Electronic database of arterial aneurysms

Abstract

Background:The creation of an electronic database facilitates the storage of information, as well as streamlines the exchange of data, making easier the exchange of knowledge for future research.Objective:To construct an electronic database containing comprehensive and up-to-date clinical and surgical data on the most common arterial aneurysms, to help advance scientific research.Methods:The most important specialist textbooks and articles found in journals and on internet databases were reviewed in order to define the basic structure of the protocol. Data were computerized using the SINPE© system for integrated electronic protocols and tested in a pilot study.Results:The data entered onto the system was first used to create a Master protocol, organized into a structure of top-level directories covering a large proportion of the content on vascular diseases as follows: patient history; physical examination; supplementary tests and examinations; diagnosis; treatment; and clinical course. By selecting items from the Master protocol, Specific protocols were then created for the 22 arterial sites most often involved by aneurysms. The program provides a method for collection of data on patients including clinical characteristics (patient history and physical examination), supplementary tests and examinations, treatments received and follow-up care after treatment. Any information of interest on these patients that is contained in the protocol can then be used to query the database and select data for studies.Conclusions:It proved possible to construct a database of clinical and surgical data on the arterial aneurysms of greatest interest and, by adapting the data to specific software, the database was integrated into the SINPE© system, thereby providing a standardized method for collection of data on these patients and tools for retrieving this information in an organized manner for use in scientific studies.