scholarly journals Utility of Routine Laboratory Biomarkers to Detect COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 803
Author(s):  
Jana Suklan ◽  
James Cheaveau ◽  
Sarah Hill ◽  
Samuel G. Urwin ◽  
Kile Green ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Routine Laboratory ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Laboratory Results ◽  
Clinical Scoring ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference ◽  
Laboratory Biomarkers ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Future Work

No routine laboratory biomarkers perform well enough in diagnosing COVID-19 in isolation for them to be used as a standalone diagnostic test or to help clinicians prioritize patients for treatment. Instead, other diagnostic tests are needed. The aim of this work was to statistically summarise routine laboratory biomarker measurements in COVID-19-positive and -negative patients to inform future work. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed. The search included names of commonly used, routine laboratory tests in the UK NHS, and focused on research papers reporting laboratory results of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. A random effects meta-analysis of the standardized mean difference between COVID-19-positive and -negative groups was conducted for each biomarker. When comparing reported laboratory biomarker results, we identified decreased white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, and platelet counts; while lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were elevated in COVID-19-positive compared to COVID-19-negative patients. Differences were identified across a number of routine laboratory biomarkers between COVID-19-positive and -negative patients. Further research is required to identify whether routine laboratory biomarkers can be used in the development of a clinical scoring system to aid with triage of patients.

scholarly journals Laboratory Tests and Outcome for Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1038-1049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Alnor ◽  
Maria B Sandberg ◽  
Charlotte Gils ◽  
Pernille J Vinholt
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Routine Laboratory ◽  
Standard Mean Difference

Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and poses substantial challenges for healthcare systems. With a vastly expanding number of publications on COVID-19, clinicians need evidence synthesis to produce guidance for handling patients with COVID-19. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examine which routine laboratory tests are associated with severe COVID-19 disease. Content PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and Web of Science were searched until March 22, 2020, for studies on COVID-19. Eligible studies were original articles reporting on laboratory tests and outcome of patients with COVID-19. Data were synthesized, and we conducted random-effects meta-analysis, and determined mean difference (MD) and standard mean difference at the biomarker level for disease severity. Risk of bias and applicability concerns were evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Summary 45 studies were included, of which 21 publications were used for the meta-analysis. Studies were heterogeneous but had low risk of bias and applicability concern in terms of patient selection and reference standard. Severe disease was associated with higher white blood cell count (MD, 1.28 ×109/L), neutrophil count (MD, 1.49 ×109/L), C-reactive protein (MD, 49.2 mg/L), lactate dehydrogenase (MD, 196 U/L), D-dimer (standardized MD, 0.58), and aspartate aminotransferase (MD, 8.5 U/L); all p < 0.001. Furthermore, low lymphocyte count (MD −0.32 × 109/L), platelet count (MD −22.4 × 109/L), and hemoglobin (MD, −4.1 g/L); all p < 0.001 were also associated with severe disease. In conclusion, several routine laboratory tests are associated with disease severity in COVID-19.

scholarly journals Laboratory biomarkers associated with COVID-19 severity and management.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Keddie ◽  
Oliver J Ziff ◽  
Michael KL Chou ◽  
Rachel L Taylor ◽  
Amanda Heslegrave ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Distress Syndrome ◽  
Ordinal Scale ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Disease Course ◽  
Routine Laboratory ◽  
Fraction Of Inspired Oxygen ◽  
Laboratory Biomarkers ◽  
Inspired Oxygen

The heterogeneous disease course of COVID-19 is unpredictable, ranging from mild self-limiting symptoms to cytokine storms, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ failure and death. Identification of high-risk cases will enable appropriate intervention and escalation. This study investigates the routine laboratory tests and cytokines implicated in COVID-19 for their potential application as biomarkers of disease severity, respiratory failure and need of higher-level care. From analysis of 203 samples, CRP, IL-6, IL-10 and LDH were most strongly correlated with the WHO ordinal scale of illness severity, the fraction of inspired oxygen delivery, radiological evidence of ARDS and level of respiratory support (p≤0.001). IL-6 levels of >3.27pg/ml provide a sensitivity of 0.87 and specificity of 0.64 for a requirement of ventilation, and a CRP of >37mg/L of 0.91 and 0.66. Reliable stratification of high-risk cases has significant implications on patient triage, resource management and potentially the initiation of novel therapies in severe patients.

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in Europe: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483802199937
Author(s):  
Beatriz Benavente ◽  
Diego A. Díaz-Faes ◽  
Lluís Ballester ◽  
Noemí Pereda
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Commercial Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Comprehensive Search ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk

Objectives: The objective of this review is to provide a systematic and critical summary of findings regarding empirical studies conducted on commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in Europe. The purpose is to gain an understanding of the characteristics and main topics addressed in European research on CSEC, identify gaps, and give suggestions for future studies. Method: The review was guided by the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis—Protocols”. A comprehensive search on several databases was conducted to identify published and unpublished empirical research on CSEC in Europe, revealing 3,846 documents. In total, 56 research papers that focused specifically on CSEC in European samples were included. Synthesis: Research concerning European studies of CSEC and trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation has developed significantly over the last 20 years but is still rather limited and mainly focused on the UK and Sweden. Most of the studies reviewed suffer from important methodological flaws such as an inaccurate definition of the phenomenon analyzed, small and convenience samples, and nonvalidated and nonspecific instruments. Conclusions: Findings from this study demonstrate the need for greater exploration and research around a number of areas of sexual exploitation of children in Europe. Further work is necessary in terms of capacity building, training, and awareness-raising for society as a whole and, specifically, professionals providing direct support to children and young people at risk of exploitation.

Rapid Screening Methods for Bleeding Disorders. A Three Year Survey

1964 ◽  
Vol 11 (02) ◽  
pp. 506-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. A Lovric ◽  
J Margolis
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Capillary Blood ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Rapid Screening ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Bleeding Disorders ◽  
Routine Laboratory ◽  
Clotting Time ◽  
Kaolin Clotting Time ◽  
In Infants And Children

SummaryAn adaptation of “kaolin clotting time” and prothrombin time for use on haemolysed capillary blood provided simple and sensitive screening tests suitable for use in infants and children. A survey of three year’s experience shows that these are reliable routine laboratory tests for detection of latent coagulation disorders.

‘I’m an expert in me and I know what I can cope with’: Patient expertise in rheumatoid arthritis

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessa Sanderson ◽  
Jo Angouri
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Specific Knowledge ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Patient Expertise ◽  
Domain Specific Knowledge ◽  
The Uk

The active involvement of patients in decision-making and the focus on patient expertise in managing chronic illness constitutes a priority in many healthcare systems including the NHS in the UK. With easier access to health information, patients are almost expected to be (or present self) as an ‘expert patient’ (Ziebland 2004). This paper draws on the meta-analysis of interview data collected for identifying treatment outcomes important to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Taking a discourse approach to identity, the discussion focuses on the resources used in the negotiation and co-construction of expert identities, including domain-specific knowledge, access to institutional resources, and ability to self-manage. The analysis shows that expertise is both projected (institutionally sanctioned) and claimed by the patient (self-defined). We close the paper by highlighting the limitations of our pilot study and suggest avenues for further research.

Novel Streptomyces sp. reported in 2018: A meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sagar Aryal ◽  
Laxmi Neupane ◽  
Rameshwar Adhikari ◽  
Balmukunda Regmi ◽  
Niranjan Koirala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Flow Diagram ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Biosynthesis Gene Cluster ◽  
Streptomyces Species ◽  
Sugar Fermentation

: Streptomyces species are very well known for the production of antimicrobials and enzymes. The objective of this review is to search for the novel Streptomyces isolated in 2018 along with their characteristics and possible antimicrobial properties. The literature search was done according to the PRISMA flow diagram where 28 research papers were eligible for the review. Data entry and analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 while phylogenetic tree was constructed using Geneious Prime Software. The data on general characteristics, biochemical as well as sugar fermentation tests, 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and DNA-DNA hybridization relatedness were extracted from the research papers and summarized in tables and figures. The biosynthesis gene cluster (BGC) was identified using ‘antibiotics and secondary metabolite analysis shell-antiSMASH’ which showed the possibility of production of new antibiotics, antifungal and antitumor substances from the 28 novel Streptomyces isolated in 2018 which would contribute to the global effort to fight against growing multidrug-resistance.

scholarly journals National survey of feasibility of NIV trials for management of children with bronchiolitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000780
Author(s):  
Anna Rosala-Hallas ◽  
Ashley P Jones ◽  
Emma Bedson ◽  
Vanessa Compton ◽  
Ricardo M Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Survey ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Training Requirements ◽  
Non Invasive Ventilation ◽  
Respiratory Management ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Future Work

BackgroundBronchiolitis is a major cause of admission to hospital in children. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) support with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen is routinely used for infants in the UK with bronchiolitis.ObjectiveTo establish UK paediatric practice regarding management of bronchiolitis, and to explore issues pertinent to the design of a potential future randomised controlled trial of NIV.DesignScreening logs were completed in hospitals in England capturing information on paediatric bronchiolitis admissions. An online national survey of clinical practice was disseminated to healthcare professionals (HCPs) across the UK to ascertain current management strategies.ResultsScreening logs captured data on 393 infants from 8 hospitals. Reasons for admission were most commonly respiratory distress and/or poor fluid intake. Oxygen was administered for 54% of admissions. Respiratory (CPAP and HFNC) and non-respiratory support administered varied considerably. The national survey was completed by 111 HCPs from 76 hospitals. Data were obtained on criteria used to commence and wean NIV, responsibilities for altering NIV settings, minimum training requirements for staff managing a child on NIV, and numbers of trained staff. Most centres were interested in and capable of running a trial of NIV, even out of normal office hours.ConclusionsRespiratory and non-respiratory management of bronchiolitis in UK centres varies widely. A trial of HFNC oxygen therapy in this group of patients is feasible and HCPs would be willing to randomise patients into such a trial. Future work should focus on defining trial eligibility criteria.

scholarly journals Effects of intensive biomass harvesting on forest soils in the Nordic countries and the UK: A meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 482 ◽  
pp. 118877
Author(s):  
Nicholas Clarke ◽  
Lars Pødenphant Kiær ◽  
O. Janne Kjønaas ◽  
Teresa G. Bárcena ◽  
Lars Vesterdal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Soils ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Nordic Countries ◽  
Biomass Harvesting ◽  
The Uk

Blood Pressure, Hypertension and The Risk of Aortic Dissection Incidence and Mortality: results from the Japan-Specific Health Checkups Study, the UK Biobank Study and a Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies

Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makoto Hibino ◽  
Yoichiro Otaki ◽  
Elsa Kobeissi ◽  
Han Pan ◽  
Hiromi Hibino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Aortic Dissection ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Response Relationship ◽  
Uk Biobank ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Fractional Polynomial ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Specific Health

Background: Hypertension or elevated blood pressure (BP) is an important risk factor for aortic dissection (AD); however, few prospective studies concerning this topic have been published. We investigated the association between hypertension/elevated BP and AD in two cohorts and conducted a meta-analysis of published prospective studies, including these two studies. Methods: We analyzed data from the Japan Specific Health Checkups (J-SHC) Study and UK Biobank, which prospectively followed 534,378 and 502,424 participants, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association of hypertension/elevated BP with AD incidence in the UK Biobank and AD mortality in the J-SHC Study. In the meta-analysis, summary relative risks (RRs) were calculated using random effects models. A potential nonlinear dose-response relationship between BP and AD was tested using fractional polynomial models, and the best-fitting second-order fractional polynomial regression model was determined. Results: In the J-SHC Study and UK Biobank, there were 84 and 182 ADs during 4- and 9-year follow-up, and the adjusted HRs of AD were 3.57 (95% CI, 2.17-6.11) and 2.68 (95% CI: 1.78-4.04) in hypertensive individuals, 1.33 (95% CI: 1.05-1.68) and 1.27 (95% CI: 1.11-1.48) per 20-mmHg increase in systolic BP (SBP), and 1.67 (95% CI: 1.40-2.00) and 1.66 (95% CI: 1.46-1.89) per 10-mmHg increase in diastolic BP (DBP), respectively. In the meta-analysis, the summary RRs were 3.07 (95% CI 2.15-4.38, I2=76.7%, n=7 studies, 2,818 ADs, 4,563,501 participants) for hypertension and 1.39 (95% CI: 1.16-1.66, I2=47.7%, n=3) and 1.79 (95% CI: 1.51-2.12, I2=57.0%, n=3) per 20-mmHg increase in SBP and per 10-mmHg in DBP, respectively. The AD risk showed a strong, positive dose-response relationship with SBP and even more so with DBP. The risk of AD in the nonlinear dose-response analysis was significant at SBP >132 mmHg and DBP >75 mmHg. Conclusions: Hypertension and elevated SBP and DBP are associated with a high risk of AD. The risk of AD was positively dose-dependent, even within the normal BP range. These findings provide further evidence for the optimization of BP to prevent AD.

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