scholarly journals Xpert® MTB/RIF assay testing on stool for the diagnosis of paediatric pulmonary TB in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-79
Author(s):  
S. Ainan ◽  
F. F. Furia ◽  
F. Mhimbira ◽  
N. P. Mnyambwa ◽  
N. Mgina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Specificity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Diagnostic Study ◽  
Gastric Aspirate ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Pulmonary Tb ◽  
Stool Specimens ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Xpert Assay

SETTING: Six health facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of stool specimens in the diagnostic workup of paediatric TB using the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay.DESIGN: Between December 2018 and May 2019, we performed a cross-sectional diagnostic study of children aged between 1 month and 14 years with presumptive TB. A single stool specimen was tested using Xpert. The result was compared with the reference microbiological standard for respiratory or gastric specimens tested using Xpert and/or solid culture. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of stool Xpert assay were assessed.RESULTS: A total of 225 children with a median age of 2.17 years (IQR 1.16–5.19) were enrolled; 165/225 (73.3%) were aged <5 years. Of 225 children, 8 (3.6%) were diagnosed with TB as they were culture- or Xpert-positive on sputum/gastric aspirate. The stool Xpert assay showed a sensitivity of 62.5% (95% CI 25–92) and specificity of 100% (95% CI 98–100) against the reference standard.CONCLUSION: Use of the Xpert assay on stool specimens had a moderate sensitivity and high specificity in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB in children. Our data adds to the body of evidence for the use of Xpert assay on stool as a non-respiratory specimen to complement conventional methods used to diagnose the disease.

Discriminating Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules: The Nomogram Versus the Kwak and ACR TI-RADS

2020 ◽  
Vol 163 (6) ◽  
pp. 1156-1165
Author(s):  
Juan Xiao ◽  
Qiang Xiao ◽  
Wei Cong ◽  
Ting Li ◽  
Shouluan Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Diagnostic Study ◽  
Diagnostic Efficiency ◽  
Training Set ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Validation Set ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Objective To develop an easy-to-use nomogram for discrimination of malignant thyroid nodules and to compare diagnostic efficiency with the Kwak and American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS). Study Design Retrospective diagnostic study. Setting The Second Hospital of Shandong University. Subjects and Methods From March 2017 to April 2019, 792 patients with 1940 thyroid nodules were included into the training set; from May 2019 to December 2019, 174 patients with 389 nodules were included into the validation set. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to develop a nomogram for discriminating malignant nodules. To compare the diagnostic performance of the nomogram with the Kwak and ACR TI-RADS, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. Results The nomogram consisted of 7 factors: composition, orientation, echogenicity, border, margin, extrathyroidal extension, and calcification. In the training set, for all nodules, the area under the curve (AUC) for the nomogram was 0.844, which was higher than the Kwak TI-RADS (0.826, P = .008) and the ACR TI-RADS (0.810, P < .001). For the 822 nodules >1 cm, the AUC of the nomogram was 0.891, which was higher than the Kwak TI-RADS (0.852, P < .001) and the ACR TI-RADS (0.853, P < .001). In the validation set, the AUC of the nomogram was also higher than the Kwak and ACR TI-RADS ( P < .05), each in the whole series and separately for nodules >1 or ≤1 cm. Conclusions When compared with the Kwak and ACR TI-RADS, the nomogram had a better performance in discriminating malignant thyroid nodules.

Validity of hearTest Smartphone-Based Audiometry for Hearing Screening in Workers Exposed to Noise

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luma Cordeiro Rodrigues ◽  
Silvia Ferrite ◽  
Ana Paula Corona
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Hearing Screening ◽  
Youden Index ◽  
Hearing Level ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Auditory Thresholds ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Purpose This article investigates the validity of a smartphone-based audiometry for hearing screening to identify hearing loss in workers exposed to noise. Research Design This is a validation study comparing hearing screening with the hearTest to conventional audiometry. The study population included all workers who attended the Brazilian Social Service of Industry to undergo periodic examinations. Sensitivity, specificity, the Youden index, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) for hearing screening obtained by the hearTest were estimated according to three definitions of hearing loss: any threshold greater than 25 dB hearing level (HL), the mean auditory thresholds for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz greater than 25 dB HL, and the mean thresholds for 3, 4, and 6 kHz greater than 25 dB HL. Note that 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all measurements. Results A total of 232 workers participated in the study. Hearing screening with the hearTest presented good sensitivity (93.8%), specificity (83.9%), and Youden index (77.7%) values, a NPV (97.2%), and a low PPV (69.0%) for the identification of hearing loss defined as any auditory threshold greater than 25 dB HL. For the other definitions of hearing loss, we observed high specificity, PPV and NPV, as well as low sensitivity and Youden index. Conclusion The hearTest is an accurate hearing screening tool to identify hearing loss in workers exposed to noise, including those with noise-induced hearing loss, although it does not replace conventional audiometry.

Multi-Slice Computed Tomographic Angiography for Stenosis Detection in Forearm Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistulas

2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 278-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.P.G.M. Rooijens ◽  
G.P Serafino ◽  
D. Vroegindeweij ◽  
R. Dammers ◽  
T.I. Yo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Specificity ◽  
Computed Tomographic Angiography ◽  
Observer Agreement ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽  
Blinded Manner ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Tomographic Angiography ◽  
Diameter Reduction

Purpose A method of diagnosing the extent and severity of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenoses is multi-slice computed tomographic angiography (MS-CTA). The aim of this prospective study was to assess the accuracy of MS-CTA for the detection and grading of stenoses in AVF in comparison to digital subtraction angiography (DSA), which was used as the gold standard of reference. Methods Fifteen hemodialysis (HD) patients with dysfunctioning forearm AVF were included. These AVFs were evaluated by both DSA and MS-CTA and were read in a prospective, blinded manner by two radiologists experienced in vascular imaging. Results ROC analysis revealed areas under the curve of 0.90 ± 0.07 for observer I and 0.87 ± 0.08 for observer II at a stenosis cut-off level of ≥50% diameter reduction. The combined results for MS-CTA showed sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of 82%, 98%, 82% and 98% for stenoses ≥50% and 71%, 99%, 77% and 98% for stenoses ≥75%. Inter-observer agreement for the detection of stenoses ≥50% diameter reduction was 0.70 and 1.0, for MS-CTA and DSA, respectively. Conclusion MS-CTA can provide good visualization of forearm HD access AVF and has moderate sensitivity, but high specificity for the detection of flow-limiting stenoses.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Rapid Diagnostic Test Currently Being Used in the Management of Malaria in Patients of the Hia/Chu-Parakou and the Boko Zone Hospital in Northern Benin

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tokponnon F ◽  
◽  
Osse R ◽  
Houessou C ◽  
Akogbeto M ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Test ◽  
Probabilistic Method ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Patient Identification ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Parasitological Diagnosis ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Adequate Management

Parasitological diagnosis is a fundamental element in the adequate management of the disease. In the last decade, there has been a resurgence of interest in the development of malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits. This is the case with SD Bioline Malaria Ag Pf, which searches for HRP2 antigen by immunochromatography. The objective of this study is to compare the results of RDT SD Bioline Malaria Ag Pf in use with the results of Thick Gout (TG) in the biological diagnosis of malaria. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and evaluative study carried out at the Hôpital d’Instruction des Armées-Center Hospitalier et Universitaire de Parakou and at the Boko zone hospital from April 20 to July 30, 2015. Patient identification, we used the non-probabilistic method and the convenience choice technique. The study involved 503 patients. The results of this study showed a good performance of the RDT SD Bioline Malaria Ag Pf. Among the 503 patients, 199 or 39.6% were positive for the RDT against 180 or 35.8% positive for the Thick Gout (TG). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the test compared to the thick film were respectively (91.7%, 89.5%, 82.9, 95) and the Kappa coefficient of 0.88 testifies a good match. False positive cases are noted in patients on treatment and even after recovery due to the persistence of the HRP2 antigen in the blood. However, it constitutes an interesting alternative to the management of malaria. At the end of this study, we suggest continuing the use of RDTs in health centers where microscopy is absent and/or reinforcing microscopy, and to strengthen staff training in the management of malaria cases.

Validation of Psoas Muscle Index as a predictor of successful extubation in elderly intensive care patients: a retrospective cohort study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fumimasa Kobori ◽  
Kazunari Azuma ◽  
Shiro Mishima ◽  
Jun Oda
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Psoas Muscle ◽  
Extubation Failure ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Failure Group ◽  
Success Group ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Background Extubation failure-associated factors haven't been investigated in elderly patients. We hypothesized that psoas cross-sectional area, an emerging indicator of frailty, can be a predictor of extubation outcomes. Methods This retrospective study analyzed data from patients admitted between January and April 2016 at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Tokyo Medical University Hospital. Patients were considered eligible if aged ≥65 years, required intubation at the emergency room, and were admitted to ICU for <24 h. Overall, 39 ICU patients were eligible and categorized into two groups: extubation success (n = 24) and extubation failure (n = 15) groups. The psoas cross-sectional area was measured at the third lumbar level on computer tomography images. Regions of interest were drawn freehand to outline the left and right psoas by an emergency physician. The average left and right psoas cross-sectional areas, used as the patient’s psoas cross-sectional area, were calculated. Psoas Muscle Index (PMI) was defined as the psoas cross-sectional area/height 2 . Primary outcome was to evaluate differences between the psoas cross-sectional area and f(PMI) between the groups, if any. Secondary outcome was to derive cut-off values using ROC curves. Results Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic characteristics. Psoas cross-sectional area (success group, 1776.5 ± 498.2 mm 2 , failure group, 1391.2 ± 589.4 mm 2 ; p = 0.022) and PMI (success group, 1089 ± 270.7 mm 2 /m 2 , failure group, 889 ± 338.5 mm 2 /m 2 ; p = 0.032) were significantly greater in the success group than in the failure group. ROC curve of the psoas cross-sectional area and PMI were used to calculate sensitivity and specificity. ROC AUC was 0.74 for psoas cross-sectional area, and at a cut-off of 1260 points, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 95.8%, 60.0%, 79.3%, and 90.0%, respectively. ROC AUC for PMI was 0.73, and at a cut-off of 812 points, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 95.8%, 46.7%, 74.2%, and 87.5%, respectively. Conclusions The psoas cross-sectional area and PMI can predict extubation outcomes in elderly intensive care patients.

scholarly journals Clinical Performance of the Spot Vision Photo Screener before and after Induction of Cycloplegia in Children

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konuralp Yakar
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Screening Criteria ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Vision Screener

Aim. To compare the clinical performance of the Spot Vision Screener used to detect amblyopia risk factors (ARFs) in children before and after induction of cycloplegia; the children were referred because they met the screening criteria of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). Methods. The Spot Vision Screener and a standard autorefractometer were used to examine 200 eyes of 100 children aged 3–10 years, before and after cycloplegia induction, in terms of ARFs. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the detection of significant refractive errors were measured using the AAPOS referral criteria. It was explored that Spot Screener data were affected by cycloplegia. The extent of agreement between cycloplegic/noncycloplegic photoscreening data and cycloplegic autorefraction measurements was assessed using Wilcoxon and Spearman correlation analyses. Results. The Spot’s sensitivity was improved from 60.9% to 85.3% and specificity from 94.9% to 87.4% with cycloplegia compared to cycloplegic standard autorefractometer results. The positive predictive value of Spot was 75.7%, and the negative predictive value was 90.4% without cycloplegia. With cycloplegia, the positive predictive value of Spot was 63.6% and the negative predictive value was 95.8%. Conclusions. The Spot Screener afforded moderate sensitivity and high specificity prior to cycloplegia. The sensitivity and negative predictive value improved after induction of cycloplegia. Examiners should be aware of the effects of cycloplegia on their findings.

scholarly journals Effectivity of microscopic test as a simple diagnostic method to detect fat malabsorption in children

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 338-44
Author(s):  
Ariani Dewi Widodo ◽  
Muzal Kadim ◽  
Ina Susianti Timan ◽  
Nuraini Irma Susanti ◽  
Fatima Safira Alatas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Diagnostic Study ◽  
Normal Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Primary Endpoints ◽  
Sudan Iii ◽  
Fat Malabsorption ◽  
Moderate Sensitivity ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

BACKGROUND Lipid malabsorption causes many health problems, for example stunting, a major worldwide issue. There has not been any assessment on the effectivity of lipid microscopic test in diagnosing lipid malabsorption. This research was aimed to study the effectivity of lipid microscopic test in detecting lipid malabsorption in children. METHODS This was a cross-sectional diagnostic study that evaluated the effectivity of lipid microscopic test using Sudan III against steatocrit test as the gold standard in diagnosing lipid malabsorption. The study was done in 68 children aged 6–60 months in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. Results of lipid microscopic test were compared with that of steatocrit test among children with lipid malabsorption and normal children. The primary endpoints of this study are the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). RESULTS A total of 68 children consisting of 41 boys and 27 girls were included, with a median age of 14.3 months. The most frequently found stool consistency was mushy (50%). The most common result of microscopic test, found in 42% of subjects, was positive 1. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of lipid microscopic test were 49.15%, 66.67%, 90.63%, and 16.67%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Lipid microscopic test has a moderate sensitivity in diagnosing fat malabsorption and needs to be complemented with other methods such as steatocrit.

scholarly journals Diagnostic and Prognostic Validity of Proadrenomedullin among Neonates with Sepsis in Tertiary Care Hospitals of Southern India

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raja Kannan ◽  
Suchetha S. Rao ◽  
Prasanna Mithra ◽  
B. Dhanashree ◽  
Shantharam Baliga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Neonatal Sepsis ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Clinical Sepsis ◽  
A Value ◽  
Sepsis Screen ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Introduction. To evaluate Proadrenomedullin (Pro-ADM) as the diagnostic and prognostic marker in neonatal sepsis. Materials and Methods. In this cross-sectional study, Pro-ADM levels were estimated in 54 neonates with clinical sepsis and positive sepsis screen (cases) and 54 controls without clinical sepsis. Repeat Pro-ADM levels were estimated after 72 hours in cases. Pro-ADM levels were compared with the clinical outcome. Results and Discussion. Median Pro-ADM levels in cases were 31.8 (IQR: 27.8-39.4) pmol/ml which was significantly higher than controls 5.1 (IQR; 3.1-7.7) pmol/ml. From the constructed ROC curve, a value of 14.5 pmol/ml was taken as the cut-off for sepsis. Pro-ADM had 100% sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values (PPV) in detecting sepsis at 14.5 pmol/ml. Among cases, a decrease in Pro-ADM level by 10 pmol/ml was associated with 99% survival. Pro-ADM value of 35 pmol/ml had 100% specificity and PPV in predicting mortality. Conclusion. Pro-ADM can be used as a single biomarker for detecting neonatal sepsis, predicting clinical outcome and prognosis.

scholarly journals Evaluation of brain lesion distribution criteria at disease onset in differentiating MS from NMOSD and MOG-IgG-associated encephalomyelitis

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 585-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae-Won Hyun ◽  
So-Young Huh ◽  
Hyun-June Shin ◽  
Mark Woodhall ◽  
Su-Hyun Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immunoglobulin G ◽  
Brain Lesion ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Asian Population ◽  
The Body ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
The Brain

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the utility of the recently described brain lesion distribution criteria to differentiate multiple sclerosis (MS) from aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin G-associated encephalomyelitis (MOG-EM) at disease onset in an Asian cohort. Methods: A total of 214 patients who fulfilled the published criteria for MS, NMOSD, or MOG-EM and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 3 months of disease onset were enrolled. The brain lesion distribution criteria were defined as the presence of a lesion adjacent to the body of the lateral ventricle and in the inferior temporal lobe, or an S-shaped U-fiber lesion, or a Dawson’s finger-type lesion. Results: Brain lesions were identified in the initial MRI scans of 166/214 patients. The distribution criteria were applied to these scans (MS ( n = 94), NMOSD ( n = 64), and MOG-EM ( n = 8)). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the criteria for MS versus NMOSD were 79.8%, 87.5%, 90.4%, and 74.7%, and for MS versus MOG-EM these were 79.8%, 100%, 100%, and 29.6%, respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the brain lesion distribution criteria are helpful in distinguishing MS from NMOSD and MOG-EM in an Asian population, even at disease onset.

Neutrophil CD64 Index as a superior biomarker for early diagnosis of infection in febrile patients in the hematology department

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu-Dao Xiong ◽  
Lian-Fang Pu ◽  
Hui-Ping Wang ◽  
Lin-Hui Hu ◽  
Yang-Yang Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Specificity ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Combined Analysis ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Neutrophil Cd64 ◽  
Special Value ◽  
Diagnostic Values ◽  
Neutropenic Patients ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Background: In the hematology department, the availability of biomarkers for early detection of infection is difficult to obtain. The present study aimed to compare the diagnostic values of neutrophil CD64 Index, procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and to determine whether the combined analysis of these biomarkers offer stronger predictive power in the diagnosis for the infection of febrile patients. Methods: Neutrophil CD64 Index, PCT, IL-6 and CRP levels were determined in 356 febrile patients in the hematology ward from May 2013 to May 2015. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, positive and negative predictive values, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) areas under the curve (AUC), and logistic regression analysis were determined to evaluate the diagnostic values of these biomarkers. Results: The levels of the four biomarkers were higher in the infection patients (p<0.001), and the PCT and IL-6 were higher in the patients with positive microbial blood culture (p<0.01). The neutrophil CD64 Index, PCT, IL-6, CRP had AUCs of 0.95, 0.83, 0.75 and 0.73, respectively. The best cut-off value of the neutrophil CD64 Index to detect infections was 5.06, with high specificity (87.5%) and sensitivity (88.4%). Furthermore, neutrophil CD64 Index, PCT and IL-6 offered the best combination of diagnosis with sensitivity of 93.9% and an AUC of 0.95. In addition, the neutrophil CD64 Index may have a special value to assist the physician to diagnose infection in the neutropenic patients with fever. Conclusions: The neutrophil CD64 Index is useful for early identification of infections in febrile patients in the hematology department. The combined analysis of the CD64 Index, PCT and IL-6 could further improve its sensitivity.

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