scholarly journals Focused Assessment with Sonography for Urinary Schistosomiasis (FASUS)—pilot evaluation of a simple point-of-care ultrasound protocol and short training program for detecting urinary tract morbidity in highly endemic settings

Author(s):  
J Remppis ◽  
A Verheyden ◽  
A L Bustinduy ◽  
T Heller ◽  
N García-Tardón ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) causes inflammation and fibrosis of the urinary tract. In resource-limited settings, affordable tools for morbidity assessment in clinical care are needed. Point-of-care ultrasound has not yet been validated for UGS-related pathology. Methods We developed a protocol for Focused Assessment with Sonography for Urinary Schistosomiasis (FASUS), assessing pathology of the bladder wall, ureters and kidneys. Following standardized training, two clinicians performed FASUS on children and adults with hematuria in Lambaréné, Gabon. Recorded ultrasound clips were remotely reviewed by two ultrasound experts as a diagnostic reference. Results In 2015 and 2016, scans were performed in 118 patients. The image quality was sufficient in 90% of bladder views and more than 97% of kidney views. UGS-compatible pathology was detected in 51/118 (43%) by the operator and in 46/107 (43%) by the experts among baseline scans of sufficient quality. Inter-rater agreement between operators and experts was very good (κ > 0.8) for hydronephrosis and good (κ > 0.6) for bladder wall thickening. Conclusions FASUS is a promising clinical, point-of-care tool for detecting UGS-related urinary tract morbidity in symptomatic patients. Based on larger validation studies, appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms for the use of FASUS should be established.

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s96-s97
Author(s):  
John Gallien ◽  
Ashley Sullivan

Introduction:Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (US) has grown considerably in resource-limited and wilderness environments because of a combination of features, including portability, durability, and safety. However, the optimal method of powering US devices in such environments is not well established.Aim:This project has the following aims: 1.Develop a solar power generation and storage system that maximizes power capacity and minimizes weight while being easily transportable by a single person.2.Test the system in a real-world environment to evaluate actual performance relative to stated performance.3.Determine the approximate US scan-time where solar systems would outperform pre-charged batteries with respect to weight.Methods:We developed multiple solar collecting systems using a combination of polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin-film solar arrays paired with different powerbanks and tested them using a variety of US systems. From this, the duration of usage was calculated, which makes the solar power generation system a superior option to pre-charged batteries.Results:Lithium-ion energy storage was found to be superior to lead-acid batteries for multiple reasons, most prominently, weight. Several models of US systems were tested revealing that portable US systems consume between 30 to 50 watts. Tri-fold monocrystalline solar panels coupled with lithium-ion powerbanks provided the best combination of weight and transportability. Total weight of the combined solar array, powerbank, and US system is 10 kilograms and easily packs into a backpack carrier. It was found that systems using solar generating capacity become superior to pre-charged powerbanks in regard to weight at approximately 14 hours of scanning time.Discussion:While these results are not fully generalizable due to seasonal and geographic variability as well as the type of US system used, use of solar generating capacity to power US systems is optimal for extended durations of use in resource-limited environments.


2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 1408-1409
Author(s):  
Martin W. Dünser ◽  
◽  
Emir Festic ◽  
Arjen Dondorp ◽  
Niranjan Kissoon ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romain Guedj ◽  
Simon Escoda ◽  
Philippe Blakime ◽  
Géraldine Patteau ◽  
Francis Brunelle ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Ana Cláudia da Silva ◽  
Fabiana Oliveira Bastos Bonato ◽  
Marcus Gomes Bastos

ABSTRACT Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has been gaining momentum as an extension to physical examination in several specialties. In nephrology, POCUS has generally been used in a restricted way in urinary tract evaluation. We report the case of a patient with nephrotic syndrome secondary to amyloidosis, previously diagnosed by renal biopsy, who was oligosymptomatic when seen the an outpatient clinic, where the POCUS, focused on the heart, lung and abdomen, revealed anasarca, pulmonary congestion and cardiac changes suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis. After evaluation by the cardiology and hematology services, the diagnosis of AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement was confirmed. This case emphasizes the importance of extending the physical examination using POCUS, which, ideally, should not be restricted to the urinary tract.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 5-11
Author(s):  
F. R. Asfandiyarov ◽  
V. Yu. Startsev ◽  
A. Yu. Kolmakov

Introduction.Globalization contributes to the increase in cases of “exotic” bacterial and parasitic infections importation from the countries of the tropical belt to the territory of our country and to European states.Purpose of research. Study and analysis of data on the methods of diagnosis and treatment of urogenital schistosomiasis at the present stageMaterials and methods. The study includes an analysis of the examination and treatment results of 181 patients with urogenital schistosomiasis (US) living in the province of Benguela, Republic of Angola. In 39 (21,5%) cases are revealed schistosomal bladder cancer. All patients with schistosomal bladder cancer (SBC) were operated. 142 patients (78.5%) were divided into two groups. Group I (n = 74) consisted of patients with uncomplicated MS, into group II (n = 68) patients had granulomatous proliferative inflammatory changes in the bladder.Results.Patients with US (n = 142) were examined on an outpatient basis. Cytological exmination of urine sediment (CEUS) showed that eggs of schistosomes were detected in 38 (26.8%) patients. Ultrasound showed specific granulomatous changes in the mucous membrane of the urinary bladder in 28 (19.7%) patients. In 7 (4.9%) cases it showed hydronephrosis, calcification. Bladder wall thickening were detected in 10 (7%) and 99 (69.7%) cases, respectively. Endoscopic examination showed the presence of granulomatous changes in the bladder in 68 (47.9%) patients. Patients of group I (n = 74) received «Praziquantel» in combination with oral antibiotic therapy, which resulted in the relief of macrohematuria and urination disorders. All patients of group II (n = 68) also underwent antibacterial and antiprotozoal therapy. In addition, 35 (24.6%) patients underwent transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB). The results of control observations showed the restoration of bladder mucous layer. Of the 33 (23.2%) patients in Group II who received only antibacterial and antiprotozoal therapy, granulomatous changes persisted in 7 (4.9%) patients. In connection with this, TURB was performed for these patients. Subsequent control studies showed regression of the formations in this group of patientsConclusions.CEUS and ultrasound are not sufficient for diagnosis of US. Cystoscopy is suitable for all patients with MS. It allows to estimate the volume of the bladder lesion, and to determine the indications for performing TURP in addition to the use of antiparasitic and antibacterial therapy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-406
Author(s):  
Alexandra Hill ◽  
Marco Guillén ◽  
David Martin ◽  
Andrea Dreyfuss

Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is accepted as an important tool for evaluating patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with dyspnea1 and undifferentiated shock. Identifying the etiology and type of shock is time-critical since treatments vary based on this information. Clinicians typically rely on the history, exam, and diagnostics tests to identify the etiology of shock. In resource-limited settings where there is reduced access to timely laboratory and diagnostic studies. The use of POCUS enables rapid classification and directed treatment of shock. Additionally, POCUS can aid in the diagnosis of rarer tropical diseases that can be important causes of shock in resource-limited settings. Case Report: We discuss a case of a pediatric patient who presented to an ED in Cusco, Peru, with acute dyspnea and shock. Point-of-care ultrasound was used to expedite the diagnosis of a ruptured pulmonary hydatid cyst, guide proper management of septic and anaphylactic shock, and expedite definitive surgical intervention. Conclusion: In resource-limited settings where there is reduced access to timely laboratory and diagnostic studies, the use of POCUS enables rapid classification and directed treatment of shock.


Praxis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 109 (8) ◽  
pp. 608-614
Author(s):  
Omary Ngome ◽  
Martin Rohacek

Abstract. In resource limited settings with limited tests and diagnostic tools, most of diagnoses are based on clinical findings, and patients are managed empirically, e.g. with anti-tuberculosis drugs. This article aims at describing the use of point-of-care ultrasound in diagnosing the most important conditions in Africa, in addition to clinical work-up. Different protocols exist for the diagnosis of trauma-related disorders, tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, thromboembolism, causes of dyspnea, and non- traumatic shock. Point-of-care ultrasound might be a beneficial tool in Africa, aiding diagnostics and management of patients with these conditions. However, studies must be done to assess the impact of point-of-care ultrasound on mortality.


2018 ◽  
Vol 111 (7) ◽  
pp. 424-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Fentress ◽  
Thomas F. Heyne ◽  
Keith R. Barron ◽  
Neil Jayasekera

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