number of published papers. For example, validation of new sensory physiological methods requires patients with reliable diagnoses. The existence of a well-documented patient collective facilitated finding such patients. Conclusions: The EGR holds a unique amount of available data gathered in large longitudinal studies. It was successful in terms of medical results obtained. Developed as an evolutionary system, it can easily be extended.

Series
Technical reports / Department Informatik
Series Nr.
CS-2011-02
DOI
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