Implementation of a Standardized Prenatal Testing Protocol in an Integrated, Multihospital Health System

2020 ◽  
Vol 155 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-140
Author(s):  
Suneeti Sapatnekar ◽  
Wen Lu ◽  
Suzanne Bakdash ◽  
NurJehan Quraishy
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Prenatal Testing ◽  
Clinical Services ◽  
Close Collaboration ◽  
Testing Protocol ◽  
Prenatal Test ◽  
Standardize Laboratory ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Efficiency And Reliability

Abstract Objectives When our institution grew into an integrated multihospital health system, we were faced with the need to standardize laboratory processes, including blood bank processes, across all locations. The purpose of this article is to describe our experience of standardizing the protocols for prenatal testing. Methods For each hospital in the system, we established service tiers to define tests offered on site or referred to another location. For each prenatal test, we examined the related processes for ways to improve uniformity, efficiency, and reliability. Throughout this process of standardization, we collaborated with the clinical services to gain concurrence on the interpretation and reporting of results. Results We created and implemented a uniform protocol for testing prenatal patients. The protocol standardized the definition of critical titer, instituted criteria to identify passively acquired anti-D, and established a process for the follow-up of women with inconsistent serologic results on Rh(D) typing. Conclusions Close collaboration with the clinical services ensured that our testing protocol is aligned with the needs of the integrated obstetrics service in the health system. The approach described in this article may provide a plan outline for pathologists facing similar challenges at other integrated health systems.

scholarly journals Parental willing to take invasive diagnosis after Expanded Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (expanded NIPT) in a cohort of 24768 cases

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunsheng Ge ◽  
Jia Li ◽  
Jianlong Zhuang ◽  
Jian Zhang ◽  
Yanru Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prenatal Diagnosis ◽  
Prenatal Testing ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Copy Number Variations ◽  
Noninvasive Prenatal Testing ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Prenatal Test ◽  
Xyy Syndrome ◽  
Chromosomal Aneuploidies

Abstract BackgroundThe main aims of the study were to investigate the performance of expanded noninvasive prenatal test (expanded NIPT) in screening for common trisomies, sex chromosomal aneuploidies (SCAs), rare autosomal aneuploidies (RATs) and copy number variations (CNVs) and parental willing to taking invasive prenatal diagnosis after expanded NIPT in China.ResultsOf the 24,736 cases, successful follow-up was conducted in 92.2% (411/446) cases. The sensitivity of expanded NIPT test was 98.61%,90.91% and 100% and specificity was 99.91%,99.95% and 99.87% for the detection of trisomies 21, 18 and 13 respectively. Expanded NIPT detected 45, XO, 47, XXX, 47, XXY, XYY syndrome, RATs and CNVs with positive predictive values of 57.39%, 19.61%, 75%, 79.41%, 77.78%, 10% and 56.25% respectively. The women carrying fetuses with T21/T18/T13 underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis and terminated their pregnancies at higher rates than those positive for SCAs, RATs and CNVs.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that the expanded NIPT detects fetal trisomies 21,18 and 13 with high sensitivity and specificity. The accuracy of detecting SCAs, RATs and CNVs is still relatively poor and needed to be improved. With a positive expanded NIPT result, the women at high risk for common trisomies are more willing to take invasive prenatal diagnosis and terminate their pregnancies.* the first two authors contribute equally to this study.

scholarly journals Evaluation of an On-Demand Mental Health System for Depression Symptoms: Retrospective Observational Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Kunkle ◽  
Manny Yip ◽  
Watson Ξ ◽  
Justin Hunt
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health System ◽  
Mental Health System ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Services ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Chi Square Test

BACKGROUND Depression is an extremely prevalent issue in the United States, with an estimated 7% of adults experiencing at least one major depressive episode in 2017. Although psychotherapy and medication management are effective treatments for depression, significant barriers in accessing care persist. Virtual care can potentially address some of these obstacles. OBJECTIVE We conducted a preliminary investigation of utilization characteristics and effectiveness of an on-demand health system for reducing depression symptoms. METHODS Data were analyzed from 1662 users of an on-demand mental health system that includes behavioral health coaching, clinical services (therapy and psychiatry), and self-guided content and assessments primarily via a mobile app platform. Measures included engagement characterized by mobile app data, member satisfaction scores collected via in-app surveys, and depression symptoms via the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) at baseline and 8-12 week follow-up. Descriptive statistics are reported for measures, and pre/post-PHQ-2 data were analyzed using the McNemar test. A chi-square test was used to test the association between the proportion of individuals with an improvement in PHQ-2 result and care modality (coaching, therapy, and psychiatry, or hybrid). RESULTS During the study period, 65.5% of individuals (1089/1662) engaged only in coaching services, 27.6% of individuals (459/1662) were engaged in both coaching and clinical services, 3.3% of individuals (54/1662) engaged only in clinical services, and 3.7% of individuals (61/1662) only used the app. Of the 1662 individuals who completed the PHQ-2 survey, 772 (46.5%) were considered a positive screen at intake, and 890 (53.6%) were considered a negative screen at intake. At follow-up, 477 (28.7%) of individuals screened positive, and 1185 (71.3%) screened negative. A McNemar test showed that there was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of users experiencing depressed mood and anhedonia more than half the time at follow-up (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). A chi-square test showed there was no significant association between care modality and the proportion of individuals with an improvement in PHQ-2 score. CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary insights into which aspects of an on-demand mental health system members are utilizing and levels of engagement and satisfaction over an 8-12 week window. Additionally, there is some signal that this system may be useful for reducing depression symptoms in users over this period. Additional research is required, given the study limitations, and future research directions are discussed.

scholarly journals Evaluation of an On-Demand Mental Health System for Depression Symptoms: Retrospective Observational Study

10.2196/17902 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. e17902
Author(s):  
Sarah Kunkle ◽  
Manny Yip ◽  
Watson Ξ ◽  
Justin Hunt
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health System ◽  
Mental Health System ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Services ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Chi Square Test

Background Depression is an extremely prevalent issue in the United States, with an estimated 7% of adults experiencing at least one major depressive episode in 2017. Although psychotherapy and medication management are effective treatments for depression, significant barriers in accessing care persist. Virtual care can potentially address some of these obstacles. Objective We conducted a preliminary investigation of utilization characteristics and effectiveness of an on-demand health system for reducing depression symptoms. Methods Data were analyzed from 1662 users of an on-demand mental health system that includes behavioral health coaching, clinical services (therapy and psychiatry), and self-guided content and assessments primarily via a mobile app platform. Measures included engagement characterized by mobile app data, member satisfaction scores collected via in-app surveys, and depression symptoms via the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) at baseline and 8-12 week follow-up. Descriptive statistics are reported for measures, and pre/post-PHQ-2 data were analyzed using the McNemar test. A chi-square test was used to test the association between the proportion of individuals with an improvement in PHQ-2 result and care modality (coaching, therapy, and psychiatry, or hybrid). Results During the study period, 65.5% of individuals (1089/1662) engaged only in coaching services, 27.6% of individuals (459/1662) were engaged in both coaching and clinical services, 3.3% of individuals (54/1662) engaged only in clinical services, and 3.7% of individuals (61/1662) only used the app. Of the 1662 individuals who completed the PHQ-2 survey, 772 (46.5%) were considered a positive screen at intake, and 890 (53.6%) were considered a negative screen at intake. At follow-up, 477 (28.7%) of individuals screened positive, and 1185 (71.3%) screened negative. A McNemar test showed that there was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of users experiencing depressed mood and anhedonia more than half the time at follow-up (P<.001). A chi-square test showed there was no significant association between care modality and the proportion of individuals with an improvement in PHQ-2 score. Conclusions This study provides preliminary insights into which aspects of an on-demand mental health system members are utilizing and levels of engagement and satisfaction over an 8-12 week window. Additionally, there is some signal that this system may be useful for reducing depression symptoms in users over this period. Additional research is required, given the study limitations, and future research directions are discussed.

Comparison of Fluorine(18)-fluorodeoxyglucose and Gallium(68)-citrate PET/CT in patients with tuberculosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (05) ◽  
pp. 371-378
Author(s):  
Alfred O. Ankrah ◽  
Ismaheel O. Lawal ◽  
Tebatso M.G. Boshomane ◽  
Hans C. Klein ◽  
Thomas Ebenhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tracer Uptake ◽  
Pet Ct ◽  
The Mean ◽  
18F Fdg ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Gallium 68 ◽  
Attending Physician ◽  
Pet Scans ◽  
The Brain

Abstract 18F-FDG and 68Ga-citrate PET/CT have both been shown to be useful in the management of tuberculosis (TB). We compared the abnormal PET findings of 18F-FDG- and 68Ga-citrate-PET/CT in patients with TB. Methods Patients with TB on anti-TB therapy were included. Patients had a set of PET scans consisting of both 18F-FDG and 68Ga-citrate. Abnormal lesions were identified, and the two sets of scans were compared. The scan findings were correlated to the clinical data as provided by the attending physician. Results 46 PET/CT scans were performed in 18 patients, 11 (61 %) were female, and the mean age was 35.7 ± 13.5 years. Five patients also had both studies for follow-up reasons during the use of anti-TB therapy. Thirteen patients were co-infected with HIV. 18F-FDG detected more lesions than 68Ga-citrate (261 vs. 166, p < 0.0001). 68Ga-citrate showed a better definition of intracerebral lesions due to the absence of tracer uptake in the brain. The mean SUVmax was higher for 18F-FDG compared to 68Ga-citrate (5.73 vs. 3.01, p < 0.0001). We found a significant correlation between the SUVmax of lesions that were determined by both tracers (r = 0.4968, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Preliminary data shows 18F-FDG-PET detects more abnormal lesions in TB compared to 68Ga-citrate. However, 68Ga-citrate has better lesion definition in the brain and is therefore especially useful when intracranial TB is suspected.

Biomarkers of Acromegaly and Growth Hormone Action

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (12) ◽  
pp. 1231-1245
Author(s):  
Filippo Maffezzoni ◽  
Teresa Porcelli ◽  
Andrea Delbarba ◽  
Letizia Pezzaioli ◽  
Carlo Cappelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Biological Markers ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Hormone Deficiency ◽  
Surrogate Outcomes ◽  
Current State ◽  
Growth Hormone Action ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Definition Of

: Biological markers (biomarkers) play a key role in drug development, regulatory approval and clinical care of patients and are linked to clinical and surrogate outcomes. : Both acromegaly and Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) are pathological conditions related to important comorbidities that, in addition to having stringent diagnostic criteria, require valid markers for the definition of treatment, treatment monitoring and follow-up. GH and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) are the main biomarkers of GH action in children and adults while, in acromegaly, both GH and IGF-I are established biomarkers of disease activity. : However, although GH and IGF-I are widely validated biomarkers of GHD and acromegaly, their role is not completely exhaustive or suitable for clinical classification and follow-up. Therefore, new biological markers for acromegaly and GH replacement therapy are strongly needed. : The aim of this paper is to review and summarize the current state in the field pointing out new potential biomarkers for acromegaly and GH use/abuse.

Effects and utility of an online forward triage tool during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: patient perspectives (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Michel
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Health System ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Patient Perspectives ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Fear And Anxiety ◽  
Mail Address ◽  
Second Wave ◽  
E Mail

BACKGROUND Background: Online forward triage tools (OFTT) or symptom checkers are being widely used during this COVID-19 pandemic. The effects and utility of such tools however, have not been widely assessed. OBJECTIVE Objective: To assess the effects (quantitatively) and the utility (qualitatively) of a COVID-19 OFTT in a pandemic context, exploring patient perspectives as well as eliciting recommendations for tool improvement. METHODS Methods: We employed a mixed-method sequential explanatory study design. Quantitative data of all users of the OFTT between March 2nd, 2020 and May 12th, 2020 were collected. A follow-up survey of people who consented to participation was conducted. Secondly, qualitative data was collected through key informant interviews (n=19) to explain the quantitative findings, as well as explore tool utility, user experience and elicit recommendations. RESULTS Results: An estimate of the effects, (quantitatively) and the utility (qualitatively) of a COVID-19 OFTT in a pandemic context, and recommendations for tool improvement. In the study period, 6,272 users consulted our OFTT; 560 participants consented to a follow-up survey and provided a valid e-mail address. 176 (31.4%) participants returned a complete follow-up questionnaire. 85.2% followed the recommendations given. 41.5% reported that their fear was allayed after using tool and 41.1% would have contacted the GP or visited a hospital had the tool not existed. Qualitatively, seven overarching themes emerged namely i) accessibility of tool, ii) user-friendliness of tool, iii) utility of tool as an information source, iv) utility of tool in allaying fear and anxiety, v) utility of tool in decision making (test or not to test), vi) utility of tool in reducing the potential for onward transmissions (preventing cross infection) and vii) utility of tool in reducing health system burden. CONCLUSIONS Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that a COVID-19 OFTT does not only reduce the health system burden, but can also serve as an information source, reduce anxiety and fear, reduce cross infections and facilitate decision making (to test or not to test). Further studies are needed to assess the transferability of these COVID-19 OFTT findings to other contexts as the second wave sweeps across Europe.

scholarly journals COVID-19 does not stop obstetrics: what we need to change to go on safely birthing. The experience of a University Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Milan

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 997-1000
Author(s):  
Nikita Alfieri ◽  
Stefano Manodoro ◽  
Anna Maria Marconi
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynecology ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Clinical Services ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
Set Up

AbstractSince SARS-COV-2 appeared in Wuhan City, China and rapidly spread throughout Europe, a real revolution occurred in the daily routine and in the organization of the entire health system. While non-urgent clinical services have been reduced as far as possible, all kind of specialists turned into COVID-19 specialists. Obstetric assistance cannot be suspended and, at the same time, safety must be guaranteed. In addition, as COVID-19 positive pregnant patients require additional care, some of the clinical habits need to be changed to face emerging needs for a vulnerable but unstoppable kind of patients. We report the management set up in an Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit during the COVID-19 era in a University Hospital in Milan, Italy.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Microhaplotype-Based Noninvasive Prenatal Test in Twin Gestations: Determination of Paternity, Zygosity, and Fetal Fraction

Genes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Zhaochen Bai ◽  
Hu Zhao ◽  
Shaobin Lin ◽  
Linhuan Huang ◽  
Zhiming He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prenatal Testing ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Str Analysis ◽  
Forensic Research ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Prenatal Test ◽  
Mz Twins ◽  
Twin Pregnancies ◽  
Fetal Fraction

As a novel type of genetic marker, the microhaplotype has shown promising potential in forensic research. In the present study, we analyzed maternal plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) samples from twin pregnancies to validate microhaplotype-based noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for paternity, zygosity, and fetal fraction (FF). Paternity was determined with the combined use of the relMix package, zygosity was evaluated by examining the presence of informative loci with two fetal genome complements, and FF was assessed through fetal allele ratios. Paternity was determined in 19 twin cases, among which 13 cases were considered dizygotic (DZ) twins based on the presence of 3~10 informative loci and the remaining 6 cases were considered monozygotic (MZ) twins because no informative locus was observed. With the fetal genomic genotypes as a reference, the accuracy of paternity and zygosity determination were confirmed by standard short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. Moreover, the lower FF, higher FF, and combined FF in each DZ plasma sample were closely related to the estimated value. This present preliminary study proposes that microhaplotype-based NIPT is applicable for paternity, zygosity, and FF determination in twin pregnancies, which are expected to be advantageous for both forensic and clinical settings.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: An update

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110221
Author(s):  
Daniele Giovanni Ghiglioni ◽  
Anna Maria Zicari ◽  
Giuseppe Fabio Parisi ◽  
Giuseppe Marchese ◽  
Cristiana Indolfi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Rare Diseases ◽  
Complex Disease ◽  
National Health System ◽  
Eye Diseases ◽  
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis ◽  
International Level ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Essential Step ◽  
Definition Of

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) are potentially severe and complex disease in its management among the various allergic eye diseases. In this regard, studies clarified the etiopathogenetic mechanisms. The workup should be multidisciplinary. The treatment includes topical and systemic medications with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant activity. However, a definition of nationally- and internationally-shared diagnostic protocols would also be needed and validated access to therapeutic options of proven safety and efficacy to avoid the use of galenic preparations, up to now still essential in the management of moderate-severe VKC. Finally, recognizing VKC and AKC, among rare diseases, at a national and international level would be an essential step to allow the management of VKC with adequate timings and settings within the National Health System.

scholarly journals Virtual Loom: a tool for the interactive 3D representation of historical fabrics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Portalés ◽  
Manolo Pérez ◽  
Pablo Casanova-Salas ◽  
Jesús Gimeno
Keyword(s):  
Art History ◽  
3D Modelling ◽  
Current Version ◽  
Close Collaboration ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Interactive 3D ◽  
Silk Fabrics ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
3D Representations

Abstract3D modelling of man-made objects is widely used in the cultural heritage sector, among others. It is relevant for its documentation, dissemination and preservation. Related to historical fabrics, weaves and weaving techniques are still mostly represented in forms of 2D graphics and textual descriptions. However, complex geometries are difficult to represent in such forms, hindering the way this legacy is transmitted to new generations. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of SILKNOW’s Virtual Loom, an interactive tool aimed to document, preserve and represent in interactive 3D forms historical weaves and weaving techniques of silk fabrics, dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. To that end, our tool only requires an image of a historical fabric. Departing from this image, the tool automatically subtracts the design, and allows the user to apply different weaves and weaving techniques. In its current version, the tool embeds five traditional weaving techniques, 39 weaves and six types of yarns, which have been defined thanks to close collaboration of experts in computer graphics, art history and historical fabrics. Additionally, users can change the color of yarns and produce different 3D representations for a given fabric, which are interactive in real time. In this paper, we bring the details of the design and implementation of this tool, focusing on the input data, the strategy to process images, the 3D modelling of yarns, the definition of weaves and weaving techniques and the graphical user interface. In the results section, we show some examples of image analysis in order to subtract the design of historical fabrics, and then we provide 3D representations for all the considered weaving techniques, combining different types of yarns.

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