scholarly journals Survey and Diagnostic Challenges after Transmission-Stop: Confirming Elimination of Schistosomiasis haematobium in Morocco

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Amarir Fatima ◽  
Balahbib Abdelaali ◽  
Paul L. A. M. Corstjens ◽  
Sadak Abderrahim ◽  
Adlaoui El Bachir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Past History ◽  
National Laboratory ◽  
National Level ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Pooling Strategies ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Clinical cases of Moroccan residents have been recorded since 2004, indicating successful interruption of transmission of S. haematobium infection at national level. The first national survey initiated in 2009 for Schistosomiasis haematobium among children born after 2004, applied diagnostic test was the HAMA-EITB, based on the Western blot technology, and molecular malacological diagnostic tools clearly confirm transmission stop. In 2015, a recent, small survey utilizing an HAI, ELISA tests and an ultrasensitive antigen test, FTCUP CAA, in a group of individual with a past history of infection. However, obviously follow-up surveys to prevent reemergency and for certification of the schistosomiasis elimination require vigilant diagnosis strategies. Here we discuss diagnosis story line in the national laboratory and challenges based on the available tools in relation to their clinical parameters (sensitivity/specificity; Sn/Sp), practicability and associated costs. When transmission stop has been achieved, survey cost and speed are likely to benefit from cost effective pooling strategies and ultrasensitive assays indicating active infection in all potential risk groups. Similarly molecular pooling strategies to monitor infections in the snail vectors.

scholarly journals Clinical Characteristics in Early Childhood Associated with a Nevus-Prone Phenotype in Adults from Tropical Australia: Two Decades of Follow-Up of the Townsville Preschool Cohort Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8680
Author(s):  
Ramez Barsoum ◽  
Simone L. Harrison
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Melanoma Risk ◽  
Bottom Quartile ◽  
Targeted Screening ◽  
History Of ◽  
Tropical Australia

Having numerous melanocytic nevi increases melanoma risk. Few studies have enumerated nevi in children and re-examined them as adults. We aimed to determine if childhood nevus-counts predict nevus-prone adults, and further explore the relevance of host-factors and sun-exposure. Fifty-one Caucasian residents of Townsville (19.16° S, Queensland, Australia) had full-body nevus-counts aged 1–6 and 21–31 years-old. Sun-exposure was determined from questionnaires. Children in the upper-quartile of nevus-counts acquired nevi more rapidly than those in the bottom-quartile (13.3 versus 4.7 nevi/year; p < 0.0005). Children sunburnt before 7 years-old acquired more incident nevi by adulthood (238 versus 126, p = 0.003) particularly if sunburn was severe (321 versus 157.5, p = 0.003) or erythema occurred annually (380 versus 132, p = 0.008). Fair-skinned, freckled children with some nevi ≥ 3 mm, solar lentigines, or a family history of melanoma acquired more incident nevi than children without these attributes. Nevus-prone adults exhibit distinguishing features earlier in life (<7 years-old in Queensland) than has been shown previously. In addition to intervening with sun-protection counselling early enough to reduce risk, being able to reliably triage children into high- and low melanoma-risk groups may inform more efficacious and cost-effective targeted-screening in melanoma-prone populations. Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm that these attributes can reliably separate risk-groups.

scholarly journals New screening approach to detecting congenital syphilis in China: a retrospective cohort study

2020 ◽  
pp. archdischild-2020-320549
Author(s):  
Fang Hu ◽  
Shuai-Jun Guo ◽  
Jian-Jun Lu ◽  
Ning-Xuan Hua ◽  
Yan-Yan Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Congenital Syphilis ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Mother To Child ◽  
Rule Out

BackgroundDiagnosis of congenital syphilis (CS) is not straightforward and can be challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of an algorithm using timing of maternal antisyphilis treatment and titres of non-treponemal antibody as predictors of CS.MethodsConfirmed CS cases and those where CS was excluded were obtained from the Guangzhou Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of syphilis programme between 2011 and 2019. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) in two situations: (1) receiving antisyphilis treatment or no-treatment during pregnancy and (2) initiating treatment before 28 gestational weeks (GWs), initiating after 28 GWs or receiving no treatment for syphilis seropositive women.ResultsAmong 1558 syphilis-exposed children, 39 had confirmed CS. Area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity of maternal non-treponemal titres before treatment and treatment during pregnancy were 0.80, 76.9%, 78.7% and 0.79, 69.2%, 88.7%, respectively, for children with CS. For the algorithm, ROC results showed that PPV and NPV for predicting CS were 37.3% and 96.4% (non-treponemal titres cut-off value 1:8 and no antisyphilis treatment), 9.4% and 100% (non-treponemal titres cut-off value 1:16 and treatment after 28 GWs), 4.2% and 99.5% (non-treponemal titres cut-off value 1:32 and treatment before 28 GWs), respectively.ConclusionsAn algorithm using maternal non-treponemal titres and timing of treatment during pregnancy could be an effective strategy to diagnose or rule out CS, especially when the rate of loss to follow-up is high or there are no straightforward diagnostic tools.

scholarly journals Coronary risk of patients with valvular heart disease: prospective validation of CT-Valve Score

Open Heart ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e001380
Author(s):  
Rasmus Bo Hasselbalch ◽  
Mia Marie Pries-Heje ◽  
Sarah Louise Kjølhede Holle ◽  
Thomas Engstrøm ◽  
Merete Heitmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Valvular Heart Disease ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Multislice Ct ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Before And After ◽  
History Of ◽  
Artery Disease

ObjectiveTo prospectively validate the CT-Valve score, a new risk score designed to identify patients with valvular heart disease at a low risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) who could benefit from multislice CT (MSCT) first instead of coronary angiography (CAG).MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of patients referred for valve surgery in the Capital Region of Denmark and Odense University Hospital from the 1 February 2015 to the 1 February 2017. MSCT was implemented for patients with a CT-Valve score ≤7 at the referring physician’s discretion. Patients with a history of CAD or chronic kidney disease were excluded. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients needing reevaluation with CAG after MSCT and risk of CAD among the patients determined to be low to intermediate risk.ResultsIn total, 1149 patients were included. The median score was 9 (IQR 3) and 339 (30%) had a score ≤7. MSCT was used for 117 patients. Of these 29 (25%) were reevaluated and 9 (7.7%) had CAD. Of the 222 patients with a score ≤7 that did not receive an MSCT, 14 (6%) had significant CAD. The estimated total cost of evaluation among patients with a score ≤7 before implementation was €132 093 compared with €79 073 after, a 40% reduction. Similarly, estimated total radiation before and after was 608 mSv and 362 mSv, a 41% reduction. Follow-up at a median of 32 months (18–48) showed no ischaemic events for patients receiving only MSCT.ConclusionThe CT-Valve score is a valid method for determining risk of CAD among patients with valvular heart disease. Using a score ≤7 as a cut-off for the use of MSCT is safe and cost-effective.

scholarly journals A survey of Nipah virus infection among various risk groups in Singapore

2002 ◽  
Vol 128 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. P. CHAN ◽  
P. E. ROLLIN ◽  
T. G. KSIAZEK ◽  
Y. S. LEO ◽  
K. T. GOH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Past History ◽  
Nipah Virus ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Infected People ◽  
The People ◽  
History Of ◽  
Abattoir Workers

Following the Nipah virus (NV) outbreak in March 1999 in Singapore, a serological survey was undertaken to screen individuals potentially exposed to NV. Blood samples were tested for NV IgM, IgG and neutralizing antibodies. Twenty-two (1·5%) of 1469 people tested had antibodies suggesting NV infection. Although 12 of the 22 infected people (54·6%) were symptomatic, the remaining 10 (45·4%) were clinically well and had no past history of compatible pulmonary or neurological disease. Clinical and serological findings suggested three people had been infected with NV before the outbreak was recognized. All those who were infected were male abattoir workers. None of the people who had contact with horses, and no healthcare workers exposed to infected patients and their specimens had detectable antibodies. This study provides evidence that NV causes asymptomatic infection. All of the antibody positive individuals had direct contact with pigs and there was no evidence of human to human transmission.

scholarly journals Oral Antithrombotic Use Among Myocardial Infarction Patients

2003 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Menno E van der Elst ◽  
Nelly Cisneros-Gonzalez ◽  
Cornelis J de Blaey ◽  
Henk Buurma ◽  
Anthonius de Boer
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Record Linkage ◽  
Antithrombotic Therapy ◽  
Past History ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Antiplatelet Agents ◽  
Antithrombotic Treatment ◽  
History Of ◽  
Using Data

OBJECTIVE To examine the use of oral antithrombotics (i.e., antiplatelet agents, oral anticoagulants) after myocardial infarction (MI) in the Netherlands from 1988 to 1998. METHODS Retrospective follow-up of 3800 patients with MI, using data from the PHARMO Record Linkage System. RESULTS From 1988 to 1998, oral antithrombotic treatment increased significantly from 54.0% to 88.9%. In 1998, only 75.8% of patients who experienced a MI in the late 1980s received oral antithrombotic treatment compared with 94.4% of those who experienced a recent MI. CONCLUSIONS Oral antithrombotics were considerably underused in patients with a past history of MI. Therefore, these patients should be reviewed for antithrombotic therapy to assess whether their failure to use oral antithrombotics was right or wrong, and whether treatment should be initiated if possible.

scholarly journals Audit of safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of local anaesthetic cystodiathermy

2010 ◽  
Vol 92 (8) ◽  
pp. 706-709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Davenport ◽  
Francis X Keeley ◽  
Anthony G Timoney
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Local Anaesthetic ◽  
Past History ◽  
Transitional Cell ◽  
General Anaesthetic ◽  
Patient Anxiety ◽  
Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Flexible Cystoscopy ◽  
History Of

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to audit our experience of cystodiathermy under local anaesthetic (LA) at the time of flexible cystoscopy for recurrent superficial bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 264 flexible cystoscopies were performed on patients with a past history of TCC. The number and site of recurrences were recorded and selected patients were offered cystodiathermy. Patient tolerability was noted. At follow-up, any recurrence was recorded. RESULTS Eighty patients (30%) had 91 procedures showing one or more recurrences. Fifty-one of the 80 patients (64%) were treated with cystodiathermy under LA. All completed treatment. Forty-five (88%) tolerated the procedure well. Forty-seven (92%) treatments were completed within 5 min. At a median follow-up of 15 weeks, 30 (59%) treated patients had no recurrence and three (6%) had recurrence at the site of treatment. CONCLUSIONS LA cystodiathermy is an effective and well-tolerated alternative to general anaesthetic cystodiathermy that enables treatment at the time of detection and may, thereby, reduce patient anxiety.

scholarly journals Buschke-Löwenstein Tumour: Successful Treatment with Minimally Invasive Techniques

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Estefânia Correia ◽  
António Santos
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
Moderate Degree ◽  
Minimally Invasive Techniques ◽  
Secondary Intention ◽  
History Of ◽  
Full Thickness Excision ◽  
Invasive Techniques

We report a case of an 80-year-old female who presented with a four-year history of a growing mass in the perianal area with pain and bleeding during defaecation. Clinical examination revealed a locally destructive, cauliflower-like, verrucous mass measuring 10×12 cm in diameter. Histologic findings revealed a moderate degree of dysplasia of the epithelium with koilocytosis atypia, acanthosis, and parakeratosis, features that are consistent with Buschke-Löwenstein tumour. Polymerase-chain-reaction assay for human papillomavirus (HPV) showed an infection with HPV type 11. Full-thickness excision of involved skin was undertaken by cryotherapy and electrocautery over five months. The entire wound was left open to heal by secondary intention. After 3 years of follow-up, the patient has not experienced a recurrence, with excellent functional results, but the cosmetic results were satisfactory. These minimally invasive techniques can be safer and more cost-effective than surgery and the General Practitioner can play a key role in diagnosis.

scholarly journals Development and external validation of a clinical prediction model for MRSA carriage at hospital admission in Southeast Lower Saxony, Germany

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Raschpichler ◽  
Heike Raupach-Rosin ◽  
Manas K. Akmatov ◽  
Stefanie Castell ◽  
Nicole Rübsamen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Admission ◽  
External Validation ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Validation Dataset ◽  
Lower Saxony ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Lower Specificity ◽  
History Of

Abstract In countries with low endemic Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence, identification of risk groups at hospital admission is considered more cost-effective than universal MRSA screening. Predictive statistical models support the selection of suitable stratification factors for effective screening programs. Currently, there are no universal guidelines in Germany for MRSA screening. Instead, a list of criteria is available from the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) based on which local strategies should be adopted. We developed and externally validated a model for individual prediction of MRSA carriage at hospital admission in the region of Southeast Lower Saxony based on two prospective studies with universal screening in Braunschweig (n = 2065) and Wolfsburg (n = 461). Logistic regression was used for model development. The final model (simplified to an unweighted score) included history of MRSA carriage, care dependency and cancer treatment. In the external validation dataset, the score showed a sensitivity of 78.4% (95% CI: 64.7–88.7%), and a specificity of 70.3% (95% CI: 65.0–75.2%). Of all admitted patients, 25.4% had to be screened if the score was applied. A model based on KRINKO criteria showed similar sensitivity but lower specificity, leading to a considerably higher proportion of patients to be screened (49.5%).

scholarly journals Outcome of Conservative Management in Biliary Ascariasis - A Study of 98 Cases

1970 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
AS Khan ◽  
B Bhowmik ◽  
HAN Hakim ◽  
MA Islam
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Conservative Management ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Biliary Disease ◽  
Common Presentation ◽  
Biliary Ascariasis ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
History Of ◽  
Upper Abdominal

Objectives: History of ascariasis is very old. One quarter of the world's population is known to be infected by ascariasis. It is endemic in various parts of Bangladesh. We aimed to study the various types of clinical presentations, complications and different diagnostic tools and to assess various options for the management of biliary ascariasis. Materials and Methods: Ninty eight cases of hepatobiliary ascariasis were studied over a period of 2 years (April 03 - April 05). All the patients were aged between 12 and 73 years and all were admitted with acute right upper abdominal pain. Ultrasound was the diagnostic tool of choice with 100% results. Results: In this study, biliary ascariasis was found to be more common in females 64.29% (64 patients). The most common presentation was upper abdominal pain in 100% of the patients (98 patients). Complications observed were obstructive jaundice in 08.16% (8 patients), cholangitis in 74.49% (73 patients). History of worm emesis was present in 21.42% (21 patients). Conservative management was successful in 96.94% (95 patients). During follow-up, worm reinvasion of the biliary system occurred in 7.1% (three patients). Conclusion: In endemic countries, biliary ascariasis should be suspected in patients with biliary disease. Most of the patients respond to conservative management. Keywords: Acute upper abdominal pain; biliary ascariasis; Ultrasonography DOI: 10.3329/jdmc.v19i1.6247 J Dhaka Med Coll. 2010; 19(1) : 25-28.

ScreenTB: a tool for prioritising risk groups and selecting algorithms for screening for active tuberculosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 367-375
Author(s):  
C. R. Miller ◽  
E. M. H. Mitchell ◽  
N. Nishikiori ◽  
A. Zwerling ◽  
K. Lönnroth
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Access ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Case Detection ◽  
Online Tool ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Care Access

SETTING AND OBJECTIVES: There is an urgent need to improve tuberculosis (TB) case detection globally. This would require greater focus on the implementation of TB screening programs. However, to be productive, cost-effective, and ethical, TB screening efforts should be tailored to their local context, targeted to the populations most likely to benefit and utilizing diagnostic tools with sufficient accuracy.DESIGN AND RESULTS: We have developed an online tool, ScreenTB to help National TB Programmes (NTPs) and their partners plan TB screening activities by modeling the potential outcomes of screening programs, including yield of TB cases diagnosed (true- and false-positives), costs, and cost-effectiveness, specific to the populations screened and the diagnostic algorithms used. In Myanmar, ScreenTB was used to assist the NTP in prioritizing risk groups for screening efforts and selecting appropriate screening algorithms to maximize case detection and minimize false-positive diagnoses.CONCLUSION: The ScreenTB tool can help facilitate the prioritization of risk groups for screening and the selection of appropriate screening algorithms. This is useful when used as part of a larger planning process that considers feasibility of screening, vulnerability of risk groups, potential impact of screening on TB transmission, human rights implications of screening and equity in health care access.

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