scholarly journals Diagnostic Accuracy of D-Dimers for Predicting Pulmonary Embolism in COVID-19-Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 107602962110579
Author(s):  
Falmata Laouan Brem ◽  
Boudouh Asmae ◽  
Yassine Amane ◽  
Mohammed-Amine Bouazzaoui ◽  
Miri Chaymae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The University ◽  
D Dimer

Importance Proinflammatory and hypercoagulable states with marked elevation seen in D-Dimer levels have been accurately described in patients infected by the SARS- Cov2 even without pulmonary embolism (PE). Objectives To compare D-dimers values in patients infected by the novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) with and without PE and to establish an optimal D-dimer cut-off to predict the occurrence of PE, which guides pulmonary computed tomography angiography (CTPA) indication. Methods We retrospectively enrolled all COVID-19-patients admitted between October first and November 22th, 2020, at the University Hospital Center of Mohammed VI, Oujda (Morocco), suspected to have PE and underwent a CTPA. Demographic characteristics and blood test results were compared between PE-positive and PE-negative. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was constructed to establish an optimal D-Dimer cut-off to predict the occurrence of PE. Results The study population consisted of 84 confirmed COVID-19-patients. The mean age was 64.93 years (SD 14.19). PE was diagnosed on CTPA in 31 (36.9%) patients. Clinical symptoms and in-hospital outcomes were similar in both groups except that more men had PE ( p = .025). The median value of D-dimers in the group of patients with PE was significantly higher (14 680[IQR 33620-3450]ng/mL compared to the group of patients without PE 2980[IQR 6870-1600]ng/mL [P < .001]. A D-dimer at 2600 ng/mL was the optimal cut-off for predicting PE with a sensitivity of 90.3%, and AUC was .773[CI 95%, .667 −.876). Conclusion A D-dimer cut-off value of 2600 ng/mL is a significant predictor of PE in COVID-19-patients with a sensitivity of 90.3%.

scholarly journals D-dimer Level and Diabetes in the COVID-19 Infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 107602962110459
Author(s):  
Chaymae Miri ◽  
Hajar Charii ◽  
Mohammed-Amine Bouazzaoui ◽  
Falmata Laouan Brem ◽  
Soumia boulouiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Coagulation Abnormalities ◽  
Study Population ◽  
The University ◽  
D Dimer ◽  
Hospital Center

Introduction Diabetes is the most common of comorbidity in patients with SARS-COV-2 pneumonia. Coagulation abnormalities with D-dimer levels are increased in this disease. Objectifs We aimed to compare the levels of D-dimer in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with COVID 19. A link between D-dimer and mortality has also been established. Materials A retrospective study was carried out at the University Hospital Center of Oujda (Morocco) from November 01st to December 01st, 2020. Our study population was divided into two groups: a diabetic group and a second group without diabetes to compare clinical and biological characteristics between the two groups. In addition, the receiver operator characteristic curve was used to assess the optimal D-dimer cut-off point for predicting mortality in diabetics. Results 201 confirmed-COVID-19-patients were included in the final analysis. The median age was 64 (IQR 56-73), and 56% were male. Our study found that D-dimer levels were statistically higher in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients. (1745 vs 845 respectively, P = 0001). D-dimer level > 2885 ng/mL was a significant predictor of mortality in diabetic patients with a sensitivity of 71,4% and a specificity of 70,7%. Conclusion Our study found that diabetics with COVID-19 are likely to develop hypercoagulation with a poor prognosis.

scholarly journals D-dimer dynamics in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: potential utility for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pau Cerda ◽  
Jesus Ribas ◽  
Adriana Iriarte ◽  
Jose Maria Mora-Lujan ◽  
Raque Torres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Blood Test ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Potential Utility ◽  
Ct Features ◽  
D Dimer

Background: A higher incidence of thrombotic events, mainly pulmonary embolism (PE), has been reported in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Objectives: To assess clinical and weekly laboratory differences in hospitalized COVID-19 patients according to occurrence of PE. Methods: This retrospective study included all consecutive patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who underwent a computed tomography (CT) angiography for PE clinical suspicion. Clinical data and median blood test results distributed into weekly periods from COVID-19 symptoms onset were compared between PE and non-PE patients. Results: Ninety-two patients were included, 29 (32%) had PE. PE patients were younger (63.9 (SD13.7) vs 69.9 (SD12.5) years). Clinical symptoms and COVID-19 CT features were similar in both groups. PE was diagnosed after a mean of 20.0 (SD8.6) days from the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Corticosteroid boluses were more frequently used in PE patients (62% vs. 43%). Median values [IQR] of D-dimer in PE vs non-PE patients were: week 2 (2010.7 [770.1-11208.9] vs 626.0 [374.0-2382.2]; p=0.04); 3 (3893.1 [1388.2-6694.0] vs 1184.4 [461.8-2447.8]; p=0.03); and 4 (2736.3 [1202.1-8514.1] vs 1129.1 [542.5-2834.6]; p=0.01). Median fold-increase of D-dimer between week 1 and 2 differed between groups (6.64 [3.02-23.05] vs 1.57 [0.64-2.71], p=0.003); ROC curve AUC was 0.879 (p=0.003) with a sensitivity and specificity for PE of 86% and 80%, respectively. Conclusions: Among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, D-dimer levels are higher at weeks 2, 3 and 4 after COVID-19 symptom onset in patients who develop PE. This difference is more pronounced when the fold increase between weeks 1 and 2 is compared.

scholarly journals Blood test dynamics in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: Potential utility of D-dimer for pulmonary embolism diagnosis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243533
Author(s):  
Pau Cerdà ◽  
Jesus Ribas ◽  
Adriana Iriarte ◽  
José María Mora-Luján ◽  
Raquel Torres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Blood Test ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Potential Utility ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis ◽  
Ct Features ◽  
D Dimer

Background A higher incidence of thrombotic events, mainly pulmonary embolism (PE), has been reported in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The main objective was to assess clinical and laboratory differences in hospitalized COVID-19 patients according to occurrence of PE. Methods This retrospective study included all consecutive patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who underwent a computed tomography (CT) angiography for PE clinical suspicion. Clinical data and median blood test results distributed into weekly periods from COVID-19 symptoms onset, were compared between PE and non-PE patients. Results Ninety-two patients were included, 29 (32%) had PE. PE patients were younger (63.9 (SD 13.7) vs 69.9 (SD 12.5) years). Clinical symptoms and COVID-19 CT features were similar in both groups. PE was diagnosed after a mean of 20.0 (SD 8.6) days from the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Corticosteroid boluses were more frequently used in PE patients (62% vs. 43%). No patients met ISTH DIC criteria. Any parameter was statistically significant or clinically relevant except for D-Dimer when comparing both groups. Median values [IQR] of D-dimer in PE vs non-PE patients were: week 2 (2010.7 [770.1–11208.9] vs 626.0 [374.0–2382.2]; p = 0.004); week 3 (3893.1 [1388.2–6694.0] vs 1184.4 [461.8–2447.8]; p = 0.003); and week 4 (2736.3 [1202.1–8514.1] vs 1129.1 [542.5–2834.6]; p = 0.01). Median fold-increase of D-dimer between week 1 and 2 differed between groups (6.64 [3.02–23.05] vs 1.57 [0.64–2.71], p = 0.003); ROC curve AUC was 0.879 (p = 0.003) with a sensitivity and specificity for PE of 86% and 80%, respectively. Conclusions Among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, D-dimer levels are higher at weeks 2, 3 and 4 after COVID-19 symptom onset in patients who develop PE. This difference is more pronounced when the fold increase between weeks 1 and 2 is compared.

scholarly journals Prehospital identification of Covid-19: an observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Spangler ◽  
Hans Blomberg ◽  
David Smekal
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Prehospital Care ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Primary Hospital ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Rule Out ◽  
Descriptive Statistical Analysis

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has affected prehospital care systems across the world, but the prehospital presentation of affected patients and the extent to which prehospital care providers are able to identify them is not well characterized. In this study, we describe the presentation of Covid-19 patients in a Swedish prehospital care system, and asses the predictive value of Covid-19 suspicion as documented by dispatch and ambulance nurses. Methods Data for all patients with dispatch, ambulance, and hospital records between January 1–August 31, 2020 were extracted. A descriptive statistical analysis of patients with and without hospital-confirmed Covid-19 was performed. In a subset of records beginning from April 14, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of documented Covid-19 suspicion in dispatch and ambulance patient care records. Results A total of 11,894 prehospital records were included, of which 481 had a primary hospital diagnosis code related to-, or positive test results for Covid-19. Covid-19-positive patients had considerably worse outcomes than patients with negative test results, with 30-day mortality rates of 24% vs 11%, but lower levels of prehospital acuity (e.g. emergent transport rates of 14% vs 22%). About half (46%) of Covid-19-positive patients presented to dispatchers with primary complaints typically associated with Covid-19. Six thousand seven hundred seventy-six records were included in the assessment of predictive value. Sensitivity was 76% (95% CI 71–80) and 82% (78–86) for dispatch and ambulance suspicion respectively, while specificities were 86% (85–87) and 78% (77–79). Conclusions While prehospital suspicion was strongly indicative of hospital-confirmed Covid-19, based on the sensitivity identified in this study, prehospital suspicion should not be relied upon as a single factor to rule out the need for isolation precautions. The data provided may be used to develop improved guidelines for identifying Covid-19 patients in the prehospital setting.

scholarly journals A Bittersweet Memoir

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-135
Author(s):  
Anita Y. N. Lim
Keyword(s):  
Video Clip ◽  
Early Period ◽  
General Medicine ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
The Novel ◽  
National University ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract I wrote this journal in March 2020 prior to the World Health Organization declaring the COVID-19 infection as a worldwide pandemic on March 11. The situation in Singapore was unfolding even as public healthcare institutions were tasked to lead the charge to contain the novel coronavirus as it was then called. This journal describes my experiences and impressions during my work in an isolation ward at the National University Hospital during this early period. I was to be catapulted into Pandemic Team 3 in the second and third weeks of February 2020. The urgency of hospital measures to respond to the novel coronavirus meant that the general medicine consultant roster which I was on was hijacked to support the pandemic wards. I thought wryly to myself that it was a stroke of genius to commandeer the ready-made roster of senior physicians; it would have been difficult for the roster monster to solicit senior physicians to volunteer when there were still so many unknowns about this virus. Graphic images of the dire situation in Wuhan, China, were circulating widely on social media. It was heart-wrenching to read of Dr. Li Wen Liang’s death. He had highlighted the mysterious pneumonia-causing virus. The video clip of him singing at a karaoke session that went viral underscored the tragedy of a young life cut short. Questions raced in my mind. “Are we helpless to prevent the spread of this virus?” “Is the situation in China to be replicated here in Singapore?” This seemed incredulous, yet, might it be possible? The immediate responses that jumped up within me was “yes, it’s possible, but let’s pray not. Whatever has to be done, must be done.”

scholarly journals Performance of the Quantitative Latex Immunoturbidimetric D-dimer Assay for the Diagnosis of Acute Pulmonary Embolism at Rafik Hariri University Hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-128
Author(s):  
Rida Salman ◽  
Mira Alsheikh ◽  
Rim Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Ct Angiography ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Latex Agglutination ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Acute Pe ◽  
D Dimer

Background and aims: The diagnostic workup for pulmonary embolism (PE) includes D-dimer assay and computed tomographic angiography. Several D-dimer assays have been approved for PE diagnosis with different sensitivity and specificity. We aimed to study the sensitivity and specificity of the quantitative latex agglutination D-dimer assay used in a referral teaching hospital in Lebanon for the diagnosis of acute PE. Methods: Using a retrospective chart review, we studied 300 patients who had D-dimer test at Rafik Hariri University Hospital in the period between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. Accordingly, 93 patients had a CT angiography after being suspected to have acute PE. A statistical table 2*2 was used to compare the results of CT angiography and D-dimer test. Results: Thirteen patients (13.97%) had PE and 60 patients (64.51%) had positive D-dimer test. Quantitative latex agglutination D-dimer assay had a sensitivity of 69%, specificity of 36%, and negative predictive value of 88%. False positive ratio was also 64%. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was obtained with an area under the curve measuring 0.527. Conclusion: Quantitative latex agglutination D-dimer assay has a high negative predictive value; thus, it can exclude a PE diagnosis if it is associated with low clinical pretest probability.

scholarly journals An immersive Arabic language course in Cairo moves online

2021 ◽  
pp. 79-94
Author(s):  
Heba Salem
Keyword(s):  
Arabic Language ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Community Based ◽  
American University ◽  
University Environment ◽  
The Us ◽  
Community Based Learning ◽  
Online Format ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The University

This chapter describes the my experience as the instructor for a course rooted in community based learning theory that was forced to move online in spring, 2020, due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The course, titled ‘CASA Without Borders’, allows Arabic language students in the Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) program at The American University in Cairo (AUC) to leave the university environment and serve the community, while also benefiting from the experience both linguistically and culturally. This course was disrupted by the students’ mandatory return to the US from Cairo as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and continued remotely in an online format. This chapter describes the CASA program and explains both the purpose of the CASA Without Borders course and its significance to CASA students and to the program. It also describes and reflects upon my experience of continuing the course remotely during the ongoing pandemic.

The Prevalence of Rotavirus and Adenovirus in Children 0-5 years old Suffering from Acute Diarrhea in the University Hospital Center of Mother and Child (UHC-MC) in N’Djamena, Chad

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fombotioh Ndifor ◽  
Abakar Idriss Lawane ◽  
Nadjioroum Ngam-Asra ◽  
Mouktar Abaya Adoum ◽  
Brahim Boy Otchom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infection ◽  
Acute Diarrhea ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Test Kit ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
Fresh Stool ◽  
The University ◽  
Hospital Center

Acute diarrhea is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children from 0-5 months old, especially in Africa and many developing countries. Rotavirus and Adenovirus have been recognized as the common pathogens for this public health problem. However, little or no investigation has been carried out on the two viruses in Chad. In view of this fact, we decided to study the prevalence of Rotavirus and Adenovirus in children suffering from acute diarrhea at the University Hospital Center of Mother and Child (UHC-MC). Fresh stool samples were collected from 440 children ages 0-5 years (225 females and 2015 males). They were brought for medical consultation from March 2019- September 2019 at the pediatric department. Specimens were analyzed and Rotavirus and Adenovirus were detected using Rapid Immunochromatographic Test kit (Vikia BioMerieux, France). Out of the 440 children examined, 228 had viral infection with a prevalence of 51.81%. Based on gender infection, females 140 (62.22%) were significantly more infected than males 88(40.93%). Prevalence of mono infection of Rotavirus in children 110 (48.24%) was higher than that of Adenovirus 74(32.45%). More males had Rotavirus infection 60(68.18%) than girls 50 (37.71%). Co-infection was found to be 44 (19.29%). Distribution of viral infection indicated that children between 6-11 months had the highest viral burden 101(77.69%). Among clinical symptoms recorded, dehydration was the highest in children 84(61.76%). Due to the high prevalence of Rotavirus and Adenovirus discovered, we suggest that vaccines for the two viruses should be included in the national immunization program.

scholarly journals Impact of ERAS compliance on the delay between surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy in hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies

2020 ◽  
Vol 405 (7) ◽  
pp. 959-966
Author(s):  
Pénélope St-Amour ◽  
Pascal St-Amour ◽  
Gaëtan-Romain Joliat ◽  
Aude Eckert ◽  
Ismail Labgaa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adjuvant Chemotherapy ◽  
Enhanced Recovery ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Colorectal Metastases ◽  
Liver Malignancies ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Eras Protocol ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Multidisciplinary approach with adjuvant chemotherapy is the key element to provide optimal outcomes in pancreas and liver malignancies. However, post-operative complications may increase the interval between surgery and chemotherapy with negative oncologic effects. Hypothesis and study aim The aim of the study was to analyse whether compliance to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway was associated with decreased interval to adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods Retrospective analysis of all consecutive ERAS patients with surgery for hepatobiliary or pancreatic malignancies at the University Hospital of Lausanne between 2012 and 2016. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the impact of ERAS compliance on time to chemotherapy. Results A total of 133 patients with adjuvant chemotherapy were included (n = 44 liver and n = 89 pancreatic cancer). Median compliance to ERAS was 61% (IQR 55–67) for the study population, and median delay to chemotherapy was 49 days (IQR 39-61). Overall, compliance ≥ 67% to ERAS induced a significant reduction in the interval between surgery and chemotherapy for young patients (< 65 years old) with or without severe comorbidities (reduction of 22 and 10 days, respectively). High compliance in young ASA3 patients with liver colorectal metastases was associated with an increase of 481 days of DFS. Conclusions ERAS compliance ≥ 67% tends to be associated with a reduction in the delay to adjuvant chemotherapy for young patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies. More prospective studies with strict adhesion to the ERAS protocol are needed to confirm these results.

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