eCRF Portal and ODM-XML
Define-XML
The CDISC Define-XML Model supports creation of data definition files with which to describe tabulation and analysis datasets.
is to describe CDISC Study Data Tabulation Model (SDTM),
Standard for Exchange of Nonclinical Data (SEND), and Analysis Data Model (ADaM) datasets for the purpose of
submissions to regulatory authorities. However, Define-XML also serves as a metadata exchange mechanism for
other parties seeking to exchange CDISC-modeled dataset structures as well as proprietary (non-CDISC) dataset
structures. For dataset structures modeled following CDISC standards, refer to the SDTM, ADaM, and SEND
Implementation Guides (IG); see Section 2.2, References.
The intent is to comply fully with all applicable regulations and guidance. This document includes
substantially all of the material from the Define-XML v2.0 specification in addition to Define-XML v2.1 changes
that include an updated approach to def:Origin, versioning of standards and controlled terminology, improved
SENDIG support, v2.0 errata fixes, and additional updates (see Section 1.1.3, Relationship to Prior Define-XML
Specifications).
Define-XML v.1.0 described the requirements for constructing Define-XML documents to replace the define.pdf
documents recommended in the FDA’s 1999 Regulatory Submissions in Electronic Format, General Considerations
guidance (see Section 2.2, References). Since that time, Define-XML documents have proven to be a useful
mechanism for transmitting case report tabulation (CRT) metadata. One of the key benefits to FDA reviewers is that
this format provides both a machine-readable format for use by the various FDA software applications and, through
the provision of an XSL stylesheet, a browser-based report describing the contents of a stud
SDTM 2.2 Datasets and Domains
Each dataset is described by metadata definitions that provide information about the variables used in the dataset. The metadata are described in a data definition document (i.e., a Define-XML document) that is submitted with the data to regulatory authorities. The Define-XML standard (available at https://www.cdisc.org/standards/data-exchange/define-xml) specifies metadata attributes to describe SDTM data.
- See the SDTM Define-XML specification (https://www.cdisc.org/standards/data-exchange/define-xml) for details regarding metadata representation when a domain is split into different datasets.
- The primary use case for Define-XML is to describe CDISC Study Data Tabulation Model (SDTM),
Standard for Exchange of Nonclinical Data (SEND), and Analysis Data Model (ADaM) datasets for the purpose of
submissions to regulatory authorities. However, Define-XML also serves as a metadata exchange mechanism for
other parties seeking to exchange CDISC-modeled dataset structures as well as proprietary (non-CDISC) dataset
structures. For dataset structures modeled following CDISC standards, refer to the SDTM, ADaM, and SEND
Implementation Guides (IG); see Section 2.2, References.
The Define-XML model is implemented using extensions to the CDISC Operational Data Model (ODM) XML
schema. The intent is to comply fully with all applicable regulations and guidance. This document includes
substantially all of the material from the Define-XML v2.0 specification in addition to Define-XML v2.1 changes
that include an updated approach to def:Origin, versioning of standards and controlled terminology, improved
SENDIG support, v2.0 errata fixes, and additional updates (see Section 1.1.3, Relationship to Prior Define-XML
Specifications).
Define-XML v.1.0 described the requirements for constructing Define-XML documents to replace the define.pdf
documents recommended in the FDA’s 1999 Regulatory Submissions in Electronic Format, General Considerations
guidance (see Section 2.2, References). Since that time, Define-XML documents have proven to be a useful
mechanism for transmitting case report tabulation (CRT) metadata. One of the key benefits to FDA reviewers is that
this format provides both a machine-readable format for use by the various FDA software applications and, through
the provision of an XSL stylesheet, a browser-based report describing the contents of a stud