BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection has been well-established as a significant risk factor for several gastrointestinal disorders.The urea breath test(UBT)has emerged as a leading non-invasive method for...BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection has been well-established as a significant risk factor for several gastrointestinal disorders.The urea breath test(UBT)has emerged as a leading non-invasive method for detecting H.pylori.Despite numerous studies confirming its substantial accuracy,the reliability of UBT results is often compromised by inherent limitations.These findings underscore the need for a rigorous statistical synthesis to clarify and reconcile the diagnostic accuracy of the UBT for the diagnosis of H.pylori infection.AIM To determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of 13C-UBT and 14C-UBT for H.pylori infection in adult patients with dyspepsia.METHODS We conducted an independent search of the PubMed/MEDLINE,EMBASE,and Cochrane Central databases until April 2022.Our search included diagnostic accuracy studies that evaluated at least one of the index tests(^(13)C-UBT or ^(14)C-UBT)against a reference standard.We used the QUADAS-2 tool to assess the methodo-logical quality of the studies.We utilized the bivariate random-effects model to calculate sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative test likelihood ratios(LR+and LR-),as well as the diagnostic odds ratio(DOR),and their 95%confidence intervals.We conducted subgroup analyses based on urea dosing,time after urea administration,and assessment technique.To investigate a possible threshold effect,we conducted Spearman correlation analysis,and we generated summary receiver operating characteristic(SROC)curves to assess heterogeneity.Finally,we visually inspected a funnel plot and used Egger’s test to evaluate publication bias.endorsing both as reliable diagnostic tools in clinical practice.CONCLUSION In summary,our study has demonstrated that ^(13)C-UBT has been found to outperform the ^(14)C-UBT,making it the preferred diagnostic approach.Additionally,our results emphasize the significance of carefully considering urea dosage,assessment timing,and measurement techniques for both tests to enhance diagnostic precision.Nevertheless,it is crucial for researchers and clinicians to evaluate the strengths and limitations of our findings before implementing them in practice.展开更多
Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person. An estimated 150 million individuals worldwide have been chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus(HCV). H...Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person. An estimated 150 million individuals worldwide have been chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus(HCV). Hepatitis C shows significant genetic variation in the global population, due to the high rate of viral RNA mutation. There are six variants of the virus(HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), with 15 recorded subtypes that vary in prevalence across different regions of the world. A variety of devices are used to diagnose hepatitis C, including HCV antibody test, HCV viral load test, HCV genotype test and liver biopsy. Rapid, inexpensive, sensitive, and robust analytical devices are therefore essential for effective diagnosis and monitoring of disease treatment. This review provides an overview of current electrochemical immunosensor and genosensortechnologies employed in HCV detection.There are a limited number of publications showing electrochemical biosensors being used for the detection of HCV.Due to their simplicity,specificity,and reliability,electrochemical biosensor devices have potential clinical applications in several viral infections.展开更多
Despite the widespread use of malaria rapid diagnostic test(RDT)in clinical practice,there are a lot of challenges.We conducted a secondary analysis of 129 malaria RDT data from rounds 5–8 of the World Health Organiz...Despite the widespread use of malaria rapid diagnostic test(RDT)in clinical practice,there are a lot of challenges.We conducted a secondary analysis of 129 malaria RDT data from rounds 5–8 of the World Health Organization(WHO)product testing summary and discuss the causes of false-negative(FN)results with a focus on low parasite density,improper RDT storage,operation and interpretation,and Plasmodium falciparum with a pfhrp2/3 gene deletion.The results demonstrated that the malaria RDTs currently commercially available might cause FN results in practice.展开更多
The discovery of <em>Plasmodium</em> parasites and its incrimination as the principal cause of malaria in humans has continued to excite researchers towards inventing possible easier methods of diagnosing ...The discovery of <em>Plasmodium</em> parasites and its incrimination as the principal cause of malaria in humans has continued to excite researchers towards inventing possible easier methods of diagnosing and identifying these pathological agents in order to mitigate, control and eliminate its continuous scourge to humanity. Currently, three diagnostic methods have been proposed, but agreements as to whether the level of parasitaemia in an individual could connote likely confirmations in the three methods <em>i.e.</em> gold standard, RDTs’ and PCR/NESTED PCR, have continued to be a subject of debate. To lay to rest the debate as reported in many studies, we collected blood samples from 100 symptomatic patients who reported to the Jos-Nigeria hospital and using the gold standard methods, we were able to confirm that 30 (30%) samples out of the 100 blood samples collected were positive to P.<em> falciparum</em>, chiefly recorded among duffy-negative Africans. Excited with our findings, we prepared the thick blood films for each sample and used it to estimate the levels of parasitaemia (parasites density) per μl of blood (<em>i.e.</em> 1+;2+;3+ and 4+) per 100 high power fields (|HPF). We then subjected the individually confirmed parasite density samples to the other two methods <em>i.e.</em> Rapid Diagnostic Test (one-step RTD and optimal-IT<span style="white-space:nowrap;">®</span> RDT) and to molecular assay (PCR and the nested PCR). Interestingly, of the 30 positive samples, 18 (60%) were confirmed positive to the one-step and optimal-IT<span style="white-space:nowrap;">®</span> RDTS, while 3 (30%) out of the 10 (100%) samples of various parasite density subjected to molecular assay (PCR and the nested PCR) were positive to only P. <em>falciparum</em>. Statistical analysis of variance based on single factor computed using SPSS indicates a no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the parasitaemia levels of the four groups/categories of patients;<em>i.e.</em> variance ratio of 0.011976 calculated was less than F-critical (2.816466) at 5% (0.05). Whereas gold standard could be considered as the optimal method, for the PCR/NESTED PCR, the sensitivity is dependent on high level of parasitaemia.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Background:</strong></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana...<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Background:</strong></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The rapid diagnostic tests play a pivotal role in the screening of viral markers in blood qualification for transfusion in limited resource setting. Therefore, it is important to assess their analytical performances to ensure their proper functioning. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Material</span></b> <b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and</span></b> <b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> We performed a cross-</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">sectional study by successive recruitment to assess the diagnostic value of rapid diagnostic tests algorithms using ELISA as a reference test. A total of 661 blood from donors were enrolled for this study. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and ELISA tests were performed for each sample by a couple of double-blinded biotechnologists. Data were collected on case report form and captured in Microsoft Excel then the file was imported and analyzed using R software version 4.0.3. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The diagnostic accuracy for the algorithms are summarized in </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Table 1</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. For HIV-algorithm</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> the internal validity parameters were as follow: sensitivity (sens) 99.0% (95% CI = 97.8, 99.5);specificity (spec) 98.3% (95% CI = 90.9, 99.7);positive likelihood ratio (PLR) 57.4 (95% CI = 8.2, 401.0);negative likelihood ratio (NLR) 0.01 (95% CI = 0.0005, 0.02);diagnostic odd ratio (DOR) 4710. HBV-Ag/Ab RDTs achieve the following diagnostic accuracy: sens 99.7% (95% CI = 98.3, 99.9);spec 98.8% (95% CI = 96.9, 95.5);PLR 81.8 (95% CI = 30.9, 217.0);NLR 0.003 (95% CI = 0.0004, 0.02);DOR</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">14</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">110. The analytical performances of HCV-Ab RDTs were as follow: sens 98.7% (95% CI = 97.5, 99.4);spec 93.1% (95% CI = 78.0, 98.1);PLR 14.3 (95% CI = 3.8, 54.5);NLR 1.5 (95% CI = 0.8, 2.8);DOR 962.6. The parameters evaluating the external validity of RDTs screening for the three viral markers when the theorical prevalence was <</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">5% are summarized in </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Figure </span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. At the prevalence < 5%, the NPV of the three RDTs were 99.96%</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 99.99% and 99.94%. At the same prevalence</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> we found the following Positive Predictive Values (PPV) 70.82%, 77.59% and 37.35% for HIV-Ag/Ab RDTs, HBV-Ag RDTs and HCV-Ab RDTs algorithms, respectively. The overall areas under the received operating characteristic (ROC) curves were 98.6%</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 99.2% and 99.2%;95.9% for HIV-Ag/Ab RDTs, HBV-Ag RDTs and HCV-Ab RDTs algorithms, respectively. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> RDTs algorithms can play a pivotal role in the screening of HIV-Ab/Ag, HBs-Ag in the setting of resources limited-countries where financial and technical expertise shortages are a standard fare. However, their use for diagnostic purposes must be done with great caution and the result must necessarily be confirmed with an ELISA or molecular technique particularly for HCV-RDTs algorithm which achieved a</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">n</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> NLR value > 0.1.</span></span></span>展开更多
In this editorial,we discuss the article in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.The article conducts a meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of the urea breath test(UBT),a non-invasive method for detecting Helico...In this editorial,we discuss the article in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.The article conducts a meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of the urea breath test(UBT),a non-invasive method for detecting Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection in humans.It is based on radionuclide-labeled urea.Various methods,both invasive and non-invasive,are available for diagnosing H.pylori infection,inclu-ding endoscopy with biopsy,serology for immunoglobulin titers,stool antigen analysis,and UBT.Several guidelines recommend UBTs as the primary choice for diagnosing H.pylori infection and for reexamining after eradication therapy.It is used to be the first choice non-invasive test due to their high accuracy,specificity,rapid results,and simplicity.Moreover,its performance remains unaffected by the distribution of H.pylori in the stomach,allowing a high flow of patients to be tested.Despite its widespread use,the performance characteristics of UBT have been inconsistently described and remain incompletely defined.There are two UBTs available with Food and Drug Administration approval:The 13C and 14C tests.Both tests are affordable and can provide real-time results.Physicians may prefer the 13C test because it is non-radioactive,compared to 14C which uses a radioactive isotope,especially in young children and pregnant women.Although there was heterogeneity among the studies regarding the diagnostic accuracy of both UBTs,13C-UBT consistently outperforms the 14C-UBT.This makes the 13C-UBT the preferred diagnostic approach.Furthermore,the provided findings of the meta-analysis emphasize the significance of precise considerations when choosing urea dosage,assessment timing,and measurement techniques for both the 13C-UBT and 14C-UBT,to enhance diagnostic precision.展开更多
BACKGROUND The diagnostic and economic value of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)and CA72-4 for gastrointestinal malignant tumors lacked evaluation in a larger scale.AIM To reassess the d...BACKGROUND The diagnostic and economic value of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)and CA72-4 for gastrointestinal malignant tumors lacked evaluation in a larger scale.AIM To reassess the diagnostic and economic value of the three tumor biomarkers.METHODS A retrospective analysis of all 32857 subjects who underwent CEA,CA19-9,CA72-4,gastroscopy and colonoscopy from October 2006 to May 2018 was conducted.Then,we assessed the discrimination and clinical usefulness.Total cost,cost per capita and cost-effectiveness ratios were used to evaluate the economic value of two schemes(gastrointestinal endoscopy for all people without blood tests vs both gastroscopy and colonoscopy when blood tests were positive).RESULTS The analysis of 32857 subjects showed that CEA was a qualified biomarker for colorectal cancer(CRC),while the diagnostic efficiencies of CA72-4 were catastrophic for all gastrointestinal cancers(GICs).Regarding early diagnosis,only CEA could be used for early CRC.The combination of biomarkers didn’t greatly increase the area under the curve.The economic indicators of CEA were superior to those of CA19-9,CA72-4 and any combination.At the threshold of 1.8μg/L to 10.4μg/L,all four indicators of CEA were lower than those in the scheme that conducted gastrointestinal endoscopy only.Subgroup analysis implied that the health checkup of CEA for people above 65 years old was economically valuable.CONCLUSION CEA had qualified diagnostic value for CRC and superior economic value for GICs,especially for elderly health checkup subjects.CA72-4 was not suitable as a diagnostic biomarker.展开更多
Background Passive diagnosis of human African trypanosomiasis(HAT)at the health facility level is a major component of HAT control in Guinea.We examined which clinical signs and symptoms are associated with HAT,and as...Background Passive diagnosis of human African trypanosomiasis(HAT)at the health facility level is a major component of HAT control in Guinea.We examined which clinical signs and symptoms are associated with HAT,and assessed the performance of selected clinical presentations,of rapid diagnostic tests(RDT),and of reference laboratory tests on dried blood spots(DBS)for diagnosing HAT in Guinea.Method The study took place in 14 health facilities in Guinea,where 2345 clinical suspects were tested with RDTs(HAT Sero-K-Set,rHAT Sero-Strip,and SD Bioline HAT).Seropositives underwent parasitological examination(reference test)to confirm HAT and their DBS were tested in indirect enzyme-linked immunoassay(ELISA)/Trypanosoma brucei gambiense,trypanolysis,Loopamp Trypanosoma brucei Detection kit(LAMP)and m18S quantitative PCR(qPCR).Multivariable regression analysis assessed association of clinical presentation with HAT.Sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive values of key clinical presentations,of the RDTs and of the DBS tests for HAT diagnosis were determined.Results The HAT prevalence,as confirmed parasitologically,was 2.0%(48/2345,95%CI:1.5–2.7%).Odds ratios(OR)for HAT were increased for participants with swollen lymph nodes(OR=96.7,95%CI:20.7–452.0),important weight loss(OR=20.4,95%CI:7.05–58.9),severe itching(OR=45.9,95%CI:7.3–288.7)or motor disorders(OR=4.5,95%CI:0.89–22.5).Presence of at least one of these clinical presentations was 75.6%(95%CI:73.8–77.4%)specific and 97.9%(95%CI:88.9–99.9%)sensitive for HAT.HAT Sero-K-Set,rHAT Sero-Strip,and SD Bioline HAT were respectively 97.5%(95%CI:96.8–98.1%),99.4%(95%CI:99.0–99.7%)and 97.9%(95%CI:97.2–98.4%)specific,and 100%(95%CI:92.5–100.0%),59.6%(95%CI:44.3–73.3%)and 93.8%(95%CI:82.8–98.7%)sensitive for HAT.The RDT’s positive and negative predictive values ranged from 45.2–66.7%and 99.2–100%respectively.All DBS tests had specificities≥92.9%.While LAMP and m18S qPCR sensitivities were below 50%,trypanolysis and ELISA/T.b.gambiense had sensitivities of 85.3%(95%CI:68.9–95.0%)and 67.6%(95%CI:49.5–82.6%).Conclusions Presence of swollen lymph nodes,important weight loss,severe itching or motor disorders are simple but accurate clinical criteria for HAT referral in HAT endemic areas in Guinea.Diagnostic performances of HAT Sero-K-Set and SD Bioline HAT are sufficient for referring positives to microscopy.Trypanolysis on DBS may discriminate HAT patients from false RDT positives.展开更多
Background:Rapid diagnostic tests(RDT)can effectively manage malaria cases and reduce excess costs brought by misdiagnosis.However,few studies have evaluated the economic value of this technology.The purpose of this s...Background:Rapid diagnostic tests(RDT)can effectively manage malaria cases and reduce excess costs brought by misdiagnosis.However,few studies have evaluated the economic value of this technology.The purpose of this study is to systematically review the economic value of RDT in malaria diagnosis.Main text:A detailed search strategy was developed to identify published economic evaluations that provide evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of malaria RDT.Electronic databases including MEDLINE,EMBASE,Biosis Previews,Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched from Jan 2007 to July 2018.Two researchers screened studies independently based on pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria.The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards(CHEERS)checklist was applied to evaluate the quality of the studies.Then cost and effectiveness data were extracted and summarized in a narrative way.Fifteen economic evaluations of RDT compared to other diagnostic methods were identified.The overall quality of studies varied greatly but most of them were scored to be of high or moderate quality.Ten of the fifteen studies reported that RDT was likely to be a cost-effective approach compared to its comparisons,but the results could be influenced by the alternatives,study perspectives,malaria prevalence,and the types of RDT.Conclusions:Based on available evidence,RDT had the potential to be more cost-effective than either microscopy or presumptive diagnosis.Further research is also required to draw a more robust conclusion.展开更多
Background:As more and more countries approaching the goal of malaria elimination,malaria rapid diagnostic tests(RDT)was recomendated to be a diagnostic strategy to achieve and maintain the statute of malaria free,as...Background:As more and more countries approaching the goal of malaria elimination,malaria rapid diagnostic tests(RDT)was recomendated to be a diagnostic strategy to achieve and maintain the statute of malaria free,as it’s less requirments on equipment and experitise than microscopic examination.But there are very few economic evaluations to confirm whether RDT was cost-effective in the setting of malaria elimination.This research aimed to offer evidence for helping decision making on malaria diagnosis strategy.Methods:A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to compare RDT with microscopy examination for malaria diagnosis,by using a decision tree model.There were three strategies of malaria diagnostic testing evaluated in the model,1)microscopy,2)RDT,3)RDT followed by microscopy.The effect indicator was defined as the number of malaria cases treated appropriately.Based on the joint perspective of health sector and patient,costs data were collected from hospital information systems,key informant interviews,and patient surveys.Data collection was conducted in Jiangsu from September 2018 to January 2019.Epidemiological data were obtained from local malaria surveillance reports.A hypothetical cohort of 300000 febrile patients were simulated to calculate the total cost and effect of each strategy.One-way,two-way,and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to test the robustness of the result.Results:The results showed that RDT strategy was the most effective(245 cases)but also the most costly(United States Dollar[USD]4.47 million)compared to using microscopy alone(238 cases,USD 3.63 million),and RDT followed by microscopy(221 cases,USD 2.75 million).There was no strategy dominated.One-way sensitivity analysis reflected that the result was sensitive to the change in labor cost and two-way sensitivity analysis indicated that the result was not sensitive to the proportion of falciparum malaria.The result of Monte Carlo simulation showed that RDT strategy had higher effects and higher cost than other strategies with a high probability.Conclusions:Compared to microscopy and RDT followed by microscopy,RDT strategy had higher effects and higher cost in the setting of malaria elimination.展开更多
Background:The recent development of rapid diagnostic tests(RDTs)for human African trypanosomiasis(HAT)enables elimination programmes to decentralise serological screening services to frontline health facilities.Howev...Background:The recent development of rapid diagnostic tests(RDTs)for human African trypanosomiasis(HAT)enables elimination programmes to decentralise serological screening services to frontline health facilities.However,patients must still undertake multiple onwards referral steps to either be confirmed or discounted as cases.Accurate surveillance thus relies not only on the performance of diagnostic technologies but also on referral support structures and patient decisions.This study explored why some RDT-positive suspects failed to complete the diagnostic referral process in West Nile,Uganda.Methods:Between August 2013 and June 2015,85%(295/346)people who screened RDT-positive were examined by microscopy at least once;10 cases were detected.We interviewed 20 RDT-positive suspects who had not completed referral(16 who had not presented for their first microscopy examination,and 4 who had not returned for a second to dismiss them as cases after receiving discordant[RDT-positive,but microscopy-negative results]).Interviews were analysed thematically to examine experiences of each step of the referral process.Results:Poor provider communication about HAT RDT results helped explain non-completion of referrals in our sample.Most patients were unaware they were tested for HAT until receiving results,and some did not know they had screened positive.While HAT testing and treatment is free,anticipated costs for transportation and ancillary health services fees deterred many.Most expected a positive RDT result would lead to HAT treatment.RDT results that failed to provide a definitive diagnosis without further testing led some to question the expertise of health workers.For the four individuals who missed their second examination,complying with repeat referral requests was less attractive when no alternative diagnostic advice or treatment was given.Conclusions:An RDT-based surveillance strategy that relies on referral through all levels of the health system is inevitably subject to its limitations.In Uganda,a key structural weakness was poor provider communication about the possibility of discordant HAT test results,which is the most common outcome for serological RDT suspects in a HAT elimination programme.Patient misunderstanding of referral rationale risks harming trust in the whole system and should be addressed in elimination programmes.展开更多
Background:There is significant need for accurate diagnostic tools for Cryptosporidium spp.and Qiordia duodenalis infections in resource limited countries where diarrhoeal disease caused by these parasites is often pr...Background:There is significant need for accurate diagnostic tools for Cryptosporidium spp.and Qiordia duodenalis infections in resource limited countries where diarrhoeal disease caused by these parasites is often prevalent.The present study assessed the diagnostic performance of three commercially available rapid diagnostic tests(RDTs)based on faecal-antigen detection for Cryptosporidium spp.and/or G.duodenalis infections in stool samples of children admitted with severe acute malnutrition(SAM)and diarrhoea.An established multiplex PCR was used as reference test.Methods:Stool samples from children with SAM and diarrhoea enrolled in a randomized controlled trial(registered at clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02246296)in Malawi(n=175)and Kenya(n=120)between December 2014 and December 2015 were analysed by a multiplex PCR for the presence of Cryptosporidium sppv G.duodenalis or Entomoebo histolytica parasite DNA.Cryptosporidium-positive samples were species typed using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.A sub-sample of the stool specimens(n=236)was used for testing with three different RDTs.Diagnostic accuracy of the tests under evaluation was assessed using the results of PCR as reference standard using MedCalc software.Pearson Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to determine(significant)difference between the number of cryptosporidiosis or giardiasis cases found by PCR in Malawi and Kenya.The overall diagnostic accuracy of each RDT was calculated by plotting a receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve for each test and to determine the area under the curve(AUC)using SPSS8 software.Results:Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp.by PCR was 20.0 and 21.7%in Malawi and Kenya respectively,mostly C.hominis.G.duodenalis prevalence was 23.4 and 5.8%in Malawi and Kenya respectively.E histolytica was not detected by PCR.RDT testing followed the same pattern of prevalence.RDT sensitivities ranged for cryptosporidiosis from 42.9 to 76.9%and for G.duodenalis from 48.2 to 85.7%.RDT specificities ranged from 88.4 to 100%for Cryptosporidium spp.and from 91.2 to 99.2%for G.duodenalis infections.Based on the estimated area under the curve(AUC)values,all tests under evaluation had an acceptable overall diagnostic accuracy(>0.7),with the exception of one RDT for Cryptosporidium spp.in Malawi.Conclusions:All three RDTs for Cryptosporidium spp.and Giardia duodenalis evaluated in this study have a moderate sensitivity,but sufficient specificity.The main value of the RDTs is within their rapidness and their usefulness as screening assays in surveys for diarrhoea.展开更多
Background It was recommended that malaria rapid diagnostic tests(RDTs)should be available in all epidemiological situations.But evidence was limited on the implementation of RDTs and its effectiveness in malaria elim...Background It was recommended that malaria rapid diagnostic tests(RDTs)should be available in all epidemiological situations.But evidence was limited on the implementation of RDTs and its effectiveness in malaria elimination settings.This study examined the implementation of RDTs and how it affected the diagnosis of imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province,China.Methods To scale up RDTs,this study developed an intervention package with four major elements covering the supply of RDT test,the training on RDTs,the monitoring and management of RDT use,and the advocacy of RDTs.By using a pretest-posttest control group design,we implemented the interventions in 4 cities in Jiangsu Province with the rest nine cities as controlled areas,from January 2017 to January 2018.Difference-in-Difference approach was used to evaluate the impact of the scale-up of RDTs on the identification of malaria cases.Three binary outcome measures were included to indicate delayed malaria diagnosis,malaria cases with confirmed malaria diagnosis at township-level institutions,and severe malaria cases,respectively.Linear probability regression was performed with time and group fixed effects and the interaction term between time and group.Results Intervention areas received sufficient RDT test supply,regular professional training programs,monthly tracking and management of RDT supply and use,and health education to targeted population.The implementation of interventions was associated with 10.8%(P=0.021)fewer patients with delayed diagnosis.But intervention areas did not see a higher likelihood of having confirmed diagnosis from township-level institutions(coefficient=-0.038,P=0.185)or reduced severe malaria cases(coef.=0.040,P=0.592).Conclusions The comprehensive package of RDT implementation in this study is promising in scaling up RDT use and improving access to care among malaria patients,especially in malaria elimination settings.展开更多
Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacillus responsible for numerous gastroduodenal pathologies, and this infection is a public health problem. The prevalence of infection with this bacterium remains...Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacillus responsible for numerous gastroduodenal pathologies, and this infection is a public health problem. The prevalence of infection with this bacterium remains high in countries with limited resources. Diagnosis relies mainly on numerous invasive and noninvasive methods. The aim of this work was to evaluate the different indirect diagnostic methods using bacterial cultures. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional and analytical study from January to May 2022 in the gastroenterology departments of Douala General Hospital and Douala Military Hospital. All patients aged 18 years and older who were in the gastroenterology consultation and agreed to participate were included in our study. Sociodemographic, clinical, and paraclinical data were collected. Urease, liquid urea, and culture tests were performed from the specimens obtained by fibroscopy. Serological tests were performed on the blood sample. Results: 101 patients were included, 58 were female and 43 were male, for a sex ratio of 1.3. The mean age was 44.2 ± 16 years. The prevalence of infection was 90.5%, 44.1%, 40.6% and 21.8% for serology, direct microbiological examination, RUT (rapid urea test) and culture, respectively. Comparison of the different tests showed sensitivity and specificity of 67.1% and 64%, respectively, for RUT, 100% and 73.7%, respectively, for direct microbiological examination, and 100% and 14.8%, respectively, for serology. The positive and negative predictive values were 39.5% and 100% for serology, 39% and 85% for RUT, and 55.6% and 100% for direct microbiological examination, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection depends on the type of test used. Direct examination is more reliable than RUT and serology.展开更多
To compare the diagnostic value of four signs for superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions of the shoulder.Methods The physical examination was performed randomly on 81 cases with abnormalities of the sho...To compare the diagnostic value of four signs for superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions of the shoulder.Methods The physical examination was performed randomly on 81 cases with abnormalities of the shoulder.There were four tests,including Kibler anterior sliding test,Liu crank test,O’Brien active compression test and Kim biceps load test Ⅱ.The arthroscopic examination were also performed.The result of the arthroscopic examination was considered as a golden standard,so that we could estimate the diagnosis value of the four tests according to the method of evaluation of diagnosis test on clinical epidemiology,their sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive value,accuracy.Results There were 21 cases diagnosed as SLAP lesions by arthroscopy.The diagnosis value of Kim biceps load test Ⅱ was the highest among the four tests,in which 19 of true positive,59 of true negative,1 of false positive,only 2 of false negative cases;while the sensitivity was 90.48%,specificity was 98.33%,positive predictive value was 95.00%,negative predictive value was 96.72%,and accuracy was 96.30%.However the sensitivity,specificity,positive predicitive value,negative predictive vale and accuracy of Kibler anterior sliding test were 76.19%,96.67%,88.89%,92.06%,91.33%;and those of Liu crank test were 85.71%,93.33%,81.82%,94.92%,91.35%;those of O’Brien active compression test were 80.95%,91.66%,77.27%,93.22%,88.89%.Conclusion Kim Biceps load test Ⅱ may be the best for clinical diagnosis of SLAP lesions of the shoulder.9 refs,4 figs,2 tabs.展开更多
In China,50%of Knee Osteoarthritis(KOA)patients will be treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine or a combination of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,which call for objective efficacy evaluation methods.The c...In China,50%of Knee Osteoarthritis(KOA)patients will be treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine or a combination of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,which call for objective efficacy evaluation methods.The collection,processing and fusion of multisource data were taken as the main methods,with 150 KOA patients and 100 healthy people as an example to design prospective clinical tests.Data were collected with tongue inspection APP,infrared instrument and channel instrument,etc.And the analysis,screening,fusion and modelling of multi-source data were conducted.The traditional clinical tests have been combined with the customized information platform in this study,which is convenient for clinical tests,medical follow-ups and timely feedback to statistical analysis of data.展开更多
Malaria is a febrile and hemolyzing erythrocytopathy due to the development and multiplication of one or more of the five plasmodial species dependent on humans: Plasmodium falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, P. vivax ...Malaria is a febrile and hemolyzing erythrocytopathy due to the development and multiplication of one or more of the five plasmodial species dependent on humans: Plasmodium falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, P. vivax and P. knowlesi. These parasites are inoculated into humans by the infective bite of a female mosquito, female anopheles of the genus Anopheles, during a blood meal. The study aimed to: determine the frequency of fever due to malaria after surgery;describe malaria symptomatology and clinical evolution after surgical intervention;determine the average length of hospital stay for operated patients with malaria;evaluate the average cost of malaria treatment. This was a prospective study which involved 110 operated patients, which took place over a period of 12 months from March 2017 to February 2018 in the general surgery department at the Reference Health Center of commune I of the Bamako district. The frequency of malaria was 11.82% before the intervention and 3.64% after the intervention, with an average age of 29.80 years;extremes of 2 years and 76 years and a sex ratio of 1.5 in favor of the male sex. The main clinical signs were fever (38.18%), headache (20.91%) and vomiting (36.36%) and physical asthenia (18.18%). Diagnosed and treated early, malaria progressed favorably. The outcome was simple for all our patients and we did not record any deaths. The cost of treatment was borne by the patients and/or their families. The average cost of treatment was 7915 CFA francs, significantly below the Malian minimum wage which is around 30,000 FCFA. The implementation of preventive measures is necessary to reduce the importance of malaria in hospitals: staff awareness, indoor spraying, use of impregnated mosquito nets.展开更多
Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of T-SPOT.TB for tuberculous lymphadenitis.Methods Suspected tuberculous lymphadenitis patients between September 2010 and September 2018 who ...Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of T-SPOT.TB for tuberculous lymphadenitis.Methods Suspected tuberculous lymphadenitis patients between September 2010 and September 2018 who had both peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB test and lymph node biopsy were retrospectively enrolled in this study.The cutoff value of T-SPOT.TB test for peripheral blood was set as 24 spot forming cell(SFC)/106 periphreral blood monocyte cell(PBMC)according to the instruction of testing kits.The gold standard for diagnosis of TBL was the combination of microbiology results,histopathology results and patient's response to anti-TB treatment.Diagnostic efficacy of T-SPOT.TB was evaluated,including sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,predictive values,and likelihood ratio.Results Among 91 patients who met the inclusion criteria,we excluded 8 cases with incomplete clinical information and 6 cases who lost to follow-up.According to the gold standard,there were 37 cases of true TBL(9 confirmed TBL and 28 probable TBL),30 cases of non-TBL,and 10 cases of clinically indeterminate diagnosis who were excluded from the final analyses.The T-SPOT.TB tests yielded 43 cases of positive response and 24 cases of negative response.The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value(PPV),negative predictive value(NPV),positive likelihood ratio(PLR)and negative likelihood ratio(NLR)of peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB for diagnosing TBL were 89.2%,66.7%,79.1%,76.7%,83.3%,2.68 and 0.16,respectively.The number of SFCs of T-SPOT.TB in TBL patients[432(134-1264)/106 PBMCs]was higher than that in non-TBL patients[0(0-30)/106 PBMCs]with a significant difference(Z=-5.306,P<0.001).Conclusion T-SPOT.TB is a rapid and simple diagnostic test for TBL with a high sensitivity and negative predictive value.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is an arterial oxygenation defect induced by intrapulmonary vascular dilatation (IPVD) in the setting of liver disease and/or portal hypertension.This syndrome occurs most oft...BACKGROUND Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is an arterial oxygenation defect induced by intrapulmonary vascular dilatation (IPVD) in the setting of liver disease and/or portal hypertension.This syndrome occurs most often in cirrhotic patients(4%-32%) and has been shown to be detrimental to functional status,quality of life,and survival.The diagnosis of HPS in the setting of liver disease and/or portal hypertension requires the demonstration of IPVD (i.e.,diffuse or localized abnormally dilated pulmonary capillaries and pulmonary and pleural arteriovenous communications) and arterial oxygenation defects,preferably by contrast-enhanced echocardiography and measurement of the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient,respectively.AIM To compare brain and whole-body uptake of technetium for diagnosing HPS.METHODS Sixty-nine patients with chronic liver disease and/or portal hypertension were prospectively included.Brain uptake and whole-body uptake were calculated using the geometric mean of technetium counts in the brain and lungs and in the entire body and lungs,respectively.RESULTS Thirty-two (46%) patients had IPVD as detected by contrast-enhancedechocardiography.The demographics and clinical characteristics of the patients with and without IPVD were not significantly different with the exception of the creatinine level (0.71±0.18 mg/dL vs 0.83±0.23 mg/dL;P=0.041),alveolararterial oxygen gradient (23.2±13.3 mmHg vs 16.4±14.1 mmHg;P=0.043),and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (81.0±12.1 mmHg vs 90.1±12.8 mmHg;P=0.004).Whole-body uptake was significantly higher in patients with IPVD than in patients without IPVD (48.0%±6.1%vs 40.1%±8.1%;P=0.001).The area under the curve of whole-body uptake for detecting IPVD was significantly higher than that of brain uptake (0.75 vs 0.54;P=0.025).The optimal cut-off values of brain uptake and whole-body uptake for detecting IPVD were 5.7%and 42.5%,respectively,based on Youden’s index.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of brain uptake> 5.7%and whole-body uptake> 42.5%for detecting IPVD were23%,89%,and 59%and 100%,52%,and 74%,respectively.CONCLUSION Whole-body uptake is superior to brain uptake for diagnosing HPS.展开更多
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis(AIH-PBC)overlap syndrome has a worse prognosis than AIH or PBC alone.Therefore,accurately staging liver fibrosis and dynamically monitoring disease progressi...BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis(AIH-PBC)overlap syndrome has a worse prognosis than AIH or PBC alone.Therefore,accurately staging liver fibrosis and dynamically monitoring disease progression are essential.AIM To investigate the performance of two-dimensional shear-wave elastography(2DSWE)for noninvasively staging liver fibrosis and assessing the clinical utility of repeated 2D-SWE for monitoring treatment response in AIH-PBC overlap syndrome.METHODS A total of 148 patients diagnosed with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome were retrospectively enrolled.Among them,82 patients had a 2D-SWE follow-up time of more than 1 year.The Scheuer scoring system was used to evaluate stages of hepatic inflammation and liver fibrosis.The performance of 2D-SWE for staging liver fibrosis was evaluated with the liver biopsy.Changes in liver stiffness(LS)measured by 2D-SWE in patients with or without complete biochemical remission were evaluated.RESULTS LS value was strongly correlated with liver fibrosis stage(Spearman r=0.84,P<0.0001).The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of LS for diagnosing significant fibrosis(≥S2),severe fibrosis(≥S3),and cirrhosis(S4)were 0.91,0.97,and 0.96,respectively.Patients with complete biochemical remission had a considerable decrease in LS values(P<0.0001).More importantly,the declined LS in patients with S0-S2 was significantly lower than that in patients with S3-S4(P=0.0002).In contrast,patients who failed to achieve biochemical remission had a slight but not significant decrease in LS(P=0.37).CONCLUSION LS measured by 2D-SWE is an accurate and reliable method in assessing liver fibrosis,especially for diagnosing severe fibrosis(≥3)and monitoring treatment response in patients with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome.展开更多
基金Supported by Scientific Initiation Scholarship Programme(PIBIC)of the Bahia State Research Support Foundationthe Doctorate Scholarship Program of the Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel+1 种基金the Scientific Initiation Scholarship Programme(PIBIC)of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Developmentand the CNPq Research Productivity Fellowship.
文摘BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection has been well-established as a significant risk factor for several gastrointestinal disorders.The urea breath test(UBT)has emerged as a leading non-invasive method for detecting H.pylori.Despite numerous studies confirming its substantial accuracy,the reliability of UBT results is often compromised by inherent limitations.These findings underscore the need for a rigorous statistical synthesis to clarify and reconcile the diagnostic accuracy of the UBT for the diagnosis of H.pylori infection.AIM To determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of 13C-UBT and 14C-UBT for H.pylori infection in adult patients with dyspepsia.METHODS We conducted an independent search of the PubMed/MEDLINE,EMBASE,and Cochrane Central databases until April 2022.Our search included diagnostic accuracy studies that evaluated at least one of the index tests(^(13)C-UBT or ^(14)C-UBT)against a reference standard.We used the QUADAS-2 tool to assess the methodo-logical quality of the studies.We utilized the bivariate random-effects model to calculate sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative test likelihood ratios(LR+and LR-),as well as the diagnostic odds ratio(DOR),and their 95%confidence intervals.We conducted subgroup analyses based on urea dosing,time after urea administration,and assessment technique.To investigate a possible threshold effect,we conducted Spearman correlation analysis,and we generated summary receiver operating characteristic(SROC)curves to assess heterogeneity.Finally,we visually inspected a funnel plot and used Egger’s test to evaluate publication bias.endorsing both as reliable diagnostic tools in clinical practice.CONCLUSION In summary,our study has demonstrated that ^(13)C-UBT has been found to outperform the ^(14)C-UBT,making it the preferred diagnostic approach.Additionally,our results emphasize the significance of carefully considering urea dosage,assessment timing,and measurement techniques for both tests to enhance diagnostic precision.Nevertheless,it is crucial for researchers and clinicians to evaluate the strengths and limitations of our findings before implementing them in practice.
基金Supported by Brazilian funding agencies(Sao Paulo Research Foundation-FAPESP and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development-CNPq)
文摘Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person. An estimated 150 million individuals worldwide have been chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus(HCV). Hepatitis C shows significant genetic variation in the global population, due to the high rate of viral RNA mutation. There are six variants of the virus(HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), with 15 recorded subtypes that vary in prevalence across different regions of the world. A variety of devices are used to diagnose hepatitis C, including HCV antibody test, HCV viral load test, HCV genotype test and liver biopsy. Rapid, inexpensive, sensitive, and robust analytical devices are therefore essential for effective diagnosis and monitoring of disease treatment. This review provides an overview of current electrochemical immunosensor and genosensortechnologies employed in HCV detection.There are a limited number of publications showing electrochemical biosensors being used for the detection of HCV.Due to their simplicity,specificity,and reliability,electrochemical biosensor devices have potential clinical applications in several viral infections.
基金supported by the National Grand Program on Key Infectious Disease(2018ZX10103002-001-007)the Biosafety Special Program(19SWAQ 13)。
文摘Despite the widespread use of malaria rapid diagnostic test(RDT)in clinical practice,there are a lot of challenges.We conducted a secondary analysis of 129 malaria RDT data from rounds 5–8 of the World Health Organization(WHO)product testing summary and discuss the causes of false-negative(FN)results with a focus on low parasite density,improper RDT storage,operation and interpretation,and Plasmodium falciparum with a pfhrp2/3 gene deletion.The results demonstrated that the malaria RDTs currently commercially available might cause FN results in practice.
文摘The discovery of <em>Plasmodium</em> parasites and its incrimination as the principal cause of malaria in humans has continued to excite researchers towards inventing possible easier methods of diagnosing and identifying these pathological agents in order to mitigate, control and eliminate its continuous scourge to humanity. Currently, three diagnostic methods have been proposed, but agreements as to whether the level of parasitaemia in an individual could connote likely confirmations in the three methods <em>i.e.</em> gold standard, RDTs’ and PCR/NESTED PCR, have continued to be a subject of debate. To lay to rest the debate as reported in many studies, we collected blood samples from 100 symptomatic patients who reported to the Jos-Nigeria hospital and using the gold standard methods, we were able to confirm that 30 (30%) samples out of the 100 blood samples collected were positive to P.<em> falciparum</em>, chiefly recorded among duffy-negative Africans. Excited with our findings, we prepared the thick blood films for each sample and used it to estimate the levels of parasitaemia (parasites density) per μl of blood (<em>i.e.</em> 1+;2+;3+ and 4+) per 100 high power fields (|HPF). We then subjected the individually confirmed parasite density samples to the other two methods <em>i.e.</em> Rapid Diagnostic Test (one-step RTD and optimal-IT<span style="white-space:nowrap;">®</span> RDT) and to molecular assay (PCR and the nested PCR). Interestingly, of the 30 positive samples, 18 (60%) were confirmed positive to the one-step and optimal-IT<span style="white-space:nowrap;">®</span> RDTS, while 3 (30%) out of the 10 (100%) samples of various parasite density subjected to molecular assay (PCR and the nested PCR) were positive to only P. <em>falciparum</em>. Statistical analysis of variance based on single factor computed using SPSS indicates a no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the parasitaemia levels of the four groups/categories of patients;<em>i.e.</em> variance ratio of 0.011976 calculated was less than F-critical (2.816466) at 5% (0.05). Whereas gold standard could be considered as the optimal method, for the PCR/NESTED PCR, the sensitivity is dependent on high level of parasitaemia.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Background:</strong></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The rapid diagnostic tests play a pivotal role in the screening of viral markers in blood qualification for transfusion in limited resource setting. Therefore, it is important to assess their analytical performances to ensure their proper functioning. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Material</span></b> <b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and</span></b> <b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> We performed a cross-</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">sectional study by successive recruitment to assess the diagnostic value of rapid diagnostic tests algorithms using ELISA as a reference test. A total of 661 blood from donors were enrolled for this study. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and ELISA tests were performed for each sample by a couple of double-blinded biotechnologists. Data were collected on case report form and captured in Microsoft Excel then the file was imported and analyzed using R software version 4.0.3. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The diagnostic accuracy for the algorithms are summarized in </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Table 1</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. For HIV-algorithm</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> the internal validity parameters were as follow: sensitivity (sens) 99.0% (95% CI = 97.8, 99.5);specificity (spec) 98.3% (95% CI = 90.9, 99.7);positive likelihood ratio (PLR) 57.4 (95% CI = 8.2, 401.0);negative likelihood ratio (NLR) 0.01 (95% CI = 0.0005, 0.02);diagnostic odd ratio (DOR) 4710. HBV-Ag/Ab RDTs achieve the following diagnostic accuracy: sens 99.7% (95% CI = 98.3, 99.9);spec 98.8% (95% CI = 96.9, 95.5);PLR 81.8 (95% CI = 30.9, 217.0);NLR 0.003 (95% CI = 0.0004, 0.02);DOR</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">14</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">110. The analytical performances of HCV-Ab RDTs were as follow: sens 98.7% (95% CI = 97.5, 99.4);spec 93.1% (95% CI = 78.0, 98.1);PLR 14.3 (95% CI = 3.8, 54.5);NLR 1.5 (95% CI = 0.8, 2.8);DOR 962.6. The parameters evaluating the external validity of RDTs screening for the three viral markers when the theorical prevalence was <</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">5% are summarized in </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Figure </span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. At the prevalence < 5%, the NPV of the three RDTs were 99.96%</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 99.99% and 99.94%. At the same prevalence</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> we found the following Positive Predictive Values (PPV) 70.82%, 77.59% and 37.35% for HIV-Ag/Ab RDTs, HBV-Ag RDTs and HCV-Ab RDTs algorithms, respectively. The overall areas under the received operating characteristic (ROC) curves were 98.6%</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 99.2% and 99.2%;95.9% for HIV-Ag/Ab RDTs, HBV-Ag RDTs and HCV-Ab RDTs algorithms, respectively. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> RDTs algorithms can play a pivotal role in the screening of HIV-Ab/Ag, HBs-Ag in the setting of resources limited-countries where financial and technical expertise shortages are a standard fare. However, their use for diagnostic purposes must be done with great caution and the result must necessarily be confirmed with an ELISA or molecular technique particularly for HCV-RDTs algorithm which achieved a</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">n</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> NLR value > 0.1.</span></span></span>
文摘In this editorial,we discuss the article in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.The article conducts a meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of the urea breath test(UBT),a non-invasive method for detecting Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection in humans.It is based on radionuclide-labeled urea.Various methods,both invasive and non-invasive,are available for diagnosing H.pylori infection,inclu-ding endoscopy with biopsy,serology for immunoglobulin titers,stool antigen analysis,and UBT.Several guidelines recommend UBTs as the primary choice for diagnosing H.pylori infection and for reexamining after eradication therapy.It is used to be the first choice non-invasive test due to their high accuracy,specificity,rapid results,and simplicity.Moreover,its performance remains unaffected by the distribution of H.pylori in the stomach,allowing a high flow of patients to be tested.Despite its widespread use,the performance characteristics of UBT have been inconsistently described and remain incompletely defined.There are two UBTs available with Food and Drug Administration approval:The 13C and 14C tests.Both tests are affordable and can provide real-time results.Physicians may prefer the 13C test because it is non-radioactive,compared to 14C which uses a radioactive isotope,especially in young children and pregnant women.Although there was heterogeneity among the studies regarding the diagnostic accuracy of both UBTs,13C-UBT consistently outperforms the 14C-UBT.This makes the 13C-UBT the preferred diagnostic approach.Furthermore,the provided findings of the meta-analysis emphasize the significance of precise considerations when choosing urea dosage,assessment timing,and measurement techniques for both the 13C-UBT and 14C-UBT,to enhance diagnostic precision.
基金The study was reviewed and approved by the Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University Institutional Review Board(Approval No.B2018-234).
文摘BACKGROUND The diagnostic and economic value of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)and CA72-4 for gastrointestinal malignant tumors lacked evaluation in a larger scale.AIM To reassess the diagnostic and economic value of the three tumor biomarkers.METHODS A retrospective analysis of all 32857 subjects who underwent CEA,CA19-9,CA72-4,gastroscopy and colonoscopy from October 2006 to May 2018 was conducted.Then,we assessed the discrimination and clinical usefulness.Total cost,cost per capita and cost-effectiveness ratios were used to evaluate the economic value of two schemes(gastrointestinal endoscopy for all people without blood tests vs both gastroscopy and colonoscopy when blood tests were positive).RESULTS The analysis of 32857 subjects showed that CEA was a qualified biomarker for colorectal cancer(CRC),while the diagnostic efficiencies of CA72-4 were catastrophic for all gastrointestinal cancers(GICs).Regarding early diagnosis,only CEA could be used for early CRC.The combination of biomarkers didn’t greatly increase the area under the curve.The economic indicators of CEA were superior to those of CA19-9,CA72-4 and any combination.At the threshold of 1.8μg/L to 10.4μg/L,all four indicators of CEA were lower than those in the scheme that conducted gastrointestinal endoscopy only.Subgroup analysis implied that the health checkup of CEA for people above 65 years old was economically valuable.CONCLUSION CEA had qualified diagnostic value for CRC and superior economic value for GICs,especially for elderly health checkup subjects.CA72-4 was not suitable as a diagnostic biomarker.
文摘Background Passive diagnosis of human African trypanosomiasis(HAT)at the health facility level is a major component of HAT control in Guinea.We examined which clinical signs and symptoms are associated with HAT,and assessed the performance of selected clinical presentations,of rapid diagnostic tests(RDT),and of reference laboratory tests on dried blood spots(DBS)for diagnosing HAT in Guinea.Method The study took place in 14 health facilities in Guinea,where 2345 clinical suspects were tested with RDTs(HAT Sero-K-Set,rHAT Sero-Strip,and SD Bioline HAT).Seropositives underwent parasitological examination(reference test)to confirm HAT and their DBS were tested in indirect enzyme-linked immunoassay(ELISA)/Trypanosoma brucei gambiense,trypanolysis,Loopamp Trypanosoma brucei Detection kit(LAMP)and m18S quantitative PCR(qPCR).Multivariable regression analysis assessed association of clinical presentation with HAT.Sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive values of key clinical presentations,of the RDTs and of the DBS tests for HAT diagnosis were determined.Results The HAT prevalence,as confirmed parasitologically,was 2.0%(48/2345,95%CI:1.5–2.7%).Odds ratios(OR)for HAT were increased for participants with swollen lymph nodes(OR=96.7,95%CI:20.7–452.0),important weight loss(OR=20.4,95%CI:7.05–58.9),severe itching(OR=45.9,95%CI:7.3–288.7)or motor disorders(OR=4.5,95%CI:0.89–22.5).Presence of at least one of these clinical presentations was 75.6%(95%CI:73.8–77.4%)specific and 97.9%(95%CI:88.9–99.9%)sensitive for HAT.HAT Sero-K-Set,rHAT Sero-Strip,and SD Bioline HAT were respectively 97.5%(95%CI:96.8–98.1%),99.4%(95%CI:99.0–99.7%)and 97.9%(95%CI:97.2–98.4%)specific,and 100%(95%CI:92.5–100.0%),59.6%(95%CI:44.3–73.3%)and 93.8%(95%CI:82.8–98.7%)sensitive for HAT.The RDT’s positive and negative predictive values ranged from 45.2–66.7%and 99.2–100%respectively.All DBS tests had specificities≥92.9%.While LAMP and m18S qPCR sensitivities were below 50%,trypanolysis and ELISA/T.b.gambiense had sensitivities of 85.3%(95%CI:68.9–95.0%)and 67.6%(95%CI:49.5–82.6%).Conclusions Presence of swollen lymph nodes,important weight loss,severe itching or motor disorders are simple but accurate clinical criteria for HAT referral in HAT endemic areas in Guinea.Diagnostic performances of HAT Sero-K-Set and SD Bioline HAT are sufficient for referring positives to microscopy.Trypanolysis on DBS may discriminate HAT patients from false RDT positives.
基金This study supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.BK20150001)the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology(BE2018020)+1 种基金the Jiangsu Provincial Project of Invigorating Health Care through Science,Technology and EducationThe funders had no role in the study design,data collection,analysis,decision to publish,or preparation of the manuscript.
文摘Background:Rapid diagnostic tests(RDT)can effectively manage malaria cases and reduce excess costs brought by misdiagnosis.However,few studies have evaluated the economic value of this technology.The purpose of this study is to systematically review the economic value of RDT in malaria diagnosis.Main text:A detailed search strategy was developed to identify published economic evaluations that provide evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of malaria RDT.Electronic databases including MEDLINE,EMBASE,Biosis Previews,Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched from Jan 2007 to July 2018.Two researchers screened studies independently based on pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria.The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards(CHEERS)checklist was applied to evaluate the quality of the studies.Then cost and effectiveness data were extracted and summarized in a narrative way.Fifteen economic evaluations of RDT compared to other diagnostic methods were identified.The overall quality of studies varied greatly but most of them were scored to be of high or moderate quality.Ten of the fifteen studies reported that RDT was likely to be a cost-effective approach compared to its comparisons,but the results could be influenced by the alternatives,study perspectives,malaria prevalence,and the types of RDT.Conclusions:Based on available evidence,RDT had the potential to be more cost-effective than either microscopy or presumptive diagnosis.Further research is also required to draw a more robust conclusion.
文摘Background:As more and more countries approaching the goal of malaria elimination,malaria rapid diagnostic tests(RDT)was recomendated to be a diagnostic strategy to achieve and maintain the statute of malaria free,as it’s less requirments on equipment and experitise than microscopic examination.But there are very few economic evaluations to confirm whether RDT was cost-effective in the setting of malaria elimination.This research aimed to offer evidence for helping decision making on malaria diagnosis strategy.Methods:A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to compare RDT with microscopy examination for malaria diagnosis,by using a decision tree model.There were three strategies of malaria diagnostic testing evaluated in the model,1)microscopy,2)RDT,3)RDT followed by microscopy.The effect indicator was defined as the number of malaria cases treated appropriately.Based on the joint perspective of health sector and patient,costs data were collected from hospital information systems,key informant interviews,and patient surveys.Data collection was conducted in Jiangsu from September 2018 to January 2019.Epidemiological data were obtained from local malaria surveillance reports.A hypothetical cohort of 300000 febrile patients were simulated to calculate the total cost and effect of each strategy.One-way,two-way,and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to test the robustness of the result.Results:The results showed that RDT strategy was the most effective(245 cases)but also the most costly(United States Dollar[USD]4.47 million)compared to using microscopy alone(238 cases,USD 3.63 million),and RDT followed by microscopy(221 cases,USD 2.75 million).There was no strategy dominated.One-way sensitivity analysis reflected that the result was sensitive to the change in labor cost and two-way sensitivity analysis indicated that the result was not sensitive to the proportion of falciparum malaria.The result of Monte Carlo simulation showed that RDT strategy had higher effects and higher cost than other strategies with a high probability.Conclusions:Compared to microscopy and RDT followed by microscopy,RDT strategy had higher effects and higher cost in the setting of malaria elimination.
基金The funders had no role in data collection and analysis,decision to publish,or preparation of the manuscriptThis work was funded by the European Research Council(grant no:295845,http://erc.europa.eu)through a grant for the Investigating Networks of Zoonosis Innovation(INZI)project at the University of Edinburgh,and the Economic and Social Research Council’s(ESRC)fieldwork abroad fund.
文摘Background:The recent development of rapid diagnostic tests(RDTs)for human African trypanosomiasis(HAT)enables elimination programmes to decentralise serological screening services to frontline health facilities.However,patients must still undertake multiple onwards referral steps to either be confirmed or discounted as cases.Accurate surveillance thus relies not only on the performance of diagnostic technologies but also on referral support structures and patient decisions.This study explored why some RDT-positive suspects failed to complete the diagnostic referral process in West Nile,Uganda.Methods:Between August 2013 and June 2015,85%(295/346)people who screened RDT-positive were examined by microscopy at least once;10 cases were detected.We interviewed 20 RDT-positive suspects who had not completed referral(16 who had not presented for their first microscopy examination,and 4 who had not returned for a second to dismiss them as cases after receiving discordant[RDT-positive,but microscopy-negative results]).Interviews were analysed thematically to examine experiences of each step of the referral process.Results:Poor provider communication about HAT RDT results helped explain non-completion of referrals in our sample.Most patients were unaware they were tested for HAT until receiving results,and some did not know they had screened positive.While HAT testing and treatment is free,anticipated costs for transportation and ancillary health services fees deterred many.Most expected a positive RDT result would lead to HAT treatment.RDT results that failed to provide a definitive diagnosis without further testing led some to question the expertise of health workers.For the four individuals who missed their second examination,complying with repeat referral requests was less attractive when no alternative diagnostic advice or treatment was given.Conclusions:An RDT-based surveillance strategy that relies on referral through all levels of the health system is inevitably subject to its limitations.In Uganda,a key structural weakness was poor provider communication about the possibility of discordant HAT test results,which is the most common outcome for serological RDT suspects in a HAT elimination programme.Patient misunderstanding of referral rationale risks harming trust in the whole system and should be addressed in elimination programmes.
基金This research project was financially supported Stichting Dioraphte(The Netherlands).
文摘Background:There is significant need for accurate diagnostic tools for Cryptosporidium spp.and Qiordia duodenalis infections in resource limited countries where diarrhoeal disease caused by these parasites is often prevalent.The present study assessed the diagnostic performance of three commercially available rapid diagnostic tests(RDTs)based on faecal-antigen detection for Cryptosporidium spp.and/or G.duodenalis infections in stool samples of children admitted with severe acute malnutrition(SAM)and diarrhoea.An established multiplex PCR was used as reference test.Methods:Stool samples from children with SAM and diarrhoea enrolled in a randomized controlled trial(registered at clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02246296)in Malawi(n=175)and Kenya(n=120)between December 2014 and December 2015 were analysed by a multiplex PCR for the presence of Cryptosporidium sppv G.duodenalis or Entomoebo histolytica parasite DNA.Cryptosporidium-positive samples were species typed using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.A sub-sample of the stool specimens(n=236)was used for testing with three different RDTs.Diagnostic accuracy of the tests under evaluation was assessed using the results of PCR as reference standard using MedCalc software.Pearson Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to determine(significant)difference between the number of cryptosporidiosis or giardiasis cases found by PCR in Malawi and Kenya.The overall diagnostic accuracy of each RDT was calculated by plotting a receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve for each test and to determine the area under the curve(AUC)using SPSS8 software.Results:Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp.by PCR was 20.0 and 21.7%in Malawi and Kenya respectively,mostly C.hominis.G.duodenalis prevalence was 23.4 and 5.8%in Malawi and Kenya respectively.E histolytica was not detected by PCR.RDT testing followed the same pattern of prevalence.RDT sensitivities ranged for cryptosporidiosis from 42.9 to 76.9%and for G.duodenalis from 48.2 to 85.7%.RDT specificities ranged from 88.4 to 100%for Cryptosporidium spp.and from 91.2 to 99.2%for G.duodenalis infections.Based on the estimated area under the curve(AUC)values,all tests under evaluation had an acceptable overall diagnostic accuracy(>0.7),with the exception of one RDT for Cryptosporidium spp.in Malawi.Conclusions:All three RDTs for Cryptosporidium spp.and Giardia duodenalis evaluated in this study have a moderate sensitivity,but sufficient specificity.The main value of the RDTs is within their rapidness and their usefulness as screening assays in surveys for diarrhoea.
文摘Background It was recommended that malaria rapid diagnostic tests(RDTs)should be available in all epidemiological situations.But evidence was limited on the implementation of RDTs and its effectiveness in malaria elimination settings.This study examined the implementation of RDTs and how it affected the diagnosis of imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province,China.Methods To scale up RDTs,this study developed an intervention package with four major elements covering the supply of RDT test,the training on RDTs,the monitoring and management of RDT use,and the advocacy of RDTs.By using a pretest-posttest control group design,we implemented the interventions in 4 cities in Jiangsu Province with the rest nine cities as controlled areas,from January 2017 to January 2018.Difference-in-Difference approach was used to evaluate the impact of the scale-up of RDTs on the identification of malaria cases.Three binary outcome measures were included to indicate delayed malaria diagnosis,malaria cases with confirmed malaria diagnosis at township-level institutions,and severe malaria cases,respectively.Linear probability regression was performed with time and group fixed effects and the interaction term between time and group.Results Intervention areas received sufficient RDT test supply,regular professional training programs,monthly tracking and management of RDT supply and use,and health education to targeted population.The implementation of interventions was associated with 10.8%(P=0.021)fewer patients with delayed diagnosis.But intervention areas did not see a higher likelihood of having confirmed diagnosis from township-level institutions(coefficient=-0.038,P=0.185)or reduced severe malaria cases(coef.=0.040,P=0.592).Conclusions The comprehensive package of RDT implementation in this study is promising in scaling up RDT use and improving access to care among malaria patients,especially in malaria elimination settings.
文摘Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacillus responsible for numerous gastroduodenal pathologies, and this infection is a public health problem. The prevalence of infection with this bacterium remains high in countries with limited resources. Diagnosis relies mainly on numerous invasive and noninvasive methods. The aim of this work was to evaluate the different indirect diagnostic methods using bacterial cultures. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional and analytical study from January to May 2022 in the gastroenterology departments of Douala General Hospital and Douala Military Hospital. All patients aged 18 years and older who were in the gastroenterology consultation and agreed to participate were included in our study. Sociodemographic, clinical, and paraclinical data were collected. Urease, liquid urea, and culture tests were performed from the specimens obtained by fibroscopy. Serological tests were performed on the blood sample. Results: 101 patients were included, 58 were female and 43 were male, for a sex ratio of 1.3. The mean age was 44.2 ± 16 years. The prevalence of infection was 90.5%, 44.1%, 40.6% and 21.8% for serology, direct microbiological examination, RUT (rapid urea test) and culture, respectively. Comparison of the different tests showed sensitivity and specificity of 67.1% and 64%, respectively, for RUT, 100% and 73.7%, respectively, for direct microbiological examination, and 100% and 14.8%, respectively, for serology. The positive and negative predictive values were 39.5% and 100% for serology, 39% and 85% for RUT, and 55.6% and 100% for direct microbiological examination, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection depends on the type of test used. Direct examination is more reliable than RUT and serology.
文摘To compare the diagnostic value of four signs for superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions of the shoulder.Methods The physical examination was performed randomly on 81 cases with abnormalities of the shoulder.There were four tests,including Kibler anterior sliding test,Liu crank test,O’Brien active compression test and Kim biceps load test Ⅱ.The arthroscopic examination were also performed.The result of the arthroscopic examination was considered as a golden standard,so that we could estimate the diagnosis value of the four tests according to the method of evaluation of diagnosis test on clinical epidemiology,their sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive value,accuracy.Results There were 21 cases diagnosed as SLAP lesions by arthroscopy.The diagnosis value of Kim biceps load test Ⅱ was the highest among the four tests,in which 19 of true positive,59 of true negative,1 of false positive,only 2 of false negative cases;while the sensitivity was 90.48%,specificity was 98.33%,positive predictive value was 95.00%,negative predictive value was 96.72%,and accuracy was 96.30%.However the sensitivity,specificity,positive predicitive value,negative predictive vale and accuracy of Kibler anterior sliding test were 76.19%,96.67%,88.89%,92.06%,91.33%;and those of Liu crank test were 85.71%,93.33%,81.82%,94.92%,91.35%;those of O’Brien active compression test were 80.95%,91.66%,77.27%,93.22%,88.89%.Conclusion Kim Biceps load test Ⅱ may be the best for clinical diagnosis of SLAP lesions of the shoulder.9 refs,4 figs,2 tabs.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China:Research on TCM Equipment Aided Diagnosis Model Based on Multisource Information Fusion and Domain Ontology:a Case Study of Knee Osteoarthritis(No.82074334)Beijing Natural Science Foundation of China:Multi Source Four Diagnostic Information Collection and Fusion Model Based on Portable Equipment(No.7192140)+2 种基金CACMS Innovation Fund:Joint Experimental Platform for Integrated Application of TCM Diagnosis and Treatment Equipment(No.CI2021A00113)Basic Research Business Expenses of China Academy of Chinese Medical Science:Research on TCM Aided Diagnosis Model of Coronary Heart Disease Stable Angina Pectoris Based on Modern Literature(No.YZ-202015)CACMS Special Program for Training Excellent Young Talents:Research on Matching Method of TCM Theory for Instrument Measurement Signal(No.zz13-yq-110)。
文摘In China,50%of Knee Osteoarthritis(KOA)patients will be treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine or a combination of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,which call for objective efficacy evaluation methods.The collection,processing and fusion of multisource data were taken as the main methods,with 150 KOA patients and 100 healthy people as an example to design prospective clinical tests.Data were collected with tongue inspection APP,infrared instrument and channel instrument,etc.And the analysis,screening,fusion and modelling of multi-source data were conducted.The traditional clinical tests have been combined with the customized information platform in this study,which is convenient for clinical tests,medical follow-ups and timely feedback to statistical analysis of data.
文摘Malaria is a febrile and hemolyzing erythrocytopathy due to the development and multiplication of one or more of the five plasmodial species dependent on humans: Plasmodium falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, P. vivax and P. knowlesi. These parasites are inoculated into humans by the infective bite of a female mosquito, female anopheles of the genus Anopheles, during a blood meal. The study aimed to: determine the frequency of fever due to malaria after surgery;describe malaria symptomatology and clinical evolution after surgical intervention;determine the average length of hospital stay for operated patients with malaria;evaluate the average cost of malaria treatment. This was a prospective study which involved 110 operated patients, which took place over a period of 12 months from March 2017 to February 2018 in the general surgery department at the Reference Health Center of commune I of the Bamako district. The frequency of malaria was 11.82% before the intervention and 3.64% after the intervention, with an average age of 29.80 years;extremes of 2 years and 76 years and a sex ratio of 1.5 in favor of the male sex. The main clinical signs were fever (38.18%), headache (20.91%) and vomiting (36.36%) and physical asthenia (18.18%). Diagnosed and treated early, malaria progressed favorably. The outcome was simple for all our patients and we did not record any deaths. The cost of treatment was borne by the patients and/or their families. The average cost of treatment was 7915 CFA francs, significantly below the Malian minimum wage which is around 30,000 FCFA. The implementation of preventive measures is necessary to reduce the importance of malaria in hospitals: staff awareness, indoor spraying, use of impregnated mosquito nets.
基金Fund supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China(2014ZX10003003)Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Initiative for Innovative Medicine(2016-12M-1-013)Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Fund for Tuberculosis Research(2016ZX310183-4)~~
文摘Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of T-SPOT.TB for tuberculous lymphadenitis.Methods Suspected tuberculous lymphadenitis patients between September 2010 and September 2018 who had both peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB test and lymph node biopsy were retrospectively enrolled in this study.The cutoff value of T-SPOT.TB test for peripheral blood was set as 24 spot forming cell(SFC)/106 periphreral blood monocyte cell(PBMC)according to the instruction of testing kits.The gold standard for diagnosis of TBL was the combination of microbiology results,histopathology results and patient's response to anti-TB treatment.Diagnostic efficacy of T-SPOT.TB was evaluated,including sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,predictive values,and likelihood ratio.Results Among 91 patients who met the inclusion criteria,we excluded 8 cases with incomplete clinical information and 6 cases who lost to follow-up.According to the gold standard,there were 37 cases of true TBL(9 confirmed TBL and 28 probable TBL),30 cases of non-TBL,and 10 cases of clinically indeterminate diagnosis who were excluded from the final analyses.The T-SPOT.TB tests yielded 43 cases of positive response and 24 cases of negative response.The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value(PPV),negative predictive value(NPV),positive likelihood ratio(PLR)and negative likelihood ratio(NLR)of peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB for diagnosing TBL were 89.2%,66.7%,79.1%,76.7%,83.3%,2.68 and 0.16,respectively.The number of SFCs of T-SPOT.TB in TBL patients[432(134-1264)/106 PBMCs]was higher than that in non-TBL patients[0(0-30)/106 PBMCs]with a significant difference(Z=-5.306,P<0.001).Conclusion T-SPOT.TB is a rapid and simple diagnostic test for TBL with a high sensitivity and negative predictive value.
基金Supported by National Key R and D Program of China,No.2017YFC0107800CAMS Initiative for Innovative Medicine,No.2016-12M-2-004
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is an arterial oxygenation defect induced by intrapulmonary vascular dilatation (IPVD) in the setting of liver disease and/or portal hypertension.This syndrome occurs most often in cirrhotic patients(4%-32%) and has been shown to be detrimental to functional status,quality of life,and survival.The diagnosis of HPS in the setting of liver disease and/or portal hypertension requires the demonstration of IPVD (i.e.,diffuse or localized abnormally dilated pulmonary capillaries and pulmonary and pleural arteriovenous communications) and arterial oxygenation defects,preferably by contrast-enhanced echocardiography and measurement of the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient,respectively.AIM To compare brain and whole-body uptake of technetium for diagnosing HPS.METHODS Sixty-nine patients with chronic liver disease and/or portal hypertension were prospectively included.Brain uptake and whole-body uptake were calculated using the geometric mean of technetium counts in the brain and lungs and in the entire body and lungs,respectively.RESULTS Thirty-two (46%) patients had IPVD as detected by contrast-enhancedechocardiography.The demographics and clinical characteristics of the patients with and without IPVD were not significantly different with the exception of the creatinine level (0.71±0.18 mg/dL vs 0.83±0.23 mg/dL;P=0.041),alveolararterial oxygen gradient (23.2±13.3 mmHg vs 16.4±14.1 mmHg;P=0.043),and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (81.0±12.1 mmHg vs 90.1±12.8 mmHg;P=0.004).Whole-body uptake was significantly higher in patients with IPVD than in patients without IPVD (48.0%±6.1%vs 40.1%±8.1%;P=0.001).The area under the curve of whole-body uptake for detecting IPVD was significantly higher than that of brain uptake (0.75 vs 0.54;P=0.025).The optimal cut-off values of brain uptake and whole-body uptake for detecting IPVD were 5.7%and 42.5%,respectively,based on Youden’s index.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of brain uptake> 5.7%and whole-body uptake> 42.5%for detecting IPVD were23%,89%,and 59%and 100%,52%,and 74%,respectively.CONCLUSION Whole-body uptake is superior to brain uptake for diagnosing HPS.
基金Supported by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2020M673263。
文摘BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis(AIH-PBC)overlap syndrome has a worse prognosis than AIH or PBC alone.Therefore,accurately staging liver fibrosis and dynamically monitoring disease progression are essential.AIM To investigate the performance of two-dimensional shear-wave elastography(2DSWE)for noninvasively staging liver fibrosis and assessing the clinical utility of repeated 2D-SWE for monitoring treatment response in AIH-PBC overlap syndrome.METHODS A total of 148 patients diagnosed with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome were retrospectively enrolled.Among them,82 patients had a 2D-SWE follow-up time of more than 1 year.The Scheuer scoring system was used to evaluate stages of hepatic inflammation and liver fibrosis.The performance of 2D-SWE for staging liver fibrosis was evaluated with the liver biopsy.Changes in liver stiffness(LS)measured by 2D-SWE in patients with or without complete biochemical remission were evaluated.RESULTS LS value was strongly correlated with liver fibrosis stage(Spearman r=0.84,P<0.0001).The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of LS for diagnosing significant fibrosis(≥S2),severe fibrosis(≥S3),and cirrhosis(S4)were 0.91,0.97,and 0.96,respectively.Patients with complete biochemical remission had a considerable decrease in LS values(P<0.0001).More importantly,the declined LS in patients with S0-S2 was significantly lower than that in patients with S3-S4(P=0.0002).In contrast,patients who failed to achieve biochemical remission had a slight but not significant decrease in LS(P=0.37).CONCLUSION LS measured by 2D-SWE is an accurate and reliable method in assessing liver fibrosis,especially for diagnosing severe fibrosis(≥3)and monitoring treatment response in patients with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome.
