Predicting Dysphagia with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale: Distinction between Infra- and Supratentorial Region is Essential

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 150-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bendix Labeit ◽  
Hannah Mueller ◽  
Paul Muhle ◽  
Inga Claus ◽  
Tobias Warnecke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Haemorrhagic Stroke ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Neurogenic Dysphagia ◽  
Screening Parameter ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Moderate Sensitivity ◽  
The Ideal

Background: For the early detection of post-stroke dysphagia (PSD), valid screening parameters are crucial as part of a step-wise diagnostic procedure. This study examines the role of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIH-SS) as a potential low-threshold screening parameter. Methods: During a ten-year period, 687 newly admitted patients at University Hospital Muenster were included in a retrospective analysis, if they had ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke confirmed by neuroimaging and had received NIH-SS scoring and endoscopic swallowing evaluation upon admission. The NIH-SS score was correlated with dysphagia severity as measured by the validated 6-point fiberoptic endoscopic dysphagia severity score (FEDSS), and the ideal cut-off score to predict PSD, defined as FEDSS > 1, was calculated. Supra- and infratentorial strokes were analysed separately due to their differing role in the pathophysiology of neurogenic dysphagia. Results: NIH-SS and dysphagia severity show a significant positive correlation in the whole study population (R2 = 0.745) as well as in both analysed subgroups (R2 = 0.494 for supra- and R2 = 0.646 for infratentorial strokes, p < 0.0005, respectively). For supratentorial strokes, the ideal NIH-SS cut-off is > 9 (sensitivity 68.3%, specificity 61.5%, positive predictive value 89.7%, negative predictive value 28.4%). For infratentorial strokes, a lower ideal cut-off > 5 was calculated (sensitivity 67.4%, specificity 85.0%, positive predictive value 95.1%, negative predictive value 37.8%). Conclusions: NIH-SS may be used as an adjunct to predict dysphagia in acute stroke patients with moderate sensitivity and specificity. Differentiation between supra- and infratentorial regions is essential not to miss dysphagia in infratentorial stroke.

scholarly journals 3124 Early Electrographic Seizure Detection by Neuro ICU Nurses via Bedside Real-Time Quantitative EEG

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (s1) ◽  
pp. 38-38
Author(s):  
Safa Kaleem ◽  
Christa B. Swisher
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Quantitative Eeg ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Duke University ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Time To Detection ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Improve Patient

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: 1. Determine positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of Neuro ICU nurse interpretation of real-time bedside qEEG. 2. Determine difference in time to detection of first seizure between Neuro ICU nurse qEEG interpretation and EEG fellow reads of cEEG. 3. Determine what qualities of seizures make detection by neuro ICU nurses more or less likely – e.g. duration of seizures, type of seizures, spatial extent of seizures. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Recruit neuro ICU nurses taking care of 150 patients admitted to the Neuro ICU at Duke University Hospital who are initiated on cEEG monitoring. Nurses will be consented for their participation in the study. Neuro ICU nurses will evaluate the qEE RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: From literature estimates of a 20% seizure prevalence in critical care settings, we hope to have 30 patients with seizures and 120 without. Based on prior study in the Duke Neuro ICU, we hypothesize that Neuro ICU nurses will have sensitivity and DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: This is the first prospective study of neuro ICU nurse interpretation of real-time bedside qEEG in patients with unknown NCSE/NCS presence. If nurse sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value are clinically useful, which we deem would be so at a sensitivity of 70% or greater, with acceptable false alarm rate, nurse readings of qEEG could significantly decrease the time to treatment of seizures in the Neuro ICU patient population, and perhaps could improve patient outcomes.

scholarly journals Performance of the New Automated Latex Immunoturbidometric Assay in the Diagnosis of Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia: A Single Institution Experience

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 4689-4689
Author(s):  
Sriman Swarup ◽  
Somedeb Ball ◽  
Nimesh Adhikari ◽  
Anita Sultan ◽  
Khatrina Swarup ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Serotonin Release ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Release Assay

Introduction: Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a severe prothrombotic condition, usually triggered by exposure to heparin products. It is characterized by platelet activation induced by the formation of antibodies to the platelet factor 4 (PF4)/ heparin polyanion complexes. Diagnostic algorithm includes clinical scoring (4T score) alongside serological test for detection of these antibodies (HIT-Ab), while serotonin release assay (SRA) remains the gold- standard for confirmation. The automated latex immunoturbidometric assay (LIA) has recently been FDA approved as a screening tool for HIT and is a potential alternative to the conventional particle immunofiltration assay (PIFA) for time-sensitive detection of HIT-Ab to guide treatment considerations. We recently introduced LIA in our institution. In this study, we present our experience with LIA in comparison to PIFA in the diagnosis of HIT. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all the patients on whom a PIFA was ordered between March 2017 and March 2018 in our hospital. We collected information on the results of the PIFA and SRA (if available). We replaced PIFA with LIA for HIT screening. Then, we introduced a structured protocol for diagnosis of HIT in our institution by incorporating 4T scoring alongside LIA order in the electronic medical record (EMR), in December 2018. We reviewed the EMR of all the patients on whom HIT-Ab test (LIA) was ordered between January and June of 2019, and collected similar information as before. All the data were compiled in a single master excel sheet for calculation of performance characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values) for both PIFA and LIA. A patient was considered to have the diagnosis of HIT if the result of SRA was available and positive. Results: In the first phase, a total of 31 orders for SRA was noted against 170 PIFA orders. Five patients had a positive SRA, of whom two were PIFA negative. Half the patients with a negative SRA result were positive for PIFA. Hence, the sensitivity and specificity of PIFA test for our study population were noted to be 60% and 50%, respectively. PIFA had a positive predictive value (PPV) of mere 18.75% for the diagnosis of HIT, whereas the negative predictive value (NPV) was found to be 86.66%. Introduction of structured protocol for HIT diagnosis substantially reduced the number of inappropriate SRA orders in the second phase. On review of data for six months with the new HIT-Ab test LIA, SRA was ordered in only eight patients, to go with 69 orders for the LIA. The result of LIA was positive in all three patients with a positive SRA, whereas it was false positive in four instances. Only one patient was negative for both LIA and SRA during this period. LIA was found to be 100% sensitive and 20% specific for the diagnosis of HIT in our sample. PPV and NPV for LIA were 42.85% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of LIA were found to be 100% and 20%, respectively, in our study population, which is different from the earlier report (Warkentin et al. 2017). The small sample size is a limitation of our study. Higher PPV and NPV for LIA, with its quick turnaround time, make it a useful alternative for the time-sensitive determination of post-test probability for HIT in patients. [HIT- Ab- Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia Antibody, PIFA- Particle Immunofiltration Assay, LIA- Latex Immunoturbidometric Assay, SRA- Serotonin Release Assay, +ve- Positive, -ve - Negative, PPV- Positive Predictive Value, NPV- Negative Predictive Value] Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Tuberculosis and Tuberculin Quality: Best Intentions, Misleading Results

2001 ◽  
Vol 22 (08) ◽  
pp. 481-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Sigfrido Rangel-Frausto ◽  
Samuel Ponce-de-León-Rosales ◽  
Claudia Martinez-Abaroa ◽  
Kaare Hasløv
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Risk Population

Abstract Objective: To compare the performance of three purified protein derivative (PPD) formulations: Tubersol (Connaught); RT23, Statens Serum Institut (SSI); and RT23, Mexico, tested in Mexican populations at low and high risk for tuberculosis (TB). Design: A double-blinded clinical trial. Setting: A university hospital in Mexico City. Participants: The low-risk population was first or second-year medical students with no patient contact; the high-risk population was healthcare workers at a university hospital. Methods: Each of the study subjects received the three different PPD preparations. Risk factors for TB, including age, gender, occupation, bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) status, and TB exposure, were recorded. A 0.1-mL aliquot of each preparation was injected in the left and right forearms of volunteers using the Mantoux technique. Blind readings were done 48 to 72 hours later. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated at 10 mm of induration using Tubersol as the reference standard. The SSI tested the potency of the different PPD preparations in previously sensitized guinea pigs. Results: The low-risk population had a prevalence of positive PPD of 26%. In the low-risk population, RT23 prepared in Mexico, compared to the 5 TU of Tubersol, had a sensitivity of 51%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 86%. The RT23 prepared at the SSI had a sensitivity of 69%, a specificity of 99%, a positive predictive value of 95%, and a negative predictive value of 90%. In the high-risk population, the prevalence of positive PPD was 57%. The RT23 prepared in Mexico had a sensitivity of 33%, a specificity of 100%, and a positive predictive value of 53%; the RT23 prepared at the SSI had a sensitivity of 91%, a specificity of 98%, a positive predictive value of 98%, and a negative predictive value of 89%. RT23 used in Mexico had a potency of only 23% of that of the control. There was no statistical association among those with a positive PPD, irrespective of previous BCG vaccination (relative risk, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.3; P=.78). Conclusions: Healthcare workers had twice the prevalence of positive PPD compared to medical students. RT23 prepared in Mexico had a low sensitivity in both populations compared to 5 TU of Tubersol and RT23 prepared at the SSI. Previous BCG vaccination did not correlate with a positive PPD. Low potency of the RT23 preparation in Mexico was confirmed in guinea pigs. Best intentions in a TB program are not enough if they are not followed by high-quality control.

scholarly journals Diagnostic accuracy of frozen section in detecting malignant brain tumors taking histopathology as gold standard.

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (09) ◽  
pp. 1814-1817
Author(s):  
Saad Akhter Khan ◽  
Badar Uddin Ujjan ◽  
Naveed Zaman Akhunzada ◽  
Saad Bin Anis
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Frozen Section ◽  
Malignant Gliomas ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Neoplastic Tissue ◽  
Tissue Water

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of frozen section in detecting malignant gliomas, taking histopathology as gold standard. Study Design: Cross-Sectional study. Setting: Neurosurgery Department, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Period: From March 2018 to Jan 2019. Material & Methods: Through consecutive sampling technique, total 100 specimens from patients suspected of malignant gliomas on MRI brain with contrast, who were admitted in the neurosurgery department for elective tumor surgery were included. Intraoperatively, the specimen from the lesion identified on imaging through neuro-navigation was taken and sent to histopathology department for frozen section analysis. The histopathology consultant was pre-informed about the case and probable time of receiving the specimen. The specimen for frozen section was sent in a dried container without formalin. Once received in pathology department, the tissue is rapidly cooled through a cryostat which converts tissue water into the ice and makes the tissue rigid for cutting into slices and viewing under the microscope for identifying the neoplastic tissue. The consultant histopathologist was request to provide frozen section report immediately and to keep the remaining specimen for definitive histopathology reporting as well. Data of malignancy on both Frozen Section and formal histopathology report was noted and comparison was done. Results: Mean age of the patients was 36.7±8.76 years. There were 64 (64%) male patients and 36 (36%) female patients. Diagnostic accuracy of frozen section taking histopathology as a gold standard shows that sensitivity was found to be 83.3%, specificity 84.4%, Positive predictive value (PPV) 71.4% and negative predictive value (NPV) 91.5% & Overall diagnosis accuracy was found 96.6%. Conclusion: The Diagnostic accuracy of frozen section (FS) in detection of brain malignant gliomas was found to be satisfactory. It has a diagnostic accuracy of 96.9%, sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 84.4%, Positive predictive value (PPV) 71.4% and negative predictive value (NPV) 91.5%.

scholarly journals Diagnostic performance of the extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (EFAST) patients in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000438
Author(s):  
Samjhana Basnet ◽  
Sanu Krishna Shrestha ◽  
Alok Pradhan ◽  
Roshana Shrestha ◽  
Anmol Purna Shrestha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Abdominal Injuries ◽  
Contrast Enhanced Ct

BackgroundThoracoabdominal trauma presents a diagnostic challenge for the emergency physician. The introduction of bedside ultrasonography (USG) provides a screening tool to detect hemoperitoneum, hemothorax, pneumothorax and pericardial effusion in torso injuries.AimTo evaluate the accuracy of extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (EFAST) for chest and abdominal injuries performed by first responders in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal.MethodsThis was a prospective study including all trauma patients who obtained either an Injury Severity Score ≥15 or direct trauma to the trunk in 1 year period in the emergency department (ED) of Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital. The results of the EFAST were then compared with contrast-enhanced CT (CECT), radiology ultrasound (USG)/chest X-ray, or intraoperative findings when the EFAST was positive. The negative EFAST cases were observed for a minimum of 4 hours in the ED. Descriptive statistics and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated.ResultsOut of 267 cases, 261 patients underwent an EFAST examination. The sensitivity and specificity were 94.8% and 99.5%, respectively. The negative predictive value was 98.53% whereas the positive predictive value was 98.21%. The overall accuracy was 99.4%.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that EFAST examination performed by first-line healthcare providers is a useful method for assessment of thoracic and abdominal injuries. EFAST was found to have a high specificity (99.5%) and positive predictive value (98.21%) which indicates that it is an effective technique for detecting intra-abdominal or thoracic injuries. However, the effectiveness of EFAST is limited by its being operator dependent, and thereby human error. For negative EFAST cases, we recommend a monitoring period of at least 4 hours, serial fast scan, or further investigation through other methods such as a CECT.Level of evidenceLevel I

scholarly journals The prediction of myometrial infiltration by three-dimensional ultrasonography in patients with endometrial carcinoma: a validation study from Ege University Hospital.

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 201
Author(s):  
Mete Ergenoglu ◽  
Levent Akman ◽  
Mustafa Cosan Terek ◽  
Cem Yasar Sanhal ◽  
Ozgur Yeniel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Endometrial Carcinoma ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Validation Study ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Myometrial Invasion ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Subjective Impression ◽  
3D Ultrasonography

Aim: To predict the myometrial invasion with three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography in a cohort of patients with endometrial carcinoma by a previously described technique. Material and methods: The moyometrial infiltration was evaluated by 3D ultrasonography before surgery in 54 patients with endometrial carcinoma. After scanning the whole uterus by ultrasonography, three perpendicular planes were identified to find the shortest myometrial tumor-free distance to serosa (TDS) by examining the lateral, anterior, posterior, and fundal parts of the myometrium. Myometrial infiltration was also estimated by the subjective impression of the examiner. The reference standards consist of myometrial infiltration and TDS which are measured by an experienced pathologist. Results: Forty-five patients (age range 45-86 years) were included for the final analysis. Myometrial invasion was ˂50% in 36 and ≥50% in 9 cases at histologic sections. The TDS which is measured with 3D ultrasonography was positively correlated with histologically measured TDS (r=0.474, p=0.001). The best cut-off value for ultrasonographically measured TDS was 9 mm with a sensitivity of 89%, specifity of 61%, positive predictive value of 36%, and negative predictive value of 96%. Subjective impression has a sensitivity of 100%, specifity of 88%, positive predictive value of 69%, and negative predictive value of 100%. Cervical involvement was correctly identified in all 6 cases by subjective impression. Conclusion: This validation study confirms the 3D ultrasonography as a valuable tool for the evaluation of myometrial infiltration in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

scholarly journals The Stroke Assessment of Fall Risk (SAFR): predictive validity in inpatient stroke rehabilitation

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 1218-1224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry P Breisinger ◽  
Elizabeth R Skidmore ◽  
Christian Niyonkuru ◽  
Lauren Terhorst ◽  
Grace B Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Stroke Rehabilitation ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Stroke Assessment

Objective: To evaluate relative accuracy of a newly developed Stroke Assessment of Fall Risk (SAFR) for classifying fallers and non-fallers, compared with a health system fall risk screening tool, the Fall Harm Risk Screen. Design and setting: Prospective quality improvement study conducted at an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit at a large urban university hospital. Participants: Patients admitted for inpatient stroke rehabilitation ( N = 419) with imaging or clinical evidence of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, between 1 August 2009 and 31 July 2010. Interventions: Not applicable. Main outcome measure(s): Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve for Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves of both scales’ classifications, based on fall risk score completed upon admission to inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Results: A total of 68 (16%) participants fell at least once. The SAFR was significantly more accurate than the Fall Harm Risk Screen ( p < 0.001), with area under the curve of 0.73, positive predictive value of 0.29, and negative predictive value of 0.94. For the Fall Harm Risk Screen, area under the curve was 0.56, positive predictive value was 0.19, and negative predictive value was 0.86. Sensitivity and specificity of the SAFR (0.78 and 0.63, respectively) was higher than the Fall Harm Risk Screen (0.57 and 0.48, respectively). Conclusions: An evidence-derived, population-specific fall risk assessment may more accurately predict fallers than a general fall risk screen for stroke rehabilitation patients. While the SAFR improves upon the accuracy of a general assessment tool, additional refinement may be warranted.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Downstaging, Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Lugol's Iodine in Screening of Cervical Cancer

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-66
Author(s):  
Geeta Durdi ◽  
Kamal Patil ◽  
Lakshita Lumb
Keyword(s):  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Visual Inspection ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Lugol’S Iodine

ABSTRACT Objectives To detect and compare the sensitivity and specificity of downstaging and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and with Lugol's iodine (VILI). Methods Screening with downstaging, VIA and VILI were done on 680 women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria at a primary health center attached to the university hospital, over a period of one year. Those who had abnormal results in downstaging, VIA and VILI were biopsied and sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value were calculated. Results The sensitivities of downstaging, VIA and VILI were 54.55, 63.64 and 90.91% and specificities were 93.42, 95.07 and 97.46% respectively. The positive predictive value of downstaging, VIA and VILI were 12.01, 17.5 and 35.7% and negative predictive values were 99.2, 99.37 and 98.85% respectively. Conclusion VIA and VILI are suitable primary screening procedures as compared to downstaging because of high sensitivity and specificity. The negative predictive value of downstaging, VIA and VILI is better than the positive predictive value. Downstaging can be used in rural areas where acetic acid and Lugol's iodine are not available.

scholarly journals Added value of diffusion-weighted MRI in assessment of pleural lesions

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Youssriah Yahia Sabri ◽  
Ikram Hamed Mahmoud ◽  
Lamis Tarek El-Gendy ◽  
Mohamed Raafat Abd El-Mageed ◽  
Sally Fouad Tadros
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Adc Value ◽  
Pleural Diseases ◽  
Conventional Mri ◽  
Malignant Lesions

Abstract Background There are many causes of pleural disease including variable benign and malignant etiologies. DWI is a non-enhanced functional MRI technique that allows qualitative and quantitative characterization of tissues based on their water molecules diffusivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of DWI-MRI in detection and characterization of pleural diseases and its capability in differentiating benign from malignant pleural lesions. Results Conventional MRI was able to discriminate benign from malignant lesions by using morphological features (contour and thickness) with sensitivity 89.29%, specificity 76%, positive predictive value 89%, negative predictive value 76.92%, and accuracy 85.37%. ADC value as a quantitative parameter of DWI found that ADC values of malignant pleural diseases were significantly lower than that of benign lesions (P < 0.001). Hence, we discovered that using ADC mean value of 1.68 × 10-3 mm2/s as a cutoff value can differentiate malignant from benign pleural diseases with sensitivity 89.3%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 81.2%, and accuracy 92.68% (P < 0.001). Conclusion Although DWI-MRI is unable to differentiate between malignant and benign pleural effusion, its combined morphological and functional information provide valid non-invasive method to accurately characterize pleural soft tissue diseases differentiating benign from malignant lesions with higher specificity and accuracy than conventional MRI.

Accuracy of Medical Examiner’s Assessment for Near–Real-Time Surveillance of Fatal Drug Overdoses, King County, Washington, March 2017–February 2018

2021 ◽  
pp. 003335492110084
Author(s):  
Kirsten Vannice ◽  
Julia Hood ◽  
Nicole Yarid ◽  
Meagan Kay ◽  
Richard Harruff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Drug Overdose ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Death Certificate ◽  
King County ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Drug Overdoses

Objectives Up-to-date information on the occurrence of drug overdose is critical to guide public health response. The objective of our study was to evaluate a near–real-time fatal drug overdose surveillance system to improve timeliness of drug overdose monitoring. Methods We analyzed data on deaths in the King County (Washington) Medical Examiner’s Office (KCMEO) jurisdiction that occurred during March 1, 2017–February 28, 2018, and that had routine toxicology test results. Medical examiners (MEs) classified probable drug overdoses on the basis of information obtained through the death investigation and autopsy. We calculated sensitivity, positive predictive value, specificity, and negative predictive value of MEs’ classification by using the final death certificate as the gold standard. Results KCMEO investigated 2480 deaths; 1389 underwent routine toxicology testing, and 361 were toxicologically confirmed drug overdoses from opioid, stimulant, or euphoric drugs. Sensitivity of the probable overdose classification was 83%, positive predictive value was 89%, specificity was 96%, and negative predictive value was 94%. Probable overdoses were classified a median of 1 day after the event, whereas the final death certificate confirming an overdose was received by KCMEO an average of 63 days after the event. Conclusions King County MEs’ probable overdose classification provides a near–real-time indicator of fatal drug overdoses, which can guide rapid local public health responses to the drug overdose epidemic.

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