scholarly journals Comparison of the Diagnostic Performance of Novel Slim Biopsy Forceps with Conventional Biopsy Forceps for Biliary Stricture: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Eun Suk Jung ◽  
Se Woo Park ◽  
Jung Hee Kim ◽  
Jang Han Jung ◽  
Min Jae Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Biliary Stricture ◽  
Accurate Diagnosis ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Biopsy Forceps ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals ◽  
Tissue Acquisition ◽  
Histological Confirmation

Novel slim biopsy forceps provide some technical advantages to facilitate a more accurate diagnosis, although we are not aware of any comparative studies. Therefore, we compared tissue acquisition and diagnostic accuracy between novel slim biopsy forceps and conventional biopsy forceps in cases with a biliary stricture. We reviewed 341 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the histological confirmation of biliary stricture at two tertiary hospitals between 2013 and 2020. The primary endpoint was the forceps’ diagnostic accuracies. We included 276 patients who underwent biopsy using the novel forceps (n = 130) or conventional forceps (n = 146). The novel forceps provided 81.7% sensitivity, 100.0% specificity, positive-predictive value (PPV) of 100.0%, and negative-predictive value (NPV) of 57.8%, with an accuracy of 85.4% when the diagnosis by endobiliary biopsy included suspected or positive malignancy. The conventional forceps provided 61.7% sensitivity, 100.0% specificity, PPV of 100.0%, and NPV of 36.1%, with an accuracy of 68.5%. Only novel forceps use was significantly associated with an accurate diagnosis (odds ratio: 2.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.52–5.00). There were no significant inter-group differences in the procedure-related rates of adverse events. Endobiliary biopsy using novel forceps offered better diagnostic performance and more acceptable procedure-related adverse events than conventional forceps.

scholarly journals Predictive Evaluation on Cytological Sample of Metastatic Melanoma: The Role of BRAF Immunocytochemistry in the Molecular Era

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1110
Author(s):  
Andrea Ronchi ◽  
Marco Montella ◽  
Federica Zito Marino ◽  
Michele Caraglia ◽  
Anna Grimaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Molecular Analysis ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Braf V600e ◽  
Mutational Status ◽  
Needle Aspiration Cytology ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Background: Cutaneous malignant melanoma is an aggressive neoplasm. In advanced cases, the therapeutic choice depends on the mutational status of BRAF. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA) is often applied to the management of patients affected by melanoma, mainly for the diagnosis of metastases. The evaluation of BRAF mutational status by sequencing technique on cytological samples may be inconvenient, as it is a time and biomaterial-consuming technique. Recently, BRAF immunocytochemistry (ICC) was applied for the evaluation of BRAF V600E mutational status. Although it may be useful mainly in cytological samples, data about BRAF ICC on cytological samples are missing. Methods: We performed BRAF ICC on a series of 50 FNA samples of metastatic melanoma. BRAF molecular analysis was performed on the same cytological samples or on the corresponding histological samples. Molecular analysis was considered the gold standard. Results: BRAF ICC results were adequate in 49 out of 50 (98%) cases, positive in 15 out of 50 (30%) cases and negative in 34 out of 50 (68%) of cases. Overall, BRAF ICC sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value results were 88.2%, 100%, 100% and 94.1%, respectively. The diagnostic performance of BRAF ICC results was perfect when molecular evaluation was performed on the same cytological samples. Hyperpigmentation represents the main limitation of the technique. Conclusions: BRAF ICC is a rapid, cost-effective method for detecting BRAF V600E mutation in melanoma metastases, applicable with high diagnostic performance to cytological samples. It could represent the first step to evaluate BRAF mutational status in cytological samples, mainly in poorly cellular cases.

scholarly journals Haemodynamic assessment of right ventricular overload in pulmonary hypertension: old parameters still fit better than new ones

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Pereira ◽  
J.G Santos ◽  
M.J Loureiro ◽  
F Ferreira ◽  
A.R Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Roc Curves ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Discrimination Power ◽  
Haemodynamic Parameters ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial

Abstract Introduction Right ventricular (RV) adaptation to the increased pulmonary load is a key determinant of outcomes in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is widely recognized as haemodynamic measure of RV overload. Cardiac filling pressure (CFP), RV stroke work (RVSW), pulmonary artery (PA) compliance and PA pulsatility index (PAPi) are emerging as new haemodynamic parameters to assess RV function. Aims To assess the predictive value of CFP, RVSW, PA compliance and PAPi in PH and to compare it with standard haemodynamic parameters. Methods Retrospective study including all consecutive right heart catheterizations performed from April/2009 to October/2019 in a PH referral centre. Procedures presenting PH were selected [mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) >20 mmHg, according to the new definition of the 6st World Symposium on PH]. CFP was calculated as [right atrial pressure (RAP) − pulmonary capillary wedge pressure], value >0.63 associated with RV failure; RVSW as CO / [(heart rate × (mPAP-RAP) × 0.0136], value <15; PA compliance [SV / pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) − pulmonary arterial diastolic pressure (PADP)], value <2.5]; PAPi [(PSAP − PDAP) / RAP, value <1.85]. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of all-cause mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under curve (AUC) were used to assess discrimination power. Results From a total of 569 procedures, 470 fulfilled PH criteria: mean age 57.9±16.0 years, 67.7% female, 35.5% performed under pulmonary vasodilator therapy. Pre-capillary PH was diagnosed in 71.9% of cases. Chronic thromboembolic PH was the most common subtype (34.4%). Concerning standard haemodynamic parameters: mPAP was 39.0±12.0 mmHg, mean RAP 8.0±5.0 mmHg, mean RVP 7.5±5.0 uWood and CI 2.5±0.8 L/min/m2. Median value of CFP was 0.6 (IQR 0.4–0.8), RVSW 15.2 (IQR 9.7–25.0), PA compliance 2.1 (IQR 0.9–2.9) and PAPi 5.3 (IQR 3.2–8.5). All-cause mortality rate was 22.8%. Patients experiencing adverse events had lower values of cardiac index (2.3±0.6 vs 2.6±0.8 L/min/m2, p<0.01), RVSW (11.2 vs 16.7, p<0.01) and PA compliance (2.2 vs 2.9, p<0.01) and higher values of PVR (10.0±5.5 versus 6.8±4.6 uWood, p<0.01) and mean RAP (9.9±6.1 versus 7.4±4.5, p<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression identified 2 independent predictors of adverse events: mean RAP (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.13, p<0.01) and PVR (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06–1.17, p<0.01). According to the ROC curves, new haemodynamic parameters did not have acceptable discrimination power to adverse events occurrence (figure). Conclusions In this study, new haemodynamic parameters to assess RV overload in PH were not independent predictors of adverse events as opposite to standard haemodynamic parameters. Further studies are needed to clarify their predictive value, as it has major implications for understanding the arterial load in diseases of the pulmonary circulation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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.

A Rapid Amniotic Fluid Interleukin-6 Assessment for the Identification of Intra-Amniotic Inflammation in Women with Preterm Labor and Intact Membranes

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Teresa Cobo ◽  
Victoria Aldecoa ◽  
Magdalena Holeckova ◽  
Ctirad Andrys ◽  
Xavier Filella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Predictive Model ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Preterm Labor ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Microbial Invasion ◽  
Automated Method ◽  
Spontaneous Delivery

<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> A multivariable predictive model has recently been developed with good accuracy to predict spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days in women with preterm labor (PTL) and intact membranes. However, this model measures amniotic fluid (AF) interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations using the ELISA method, thereby limiting clinical implementation. The main objectives of this study were to validate the automated immunoassay as a quantitative method to measure AF IL-6 in women with PTL and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of AF IL-6 alone and as part of a multivariable predictive model to predict spontaneous delivery in 7 days with this automated method. <b><i>Study Design:</i></b> This is a retrospective observational study in women with PTL below 34 weeks who underwent amniocentesis to rule out microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity. Women with clinical signs of chorioamnionitis, cervical length measurement at admission &#x3e;5th centile, maternal age &#x3c;18 years, and no consent to perform amniocentesis for this indication were excluded. The local Institutional Review Boards approved the study (HCB/2019/0940). <b><i>Analysis of AF IL-6 Concentrations:</i></b> AF IL-6 concentrations were measured using an automated Cobas e602 electrochemiluminescence immunoanalyzer and Human IL-6 Quantikine ELISA kit. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of the entire study group (<i>n</i> = 100), 38 women spontaneously delivered within 7 days after admission. Both laboratory methods showed good agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.937 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.908–0.957); <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). Diagnostic performance of AF IL-6 to predict spontaneous delivery within 7 days when it was included in the multivariable predictive model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.894 (95% CI 0.799–0.955), sensitivity of 97%, specificity of 74%, positive predictive value of 73%, negative predictive value of 97%, positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 3.7, and negative LR of 0.045. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> While both analytical methods were comparable for measuring AF IL-6 concentrations in women with PTL, the Cobas immunoanalyzer provided rapid diagnosis of intra-amniotic inflammation within minutes. The predictive model showed a good diagnostic performance to target women at high risk of spontaneous delivery within 7 days.

Calculated globulin as a screening tool for hypogammaglobulinaemia or paraproteins in hospitalized patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 000456322198973
Author(s):  
Teng Hoo ◽  
Ee Mun Lim ◽  
Mina John ◽  
Lloyd D’Orsogna ◽  
Andrew McLean-Tooke
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Haematological Malignancy ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Liver Function Tests ◽  
Serum Globulin ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Diagnostic Delays

Background Calculated globulin fraction is derived from the liver function tests by subtracting albumin from the total protein. Since immunoglobulins comprise the largest component of the serum globulin concentration, increased or decreased calculated globulins and may identify patients with hypogammaglobulinaemia or hypergammaglobulinaemia, respectively. Methods A retrospective study of laboratory data over 2.5 years from inpatients at three tertiary hospitals was performed. Patients with paired calculated globulins and immunoglobulin results were identified and clinical details reviewed. The results of serum electrophoresis testing were also assessed where available. Results A total of 4035 patients had paired laboratory data available. A calculated globulin ≤20 g/L (<2nd percentile) had a low sensitivity (5.8%) but good positive predictive value (82.5%) for hypogammaglobulinaemia (IgG ≤5.7 g/L), with a positive predictive value of 37.5% for severe hypogammaglobulinaemia (IgG ≤3 g/L). Paraproteins were identified in 123/291 (42.3%) of patients with increased calculated globulins (≥42 g/L) who also had a serum electrophoresis performed. Significantly elevated calculated globulin ≥50 g/L (>4th percentile) were seen in patients with either liver disease (37%), haematological malignancy (36%), autoimmune disease (13%) or infections (9%). Conclusions Calculated globulin is an inexpensive and easily available test that assists in the identification of hypogammaglobulinaemia or hypergammaglobulinaemia which may prompt further investigation and reduce diagnostic delays.

CEUS detection of biliary ischaemia during the first 4 weeks after liver transplantation predicts non-anastomotic biliary stricture

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Bo-wen Zheng ◽  
Shu-hong Yi ◽  
Tao Wu ◽  
Mei Liao ◽  
Ying-cai Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Transplantation ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Biliary Stricture ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Validation Group ◽  
Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase ◽  
Full Cohort ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
Nas Score

BACKGROUND: Biliary ischaemia is an important factor in the pathogenesis of non-anastomotic biliary stricture (NAS) after liver transplantation (LT). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can be used to detect biliary ischaemia, but no study has examined the utility of CEUS in predicting NAS. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether repeated CEUS as a non-invasive method of biliary ischaemia can identify NAS. METHODS: Consecutive LT patients who underwent CEUS examinations at 1–4 weeks after LT from September 2012 to December 2015 at our institution were included. The CEUS images and clinical data were analysed. RESULTS: Among 116 eligible LT patients, 39 (33.6%) were diagnosed with NAS within 1 year after LT. The patients with NAS had a significantly higher CEUS score at weeks 2–4 (all P <  0.05) and a higher slope of CEUS score progression (0.480 vs –0.044, P <  0.001). The accuracy of CEUS in identifying NAS improved over time after LT, reaching its maximum at week 4, with a sensitivity of 66.7%, a specificity of 87.9%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 75.9%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 82.3%, and an accuracy of 80.2%in the full cohort when a CEUS score≥3 was used as the cut-off. Multivariate analysis identified gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alanine transaminase (ALT) and the CEUS score at week 4 as independent predictors of NAS. In the task of identifying NAS, an NAS score combining the above 3 variables at week 4 showed areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 (95%CI, 0.78–0.99) in the estimation group (n = 60) and 0.82 (95%CI, 0.69–0.96) in the validation group (n = 56). An NAS score cut-off of 0.396 identified 87.2%of NAS cases in the estimation group, with a PPV of 93.3%; and 75.0%of NAS cases in the validation group, with a PPV of 58.8%. CONCLUSIONS: CEUS examination during the first 4 weeks is useful in assessing the risk of NAS within 1 year after LT. In particular, an NAS score combining the CEUS score, GGT level, and ALT level at week 4 can be used to accurately predict the risk of NAS in LT patients.

scholarly journals Evaluating the role for renal biopsy in T1 and T2 renal masses: A single-centre study

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. E226-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dylan Hoare ◽  
Howard Evans ◽  
Heidi Richards ◽  
Rahim Samji
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Renal Biopsy ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Renal Masses ◽  
Ct Guided ◽  
Binomial Logistic Regression ◽  
T1 And T2

Introduction: Once used primarily in the identification of renal metastasis and lymphomas, various urological bodies are now adopting an expanded role for the renal biopsy. We sought to evaluate the role of the renal biopsy in a Canadian context, focusing on associated adverse events, radiographic burden, and diagnostic accuracy.Methods: This retrospective review incorporated all patients undergoing ultrasound (US)/computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsies for T1 and T2 renal masses. There were no age or lesion size limitations. The primary outcome of interest was the correlation between initial biopsy and final surgical pathology. A binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine any confounding factors. Secondary outcomes included the accuracy of tumour cell typing, grading, the safety profile, and radiographic burden associated with these patients.Results: A total of 148 patients satisfied inclusion criteria for this study. Mean age and lesions size at detection were 60.9 years (±12.4) and 3.6 cm (±2.0), respectively. Most renal masses were identified with US (52.7%) or CT (44.6%). Three patients (2.0%) experienced adverse events of note. Eighty-six patients (58.1%) proceeded to radical/partial nephrectomy. Our biopsies held a diagnostic accuracy of 90.7% (sensitivity 96.2%, specificity 87.5%, positive predictive value 98.7%, negative predictive value 70.0%, kappa 0.752, p<0.0005). Binomial logistic regression revealed that age, lesion size, number of radiographic tests, time to biopsy, and modality of biopsy (US/CT) had no influence on the diagnostic accuracy of biopsies.Conclusions: Renal biopsies are safe, feasible, and diagnostic. Their role should be expanded in the routine evaluation of T1 and T2 renal masses.

P6175Prediction of coronary revascularization by coronary computed tomography angiography derived fractional flow reserve - different algorithms for interpretation

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K T Madsen ◽  
K T Veien ◽  
B L Noergaard ◽  
P Larsen ◽  
L Deibjerg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chest Pain ◽  
Fractional Flow Reserve ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Coronary Revascularization ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Fractional Flow ◽  
Coronary Cta ◽  
Flow Reserve ◽  
Stable Chest Pain

Abstract Introduction Coronary CT angiography (CTA) derived fractional flow reserve (FFRct) is increasingly used for guiding referral to invasive procedures in patients with stable chest pain. However, optimal interpretation of FFRct-analysis in terms of location and threshold of applied FFRct-values is unclear. Purpose To evaluate the clinical performance of various vessel-specific physiological FFRct derived measures of ischemia for prediction of standard of care guided coronary revascularization in patients with stable chest pain and coronary artery disease as determined by coronary CTA. Methods Retrospective study in patients with stable chest pain referred for coronary angiography based on coronary CTA. Standard acquired coronary CTA data sets were transmitted for core-laboratory analysis at HeartFlow. Any FFRct value in the major coronary arteries ≥1.8 mm in diameter, including side branches, were registered. Lesions were categorized as positive for ischemia using 6 different algorithms: Lowest in vessel FFRct-value (1) ≤0.75 or (2) ≤0.80; 2 cm distal-to-lesion FFRct-value (3) ≤0.75 or (4) ≤0.80; ΔFFRct (5) ≥0.06 or a combination of 2 and 5. The personnel responsible for downstream patient management had no information regarding FFRct test results. Results A total of 172 patients were included. Revascularization was performed in 62 (35%) patients. The diagnostic performance of different FFRct algorithms for predicting standard of care guided coronary revascularization is shown in the Table. Revascularization Predictions by FFRct N=172 Diagnostic performance FFRCT false negative FFRCT false positive Values given as (%) No. of revasc vessels No. of abnormal vessels FFRCT Algorithm Sens Spec PPV NPV Acc 1 2 3 1 2 3 Distal FFRCT ≤0.75 77 68 58 84 72 12 2 0 29 5 1 Distal FFRCT ≤0.80 92 43 48 90 61 5 0 0 40 20 3 Lesion-specific FFRCT ≤0.75 68 86 74 83 80 17 3 0 12 3 0 Lesion-specific FFRCT ≤0.80 82 78 68 89 80 10 2 0 21 3 1 ΔFFRCT ≥0.06 98 36 47 98 59 1 0 0 51 19 0 Combinationa 92 54 53 92 67 5 0 0 39 12 0 aDistal FFRCT ≤0.80 and ΔFFRCT ≥0.06. Sens = sensitivity; Spec = specificity; PPV = positive predictive value; NPV = negative predictive value; Acc = accuracy; FFRCT = fractional flow reserve derived from coronary CTA; ΔFFRCT = difference between FFRCT-value immediately proximal and distal to lesion; Revasc = revascularized. Conclusion The diagnostic performance of FFRct in terms of predicting standard of care guided coronary revascularization is dependent on the applied algorithm for interpretation of the FFRct-analysis.

scholarly journals Has the Pandemic Triggered a ‘Paperdemic’? Towards an Assessment of Diagnostic Indicators for COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
AISDL
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Widespread Belief ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Consistency Problem ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

This paper is a preliminary step towards the assessment of an alarming widespread belief that victims of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 include the quality and accuracy of scientific publications about it. Our initial results suggest that this belief cannot be readily ignored, denied, dismissed or refuted, since some genuine supporting evidence can be forwarded for it. This evidence includes an obvious increase in retractions of papers published about the COVID-19 pandemic plus an extra-ordinary phenomenon of inconsistency that we report herein. In fact, we provide a novel method for validating any purported set of the four most prominent indicators of diagnostic testing (Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value, and Negative Predictive Value), by observing that these indicators constitute three rather than four independent quantities. This observation has virtually been unheard of in the open medical literature, and hence researchers have not taken it into consideration. We define two functions, which serve as consistency criteria, since each of them checks consistency for any set of four numerical values (naturally belonging to the interval [0.0,1.0]) claimed to be the four basic diagnostic indicators. Most of the data we came across in various international journals met our criteria for consistency, but in a few cases, there were obvious unexplained blunders. We explored the same consistency problem for some diagnostic data published in 2020 concerning the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and observed that the afore-mentioned unexplained blunders tended to be on the rise. A systematic extensive statistical assessment of this resumed tendency is warranted.

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