Proposal of a screening instrument for autism spectrum disorder in children (Mini-TEA Scale) / Proposta de um instrumento de triagem para transtorno do espectro autista em crianças (Escala Mini-TEA)

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires trained professionals for its adequate diagnosis. There is a shortage of such professionals in Brazil. Screening tools could identify priority cases. The only instrument for that in Brazilian Portuguese is employed for toddlers up to 2.5 years old. Objective The Mini-TEA scale was conceived and tested as a screening for children from 2.5 to 12 years old. Methods After local ethics committee's approval, this study was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023 in the Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais, Passo Fundo/RS, of invitations to children's parents/relatives who were under evaluation for ASD and by local advertisement. Inclusion criteria were age from 2.5 to 12 years old; consent from the child's legal guardians. 75 children's parents/relatives were interviewed using the 15-item Mini-TEA scale. After that, children were evaluated for the diagnosis of ASD by a pediatric neurologist. Sensibility and specificity for ASD diagnosis along the Mini-TEA scores were measured. Experts and target population evaluated the validity/reliability of the Mini-TEA scale. The reproducibility of the scores was assessed about 40 days later. Results From the 75 participants, 28 received a diagnosis of ASD. Scores ≥ 10 on the Mini-TEA scale require further evaluation of the children (sensitivity 100%; specificity 68%). Content validity coefficient (CVC) rendered values > 0.80 (acceptable). Test-retest analyzes with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) indicated excellent reliability (> 0.90). The time spent for applying the screening was about 10 minutes. Conclusion The Mini-TEA scale presents as an easy tool for screening ASD among children.

Resumo Antecedentes O transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) requer profissionais treinados para o diagnóstico, escassos no Brasil. Instrumentos de triagem poderiam identificar casos prioritários para avaliação. O único em português brasileiro é empregado para crianças até 30 meses de idade. Objetivo A escala Mini-TEA foi concebida e testada como triagem para crianças entre 2,5 e 12 anos. Métodos Estudo foi conduzido de dezembro de 2022 a abril de 2023 na Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) de Passo Fundo/RS, após a aprovação bioética local. O recrutamento consistiu em convite aos familiares de crianças que estavam sendo avaliadas para TEA e por divulgação local. Os critérios de inclusão foram idade entre 2,5 e 12 anos e consentimento do guardião legal. Familiares de 75 crianças foram entrevistados com a escala Mini-TEA (15 itens). Depois, as crianças foram avaliadas para o diagnóstico de TEA por neuropediatra. A sensibilidade e a especificidade do diagnóstico de TEA com os escores da Mini-TEA foram mensuradas. A validade e a confiabilidade da escala Mini-TEA foram avaliadas por experts e pela população alvo. A reprodutibilidade dos escores foi medida após ± 40 dias. Resultados Dos 75 participantes, 28 receberam diagnóstico de TEA. Escores ≥ 10 na escala Mini-TEA requerem avaliação das crianças (sensibilidade 100%; especificidade 68%). O coeficiente de validação de conteúdo (CVC) rendeu valores > 0,80 (aceitável). Análises de teste-reteste com coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC) indicou excelente confiabilidade (> 0,90). O tempo gasto para a triagem foi cerca de 10 minutos. Conclusão A escala Mini-TEA constitui ferramenta breve e fácil para triagem de TEA em crianças.

Rendimiento diagnóstico de un sistema molecular de uso en el punto de atención para la detección de SARS-CoV-2 en Perú / Diagnostic performance of a point-of-care molecular system for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Peru

RESUMEN En el presente estudio se estimó el rendimiento diagnóstico de la prueba Xpert®Xpress SARS-CoV-2 en comparación con la RT PCR en tiempo real-protocolo Charité, para la detección de SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes peruanos. Se trató de un diseño de prueba diagnóstica que incluyó 100 muestras de hisopado nasal y faríngeo. Se obtuvo una concordancia global de 98,70% (IC95%: 92,98-99,97), con un coeficiente kappa de 0,97 (IC95%: 0,86-1.00); se estimó una sensibilidad y especificad relativa de 100% y 96,15%, respectivamente. Adicionalmente, el porcentaje del área bajo la curva ROC fue 98,08% en ambos casos y se obtuvo una especificidad analítica del 100% para los diferentes virus respiratorios evaluados. En conclusión, la prueba Xpert®Xpress SARS-CoV-2 a partir de muestras de hisopado nasal y faríngeo fue altamente sensible y específica, así mismo el coeficiente kappa mostró una excelente correlación, al compararla con la prueba de referencia.

ABSTRACT The present study assessed the diagnostic performance of the Xpert®Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test in comparison with the Charité protocol real-time RT PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Peruvian patients. This was a diagnostic test study that included 100 nasal and pharyngeal swab samples. We obtained an overall concordance of 98.70% (95%CI: 92.98-99.97), with a kappa coefficient of 0.97 (95%CI: 0.86-1.00) and sensitivity and relative specificity rates of 100% and 96.15%, respectively. Additionally, the percentage of the area under the ROC curve was 98.08% in both cases, and an analytical specificity rate of 100% was obtained for the different respiratory viruses evaluated. In conclusion, the Xpert®Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test, by using nasal and pharyngeal swab samples, was highly sensitive and specific, and the kappa coefficient showed an excellent correlation when compared to the reference test.

Rendimiento diagnóstico de tres índices antropométricos de peso y talla para síndrome metabólico en trabajadores

Introducción: La presencia del síndrome metabólico está asociada con enfermedades crónicas a largo plazo, por lo que se buscan diferentes formas de obtener un diagnóstico temprano. Objetivo: Determinar el rendimiento diagnóstico de 3 índices antropométricos de peso y talla para síndrome metabólico en una muestra de trabajadores peruanos. Métodos: La población son trabajadores de 18 a 65 años, de ambos sexos, ocupación operarios y administrativos. Las variables estudiadas son: edad, sexo, ocupación, peso, talla, perímetro de cintura, antecedentes de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, presión arterial sistólica, diastólica, glucosa en ayunas, triglicéridos y lipoproteína de alta densidad. Se incluyeron 370 trabajadores, se crearon curvas características operativa del receptor con su respectiva área bajo la curva (AUC), se obtuvo la sensibilidad y especificidad de cada índice. Resultados: Del total, el 20 % presentó síndrome metabólico; el 46,76 % fueron mujeres, el 60 % tomaron alcohol alguna vez, el 5,14 % señaló haber fumado. El índice de masa corporal tuvo la mayor AUC= 0,73; corte= 26,04; sensibilidad= 78,4 y especifidad= 67,9) seguido del nuevo índice de masa corporal (AUC= 0,70; corte= 27,85; sensibilidad= 68,9 y especificidad= 70,6); el último lugar lo ocupa el índice triponderal (AUC= 0,66; corte= 16,67; sensibilidad= 67,6 y especificidad= 64,5); los parámetros para síndrome metabólico mostraron asociación estadísticamente significativa. Conclusión: El índice de masa corporal es el de mejor rendimiento diagnóstico para síndrome metabólico; podría ser un predictor útil para detectar este síndrome.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is associated with long-term chronic diseases, which is why different ways of obtaining an early diagnosis are sought. Objective: To determine the diagnostic yield of 3 anthropometric indices of weight and height for metabolic syndrome in a sample of Peruvian workers. Methods: The population are workers from 18 to 65 years old, both sexes, occupation operators and administrators; the studied variables were: age, sex, occupation, weight, height, waist circumference, history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, pressure systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein; 370 workers were included, receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were created with their respective area under the curve, obtaining the sensitivity and specificity of each of the indices. Results: Of the total number of workers, 20% presented Metabolic Syndrome; 46.76% were women, 60% drank alcohol at some time, and 5.14% reported having smoked. The Body Mass Index the greatest ROC= 0.73; cutoff= 26.04; sensitivity= 78.4 and specificity= 67.9) followed by the New Body Mass Index (ROC= 0.70; cutoff= 27.85; sensitivity= 68.9 and specificity= 70.6), the last place was occupied by the Triponderal Index (ROC= 0.66; cutoff= 16.67; sensitivity= 67.6 and specificity= 64.5); the parameters for metabolic syndrome showed a statistically significant association. Conclusion: Body Mass Index is the best diagnostic yield for Metabolic Syndrome and could be a useful predictor to detect this syndrome.

Escala predictiva de los resultados adversos en la hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa / It not climbs predictiva of the adverse results in the high digestive hemorrhage varicose

Introducción: Existen varios sistemas de puntuación para predecir los resultados adversos en los pacientes con hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa, pero no se han validado lo suficiente y cada uno pertenece a distintas poblaciones fuentes. Objetivo: Demostrar la utilidad de una escala propuesta para predecir las probabilidades de resangrado, de mortalidad y de necesidad de cirugía en los pacientes con hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de una prueba diagnóstica en el hospital de Prenda, Luanda, Angola desde enero del 2021 hasta mayo del 2022. El universo estuvo formado por 93 pacientes atendidos durante ese período con el criterio de inclusión de tener el diagnóstico de hemorragia digestiva alta de origen no varicoso. Resultados: De un total de 93 pacientes se obtuvo como desenlace primario una recurrencia del sangrado de 18 pacientes para un 19,35 por ciento del total, seguido con 12 fallecidos para un 12,90 por ciento del total y cuatro fallecidos para un 4,40 por ciento del total. Los valores predictivos de la escala de forma general fueron, al ser aplicada una sensibilidad de 0,91, la especificidad de un 0,92, el valor predictivo negativo de un 0,95 y el valor predictivo negativo de un 0,86. Conclusiones: La escala propuesta tiene una sensibilidad y especificidad adecuada para predecir, en los pacientes con hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa, la probabilidad de resangrado, de mortalidad y la necesidad de cirugía(AU)

Introduction: Several scoring systems exist to predict adverse outcomes in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, but they have not been sufficiently validated and each pertains to different source populations. Objective: To demonstrate the usefulness of a proposed scoring scale to predict the probability of rebleeding, mortality, and need for surgery in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Methods: A retrospective study of a diagnostic test was performed at the hospital of Prenda, Luanda, Angola, from January 2021 to May 2022. The study universe consisted of 93 patients attended during that period, with the inclusion criterion of having a diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding of nonvariceal origin. Results: From a total of 93 patients, the primary outcome was a recurrence of bleeding in 18 patients, accounting for 19.35 percent of the total; followed by 12 deaths, representing 12.90 percent of the total, and four deaths, accounting for 4.40 percent of the total. After the scale was applied, the following general predictive values were obtained: sensitivity of 0.91, specificity of 0.92, negative predictive value of 0.95 and negative predictive value of 0.86. Conclusions: The proposed scale presents adequate sensitivity and specificity for predicting the probability of fatal rebleeding and the need for surgery in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(AU)

Validation studies on migraine diagnostic tools for use in nonclinical settings: a systematic review / Estudos de validação de ferramentas de diagnóstico de enxaqueca (migrânea) para uso em ambientes não clínicos: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Background Migraine underdiagnosis and undertreatment are so widespread, that hence is essential to diagnose migraine sufferers in nonclinical settings. A systematic review of validation studies on migraine diagnostic tools applicable to nonclinical settings can help researchers and practitioners in tool selection decisions. Objective To systematically review and critically assess published validation studies on migraine diagnostic tools for use in nonclinical settings, as well as to describe their diagnostic performance. Methods A multidisciplinary workgroup followed transparent and systematic procedures to collaborate on this work. PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science were searched for studies up to January 17, 2022. The QUADAS-2 was employed to assess methodological quality, and the quality thresholds adopted by the Global Burden Disease study were used to tail signaling questions. Results From 7,214 articles identified, a total of 27 studies examining 19 tools were eligible for inclusion. There has been no high-quality evidence to support any tool for use of migraine diagnosis in nonclinical settings. The diagnostic accuracy of the ID-migraine, structured headache and HARDSHIP questionnaires have been supported by moderate-quality evidence, with sensitivity and specificity above 70%. Of them, the HARDSHIP questionnaire has been the most extensively validated. The remaining 16 tools have provided poor-quality evidence for migraine diagnosis in nonclinical populations. Conclusions Up till now, the HARDSHIP questionnaire is the optimal choice for diagnosing migraine in nonclinical settings, with satisfactory diagnostic accuracy supported by moderate methodological quality. This work reveals the crucial next step, which is further high-quality validation studies in diverse nonclinical population groups.

Resumo Antecedentes O sub-diagnóstico e o subtratamento da enxaqueca são tão difundidos que, portanto, é essencial para diagnosticar os portadores de enxaqueca em ambientes não-clínicos. Uma revisão sistemática dos estudos de validação das ferramentas de diagnóstico da enxaqueca aplicáveis a ambientes não-clínicos pode ajudar os pesquisadores e profissionais nas decisões de seleção de ferramentas. Objetivo Revisar sistematicamente e avaliar criticamente estudos de validação publicados sobre ferramentas de diagnóstico da enxaqueca para uso em ambientes não-clínicos, bem como descrever seu desempenho diagnóstico. Métodos Um grupo de trabalho multidisciplinar seguiu procedimentos transparentes e sistemáticos para colaborar neste trabalho. PubMed, Medline e Web of Science foram pesquisados por estudos até 17 de janeiro de 2022. O QUADAS-2 foi empregado para avaliar a qualidade metodológica, e os limites de qualidade adotados pelo estudo da Global Burden Disease foram usados para responder a questões de sinalização. Resultados De 7.214 artigos identificados, um total de 27 estudos examinando 19 ferramentas foram elegíveis para inclusão. Não houve evidência de alta qualidade para apoiar qualquer ferramenta para o uso de diagnóstico de enxaqueca em ambientes não clínicos. A precisão diagnóstica do ID-Migraine, questionário de dor de cabeça estruturada e questionário HARDSHIP foram apoiados por evidências de qualidade moderada, com sensibilidade e especificidade acima de 70%. Deles, o questionário HARDSHIP foi o mais amplamente validado. As 16 ferramentas restantes forneceram provas de má qualidade para o diagnóstico de enxaqueca em populações não-clínicas. Conclusões Até agora, o questionário HARDSHIP é a escolha ideal para o diagnóstico da enxaqueca em ambientes não-clínicos, com precisão diagnóstica satisfatória apoiada por uma qualidade metodológica moderada. Este trabalho revela o próximo passo crucial, que é a realização de mais estudos de validação de alta qualidade em diversos grupos populacionais não-clínicos.

Diagnosis of fibromyalgia: diagnostic feasibility and accuracy of thermography

INTRODUCTION: Studies have suggested using thermography as a resource to diagnose fibromyalgia, although there has been no evidence confirming this hypothesis so far. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of computerized infrared thermography as an auxiliary method for diagnosing fibromyalgia. METHODS: It is a diagnostic accuracy studywith cross-sectional design. One hundred and three individuals were evaluated for global pain using the Visual Analogue Scale. The measurement of pain at tender points was assessed by algometry, and skin temperature was assessed by thermography. To evaluate sensitivity and specificity, the analysis was performed using the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve, measured by the area under the curve with their respective confidence intervals. RESULTS: Thermography has not been very sensitive or specific for pain (tender points) and diagnosis of fibromyalgia, according to the evaluation of the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve, with an area under the curve equal to or lower than 0.75. CONCLUSION: In this study the thermography was not sensitive and specific as a tool for diagnosing the fibromyalgia syndrome. This study highlights important clinical implications concerning the current methods for diagnosing it, which, despite all efforts, are still subjective and poorly reproducible.

Predictive Values of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

ABSTRACT Introduction: We investigated the relationship between the newly-defined systemic immune-inflammation index and the new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Method: This study included 392 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. We divided the participants into two groups as those with and without new-onset atrial fibrillation. Prior to coronary artery bypass grafting, we evaluated blood samples, including systemic immune-inflammation index, and other laboratory parameters of the patients. We formulized the systemic immune-inflammation index score as platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte counts. Results: The findings revealed that new-onset atrial fibrillation occurred in 80 (20.4%) of 392 patients during follow-ups. Such patients had higher systemic immune-inflammation index, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and C-reactive protein levels than those who did not develop new-onset atrial fibrillation (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.010, respectively). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, systemic immune-inflammation index levels > 712.8 predicted new-onset atrial fibrillation with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 61.2% (area under the curve: 0.781, 95% confidence interval: 0.727-0.835; P<0.001). Conclusion: Overall, systemic immune-inflammation index, a novel inflammatory marker, may be used as a decisive marker to predict the development of atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass grafting.

Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis: prevalence, associated factors, and performance of diagnostic tests

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal trichomoniasis are frequent causes of health care demand. Objective: To estimate the prevalence, identify associated factors, and investigate the performance of diagnostic tests for bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Methods: Cross-sectional study with participants over 18 years old. All of them were submitted to an interview and gynecological examination with evaluation of vaginal secretion, pH verification, collection of material for Pap smear, wet mount test, Whiff test, bacterioscopy, and polymerase chain reaction for trichomoniasis detection. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify associated factors with bacterial vaginosis. Diagnostic performance for bacterial vaginosis was evaluated following Amsel criteria, the Ison and Hay score, and the Pap smear, considering the Nugent score as the gold standard. As for trichomoniasis, diagnostic performance was evaluated through the Pap smear and the wet mount test, using the polymerase chain reaction as the gold standard. Results: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 33.7%, and for trichomoniasis, 0.5%. The complaint of abnormal vaginal secretion was associated with the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (odds ratio 2.2). The diagnostic accuracy by Amsel criteria, the Ison and Hay score, and the Pap smear was 35.6, 97.0, and 84.2%, respectively. The sensitivity for trichomoniasis through wet mount test was 0.0%, and through the Pap smear, 100%. Conclusion: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was high, and trichomoniasis was low. The only associated factor with bacterial vaginosis was the report of abnormal vaginal secretion. The methods with the most accurate diagnostic performance for bacterial vaginosis were the Ison and Hay score and the Pap smear and, for trichomoniasis, the Pap smear

Comparison of frailty assessment and related tools in elderly hospitalized patients with atrial fibrillation / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:We evaluated frailty in elderly hospitalized patients with atrial fibrillation and analyzed the relevance, consistency, and diagnostic power of different frailty tools.Methods:From September 2018 to April 2019, a total of 197 elderly patients with atrial fibrillation aged ≥ 65 years in Beijing Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, and Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital were prospectively enrolled.Five frailty tools, including the clinical frailty scale(CFS), FRAIL scale(FRAIL), Fried frailty phenotype(Fried), Edmonton frail scale(EFS), and comprehensive geriatric assessment-frailty index(CGA-FI), were used for frailty assessment.Results:A total of 197 hospitalized elderly patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled, with an average age of(77.5±7.1)years old(57.4% male). The prevalence of frailty, according to the five frailty tools, were 25.4%(FRAIL), 27.9%(EFS), 34.5%(Fried), 40.6%(CFS), and 42.6%(CGA-FI), respectively.CFS had a good correlation(correlation coefficient 0.80)and and consistency(Kappa value 0.71, 95% CI 0.61~0.81)with CGA-FI.The combined frailty index was used as the gold standard for frailty diagnosis.The results showed that CFS and CGA-FI had high diagnostic sensitivity(95.9 % and 98.0 %, respectively)and specificity(77.7 % and 75.7 %, respectively). Conclusions:Frailty is common in elderly hospitalized patients with atrial fibrillation, showing multidimensional features, and physical weakness is not prominet.CFS and CGA-FI are recommended for the assessment of frailty in patients with atrial fibrillation, which had good correlation and consistency.

The role of a simple Nomogram model in evaluating the severity of mycoplasma pneumonia pneumonia in adults / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the role of a simple Nomogram model in evaluating the severity of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in adults.Methods:The clinical data of 162 patients with MPP who received treatment in Wenzhou Central Hospital from March 2015 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into a severe group ( n = 67) and a common group ( n = 95) according to whether they were diagnosed with severe MPP. The clinical data of patients were recorded. Fourteen clinical variables were screened, including age, sex, onset season, fever, heat peak, fever duration, cough duration, white blood cell count, percentage of neutrophils, percentage of lymphocytes, hemoglobin, platelet count, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of statistically significant variables in univariate analysis was performed. The Nomogram model was constructed with the R language software package (version 3.6.2). The model was verified with a calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic curve. Results:Univariate analysis results showed that in the severe group, the fever peak ( Z = 5.03, P < 0.001) was higher, fever duration ( χ2 = 27.55, P < 0.001), and cough duration ( χ2 = 28.72, P < 0.001) were longer, white cell count ( t = 2.93, P = 0.004), percentage of neutrophils ( t = 9.08, P < 0.001), C-reactive protein ( t = 35.05, P < 0.001), and procalcitonin level ( t = 15.09, P < 0.001) were greater compared with the common group. The percentage of lymphocytes ( t = 1.16, P < 0.001), hemoglobin level ( t = 1.22, P < 0.001), and platelet count ( t = 2.82, P < 0.001) in the severe group were significantly lower than those in the common group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that heat peak, cough duration, and C-reactive protein were positively correlated with the severity of MPP (all P < 0.05). The percentage of lymphocytes, hemoglobin concentration, and platelet count were negatively correlated with the severity of MPP (all P < 0.05). The establishment and validation results of the Nomogram model showed that the accuracy of the model was good, with a sensitivity of 88.73%, a specificity of 77.61%, and a C-index of 0.904. Conclusion:Heat peak, cough duration, percentage of lymphocytes, platelet count, and C-reactive protein are closely related to the severity of early MPP. A simple Nomogram model can be one of the tools for early assessment of the severity of MPP.

Qualitative and staging diagnosis of rectal tumors with dual contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and interventional biopsy / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of qualitative and staging diagnosis of rectal tumors with dual contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and interventional biopsy.Methods:A total of 300 patients with rectal tumors who received treatment in The First People's Hospital of Huzhou from December 2019 to March 2022 were included in this study. All patients underwent dual contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and interventional biopsy followed by focus resection. Taking the postoperative histopathological test results as the gold standard, the efficacy of dual contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and interventional biopsy in the localization, qualitative analysis, and staging of rectal tumors was analyzed.Results:The compliance rate of dual contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and interventional biopsy in the localization of rectal tumors was 100%. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the dual contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and interventional biopsy for qualitative diagnosis of rectal tumors were 94.8%, 97.8%, and 96.7%, respectively. The Kappa value used for assessing agreement in the qualitative diagnosis of rectal tumors between dual contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and interventional biopsy and postoperative tissue pathological examination results was 0.947. The area under the curve plotted for qualitative diagnosis of rectal tumors was 0.974. The sensitivity, specificity, and sensitivity of dual contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and interventional biopsy for diagnosis of stage I-III rectal cancer were 94.1%-97.8%. The Kappa values used for assessing agreement in staging diagnosis of stage I-III rectal cancer between dual contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and interventional biopsy and postoperative tissue pathological examination results were 0.923, 0.912, and 0.927, respectively. The areas under the curve plotted for staging diagnosis of rectal cancer were 0.961, 0.955, and 0.970, respectively.Conclusion:Dual contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and interventional biopsy have a high efficacy in the localization, qualitative diagnosis, and staging diagnosis of rectal tumors.

Analysis on optimal cut-off values for prediction of lumbar spinal stenosis using lumbar pedicle thickness / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the optimal cut-off values for the prediction of lumbar spinal stenosis using lumbar pedicle thickness.Methods:The clinical data of 64 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (patient group) admitted to Binzhou Center Hospital from November 2019 to April 2021 and 48 healthy volunteers (healthy control group) who concurrently received routine physical examination involving lumbar spine MRI examination in the same hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Lumbar pedicle thickness was measured on T 2 weighted images of the L 5 vertebral body in the axial projection. Lumbar pedicle thickness was compared between groups using the independent sample t-test. The relationship between lumbar pedicle thickness and age change was analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance. The efficacy of lumbar pedicle thickness in the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, optimal cut-off values, sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the ROC curve. Results:There was no significant correlation between lumbar pedicle thickness and age change ( P > 0.05). Lumbar pedicle thickness of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis was significantly higher than that of healthy controls [(13.25 ± 1.73) mm vs. (8.54 ± 1.88) mm, t = 13.75, P < 0.05]. ROC curve results showed that the optimal cut-off value was 10.50 mm, with a sensitivity of 95.3% and a specificity of 85.4. The area under the ROC curve was 0.963 (95% CI 0.928-0.998). Conclusion:The increase in lumbar pedicle thickness is related to the increase in the incidence of lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar pedicle thickness is an accurate, objective, and clear morphological parameter for the prediction of lumbar spinal stenosis. Application of lumbar pedicle thickness to predict lumbar spinal stenosis is innovative and scientific.

Value of serum IgG4 and IgG4/IgG ratio in differential diagnosis of autoimmune diseases / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the value of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) and IgG4/ immunoglobulin G (IgG) ratio in the differential diagnosis of IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD) and other autoimmune diseases.Methods:A total of 35 patients with IgG4-RD and 937 patients with autoimmune diseases who received treatment in Beijing Hospital from January 2021 to July 2022, and 200 subjects who concurrently underwent health checkups in the same hospital were included in this study. The IMMAGE 800 and BN II automatic special protein analyzers were used to detect IgG and IgG4. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of IgG4 and IgG4/IgG ratio was plotted.Results:Serum IgG4 level and IgG4/IgG ratio in the IgG4-RD group were 2.83 (2.01, 5.07) g/L and 25% (18%, 43%) respectively, which were higher than 0.35 (0.16, 0.72) g/L, 3% (1%, 6%) in the autoimmune disease group and 0.27 (0.14, 0.49) g/L, 2% (1%, 4%) in the healthy control group ( U = 795.50, 82.50, 1 744.50, 205.50, all P < 0.001). Taking IgG4 ≥ 1.35 g/L as the standard, patients with IgG4 ≥ 1.35 g/L in the three groups were screened out. There was a statistically significant difference in IgG4/IgG ratio between the IgG4-RD group and the non-IgG4-RD group ( U = 453.50, P < 0.001). The ROC curve of IgG4 and IgG4/IgG ratio showed that when IgG4 was 1.47 g/L, the sensitivity was 91.7%, the specificity was 83.5%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.96. When IgG4/IgG was 12.5%, the sensitivity was 91.4%, the specificity was 85%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.96. Taking IgG4 ≥ 1.47 g/L and IgG4/IgG ≥ 12.5% as the diagnostic criteria of IgG4-RD, the sensitivity was 94.3%, the specificity was 85.9%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.96, which were higher than the sensitivity (87.2%) and diagnostic specificity (82.6%) provided by IgG4 alone. Conclusion:Because non-IgG4-RD diseases can also have the phenomenon of increased IgG4, when IgG4 ≥ 1.47 g/L is taken as the diagnostic criteria, its diagnostic sensitivity and specificity are the highest. Combined detection of IgG4 and IgG4/IgG ratio can increase the diagnostic efficacy of IgG4-RD.

Acurácia da detecção do antígeno galactomanana no soro para o diagnóstico precoce de aspergilose pulmonar invasiva: uma revisão rápida / Accuracy of serum galactomannan antigen detection for the early diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: a rapid review

Tecnologia: Detecção do antígeno galactomanana no soro. Contexto: A aspergilose pulmonar invasiva (API) é uma infecção fúngica oportunista de grande risco para pacientes imunocomprometidos. A detecção do antígeno galactomanana no soro por meio de um imunoensaio (ELISA) pode ser um teste não invasivo que auxilie no diagnóstico precoce da doença nestes pacientes. Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia da detecção do antígeno galactomana no soro para o diagnóstico precoce de aspergilose pulmonar invasiva. Métodos: Revisão rápida sistematizada sobre acurácia de diagnóstico. As bases de dados utilizadas na pesquisa foram: PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, BVS e Cochrane Library. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos estudos incluídos foi realizada por meio da ferramenta AMSTAR-2. Resultados: Foram selecionadas três revisões sistemáticas que atendiam aos critérios de elegibilidade com as quais foi realizada uma análise descritiva dos dados encontrados. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica demonstrou que duas das revisões sistemáticas (RS) apresentaram qualidade criticamente baixa e uma das RS apresentou qualidade alta. Conclusão: A detecção da galactomanana sérica por ELISA pode ser um teste auxiliar no diagnóstico de API, entretanto, possui várias limitações e deve ser utilizado juntamente com outros critérios diagnósticos do consenso do EORTC/MSG. Novas pesquisas devem ser fomentadas para avaliar a utilização do teste no tempo do diagnóstico e no monitoramento da API

Technology: Detection of galactomannan antigen in serum. Background: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an opportunistic fungal infection of serious risk for immunocompromised patients. Detection of galactomannan antigen in serum by immunoassay (ELISA) could be a noninvasive test that contributes to the early diagnosis of the disease in this group of patients. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of serum galactomannan antigen detection for the early diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Methods: Rapid review of diagnostic accuracy. Databases used in the search were: PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, BVS, and Cochrane Library. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Results: Three systematic reviews that satisfied the eligibility criteria were selected, and a descriptive analysis of the data found was performed. The methodological quality assessment showed that two of the systematic reviews (SR) presented critically low quality, and one of the SR presented high quality. Conclusion: Detection of serum galactomannan by ELISA may be a valuable test for diagnosing IPA; however, it has a series of limitations and should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic criteria of the EORTC/MSG consensus. Further research should be encouraged to evaluate the use of this assay, considering the time to diagnosis and IPA monitoring

Instrumentos preditores de risco para lesão por pressão em pacientes críticos / Instrumentos predictores de riesgo de úlcera por presión en pacientes críticos / Risk predictor instruments for pressure injuries in critically ill patients

Resumo Objetivo Identificar, entre os instrumentos de predição de risco para lesão por pressão (LP) Waterlow, Cubbin & Jackson e EVARUCI , o mais específico e sensível para pacientes em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Métodos Estudo observacional, analítico e prospectivo, realizado em duas UTIs de São Paulo, Brasil, de agosto a novembro de 2019. Participaram 91 pacientes adultos que não apresentavam LP no momento da admissão na UTI e internados na UTI por mais de 24 horas. Os dados foram coletados de prontuários e por meio de avaliação clínica. A associação entre as variáveis clínicas, pessoais e a ocorrência de LP foi feita pelo Teste T-Student e Qui-quadrado e a sensibilidade e a especificidade dos instrumentos foram valiadas por meio da curva ROC. Resultados Houve predominância do sexo masculino (54,9%), média de idade de 66,2 ± 20,8 anos e de internação por razões clínicas (64,9%). O uso de drogas vasoativas, ventilação mecânica, contenção mecânica, sedação, dispositivos, a gravidade e procedência foram associados ao desenvolvimento de LP. A área sob a curva da Cubbin & Jackson, EVARUCI e Waterlow foram respectivamente 0,91, 0,96 e 0,76; e a EVARUCI demonstrou a maior acurácia (90,1%). Conclusão Os instrumentos Cubbin & Jackson e EVARUCI apresentaram alta sensibilidade e especificidade para avaliação de risco para LP em pacientes internados em UTIs, sendo que a EVARUCI mostrou melhor acurácia.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar, entre los instrumentos de predicción de riesgo de úlcera por presión (UP) Waterlow, Cubbin & Jackson y EVARUCI , cuál es el más específico y sensible para pacientes en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Métodos Estudio observacional, analítico y prospectivo, realizado en dos UCI de São Paulo, Brasil, de agosto a noviembre de 2019. Participaron 91 pacientes adultos que no presentaban UP en el momento de la admisión a la UCI e internados en la UCI por más de 24 horas. Los datos fueron recopilados de las historias clínicas y por medio de evaluación clínica. La asociación entre las variables clínicas, personales y los casos de UP fue realizada por el test-T Student y ji cuadrado, y la sensibilidad y especificidad de los instrumentos fueron validadas mediante la curva ROC. Resultados Hubo predominancia de sexo masculino (54,9 %), promedio de edad de 66,2 ± 20,8 años y de internación por razones clínicas (64,9 %). El uso de drogas vasoactivas, ventilación mecánica, contención mecánica, sedación, dispositivos, la gravedad y procedencia se asociaron a la aparición de UP. El área bajo la curva de Cubbin & Jackson fue 0,91, de EVARUCI fue 0,96 y de Waterlow fue 0,76. El EVARUCI demostró la mayor precisión (90,1 %). Conclusión Los instrumentos Cubbin & Jackson y EVARUCI presentaron alta sensibilidad y especificidad para la evaluación de riesgo de UP en pacientes internados en UCI, de los cuales el EVARUCI demostró una mejor precisión.

Abstract Objective To identify, among the Waterlow, Cubbin & Jackson and EVARUCI risk prediction instruments for pressure injuries (PI), the most specific and sensitive for patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU)). Methods This is an observational, analytical and prospective study, carried out in two ICUs in São Paulo, Brazil, from August to November 2019. Participants were 91 adult patients who did not have PI at the time of admission to the ICU and who had been hospitalized in the ICU for more than 24 hours. Data were collected from medical records and through clinical assessment. The association between clinical and personal variables and PI occurrence was performed using Student's t test and chi-square test, and the instruments' sensitivity and specificity were assessed using the ROC curve. Results There was a predominance of males (54.9%), mean age of 66.2 ± 20.8 years and hospitalization for clinical reasons (64.9%). Vasoactive drug use, mechanical ventilation, mechanical restraint, sedation, devices, severity and origin were associated with PI development. The area under the curve for Cubbin & Jackson, EVARUCI and Waterlow were, respectively, 0.91, 0.96 and 0.76, and EVARUCI demonstrated the highest accuracy (90.1%). Conclusion The Cubbin & Jackson and EVARUCI instruments showed high sensitivity and specificity for PI risk assessment in patients admitted to ICUs, and EVARUCI showed better accuracy.

Performance of fecal S100A12 as a novel non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pediatric patients are increasing. Currently, the diagnostic method for IBD is inconvenient, expensive, and difficult. S100A12, a type of calcium-binding protein, detected in the feces of patients with IBD has recently been suggested as a promising diagnostic tool. Hence, the authors aimed to evaluate the accuracy of fecal S100A12 in diagnosing IBD in pediatric patients by performing a meta-analysis. Methods: The authors performed a systematic literature search in five electronic databases for eligible studies up to July 15, 2021. Pooled diagnostic accuracies of fecal S100A12 were analyzed as the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were standardized mean difference (SMD) of fecal S100A12 levels between IBD and non-IBD groups and a comparison of diagnostic accuracies between fecal S100A12 and fecal calprotectin. Results: Seven studies comprising 712 children and adolescents (474 non-IBD controls and 238 IBD cases) were included. Fecal S100A12 levels were higher in the IBD group than in the non-IBD group (SMD = 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19-2.58; p < 0.0001). Fecal S100A12 could diagnose IBD in pediatric patients with a pooled sensitivity of 95% (95% CI = 88%-98%), specificity of 97% (95% CI = 95%-98%), and area under the receiver operating summary characteristics (AUSROC) curve of 0.99 (95% CI = 0.97-0.99). Fecal S100A12 specificity and AUSROC curve values were higher than those of fecal calprotectin (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Fecal S100A12 may serve as an accurate and non-invasive tool for diagnosing pediatric IBD. © 2023 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Validade do autorrelato de hipertensão arterial em trabalhadores / Validity of workers self-reports of hypertension

Resumo Introdução O monitoramento da hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é realizado no Brasil, fundamentado no autorrelato, por meio do sistema VIGITEL. Tendo em vista lacunas acerca desse agravo em populações de trabalhadores, estas devem ser alvo da ação ampliada para o seu diagnóstico epidemiológico. Objetivo Testar a validade de critério do autorrelato de HAS, comparando-o com medidas aferidas de pressão arterial (PA). Método Realizou-se estudo de corte transversal com amostra aleatória do universo de 1.561 trabalhadores de um serviço judiciário na Bahia. Calcularam-se sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos e razões de probabilidade para o autorrelato de HAS, comparando-os com a aferição direta da PA, medida de referência. O diagnóstico de HAS foi a média de duas aferições com PA sistólica ≥ 140 mmHg, e/ou PA diastólica ≥ 90 mmHg, e/ou uso regular de anti-hipertensivos. Resultados Em amostra de 391 trabalhadores, verificou-se sensibilidade de 66,4% (57,1-74,6%), especificidade de 87,9% (83,2-91,4%), valor preditivo positivo de 70,5% (61,1-78,6%), valor preditivo negativo de 85,7% (80,9-89,4%), razões de probabilidade positiva e negativa de 5,5 (3,88-7,72) e de 0,4 (0,30-0,49), respectivamente. Conclusão Este estudo evidenciou o autorrelato como medida válida para o diagnóstico epidemiológico da HAS entre trabalhadores, recomendando seu uso. No entanto, esta validade depende do diagnóstico prévio do agravo.

Abstract Background Monitoring of hypertension, based on self-report, has been performed in Brazil through VIGITEL. In view of the gaps about this problem in worker populations, these should be the targets of the expanded action of epidemiological diagnosis of hypertension. Objective To test the validity of hypertension self-report in comparison to blood pressure (BP) measurements. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 1561 workers from a Judicial Service in Bahia. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for the hypertension self-report in comparison with direct BP measurement (reference). Hypertensive cases presented the mean of two BP measurements, with systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg, and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg and/or regular use of antihypertensive drugs. Results In a sample of 391 workers, there was a sensitivity of 66.4% (57.1-74.6%), a specificity of 87.9% (83.2-91.4%), a positive predictive value of 70.5% (61.1- 78.6%), a negative predictive value of 85.7% (80.9-89.4%), a positive and negative likelihood ratio of 5.5 (3.88-7.72) and 0.4 (0.30-0.49) respectively. Conclusion This study showed self-report as a valid measure to implement the epidemiological diagnosis of hypertension among workers, recommending its use. However, its validity depends on the previous diagnosis.

Predictive performance of thyromental height for difficult laryngoscopies in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Thyromental height (TMH) was first reported as a great single test for prediction of difficult laryngoscopies, although further studies have shown variable estimates of its accuracy. We thus performed this meta-analysis to summarize the predictive values of TMH mainly for prediction of difficult laryngoscopies. Methods A search in PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, and Scielo was conducted in June 2020. We included prospective cohorts fully reported with patients ≥ 16 years old, providing data on predictive values of TMH for prediction of either difficult laryngoscopies or difficult intubations. Diagnostic properties and association between TMH and Cormack and Lehanes's classification by direct laryngoscopy were evaluated. A random-effects meta-analysis using hierarchical models was performed. Results Eight studies evaluating 2844 patients were included. All included studies had high risk of bias and low concern regarding applicability. There was significant heterogeneity among the studies. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and positive (LR+) and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios were as follows: DOR, 57.94 (95% CI: 18.19-184.55); LR+, 11.32 (95% CI: 4.28-29.92); and LR-, 0.23 (95% CI: 0.15-0.35). Summary sensitivity and specificity for studies with common threshold were 82.6 (95% CI: 74-88.8%) and 93.5 (95% CI: 79-98.2%), respectively. The estimated AUC was 81.1%. Conclusion TMH arises as a good predictor of difficult laryngoscopies in adult patients from diverse populations presenting better predictive values than most previously reported bedside tests. However, the high risk of bias throughout the studies may have skewed the results of the individual research as well as the summary points of the present meta-analysis.

Pap smear performance in bacterial vaginosis diagnosis / Realización de la prueba de papanicolaou en el diagnóstico de la vaginosis bacteriana / Desempenho do exame citopatológico no diagnóstico de vaginose bacteriana

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess Pap smear performance in bacterial vaginosis diagnosis in women of childbearing age. Method: a cross-sectional, retrospective study carried out in a health unit in a city in the interior of São Paulo. The study included information from 1,173 women who underwent collection of Pap smear and Gram-stained vaginal smears (reference standard test for bacterial vaginosis diagnosis) and analysis based on the Nugent score, from January 2013 to June 2020. Secondary data collected from the information and internal control systems were used. Results: the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in the sample was 31.8%. The degree of agreement between the two diagnostic methods by the Kappa index was 0.54, considered moderate, with a value <0.001. Sensitivity was 55.2% and specificity was 94.1%, with accuracy of 81.7% and positive predictive value of 81.4% and negative of 81.8%. Conclusion: Pap smear showed agreement with the reference standard of 0.77, however, does not replace the Gram-stained vaginal smear, but can be used as an auxiliary method for bacterial vaginosis diagnosis.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el desempeño del examen citopatológico en el diagnóstico de vaginosis bacteriana en mujeres en edad fértil. Método: estudio transversal, retrospectivo, realizado en una unidad de salud de una ciudad del interior de São Paulo. El estudio incluyó información de 1173 mujeres a las que se les realizó recolección de pruebas citopatológicas y frotis vaginales teñidos con la técnica de Gram (prueba estándar de referencia para el diagnóstico de vaginosis bacteriana) y análisis con base en el puntaje de Nugent, desde enero de 2013 hasta junio de 2020. Datos secundarios recolectados de los sistemas de información y control interno. Resultados: la prevalencia de vaginosis bacteriana en la muestra fue de 31,8%. El grado de concordancia entre los dos métodos diagnósticos por el índice Kappa fue de 0,54, considerado moderado, con un valor <0,001. La Sensibilidad fue del 55,2% y la Especificidad del 94,1%, con una Precisión del 81,7% y un Valor Predictivo Positivo del 81,4% y Negativo del 81,8%. Conclusión: el examen citopatológico mostró concordancia con el patrón de referencia de 0,77, sin embargo, no sustituye al frotis vaginal teñido de Gram, pero puede utilizarse como método auxiliar para el diagnóstico de la vaginosis bacteriana.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o desempenho do exame citopatológico no diagnóstico de vaginose bacteriana de mulheres em idade fértil. Método: estudo transversal, retrospectivo, realizado em uma unidade de saúde de um município do interior paulista. Foram inclusas no estudo as informações de 1173 mulheres submetidas à coleta dos exames citopatológico e esfregaço vaginal corado com técnica de Gram (exame padrão referência para diagnóstico de vaginose bacteriana) e análise a partir do score de Nugent, no período de janeiro de 2013 a junho de 2020. Utilizaram-se dados secundários, coletados a partir dos sistemas de informação e controle interno. Resultados: a prevalência de vaginose bacteriana na amostra foi de 31,8%. O grau de concordância entre os dois métodos diagnósticos pelo índice de Kappa foi de 0,54, considerado moderado, com valor<0,001. A Sensibilidade foi de 55,2% e a Especificidade de 94,1%, com Acurácia de 81,7% e Valor Preditivo Positivo de 81,4% e Negativo de 81,8%. Conclusão: o exame citopatológico apresentou concordância com o padrão referência de 0,77, no entanto, não substitui o esfregaço vaginal corado com técnica de Gram, mas pode ser utilizado como método auxiliar para o diagnóstico de vaginose bacteriana.

Sensitivity and specificity of a syphilis rapid diagnostic test in blood donors' samples

Abstract Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) are useful to identify syphilis cases, particularly for hard-to-reach populations and if laboratory services are scarce. However, RDT performance may be suboptimal. We aimed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of a syphilis RDT using well-characterized blood donors' samples. We categorized samples from 811 blood donors into five groups: 1 - Samples with reactive Chemiluminescence (QML), FTA-Abs, and VDRL; 2 - Samples with reactive QML and FTA-Abs, and nonreactive VDRL; 3 - Samples with reactive QML, and nonreactive for other markers (false-positives); 4 - Controls with nonreactive QML; and 5 - Samples reactive for HIV, with nonreactive QML. Sensitivity was tested in groups 1 (overall and according to VDRL titers) and 2; specificity was tested in groups 3‒5. The RDT had high specificity, even in samples reactive for HIV. The sensitivity was high (91.9%) in samples with reactive VDRL but varied between 75.0%‒100% according to VDRL titers. The overall sensitivity was lower (81.3%) in samples with reactive FTA-Abs and nonreactive VDRL. The RDT is a useful tool to detect active syphilis but may be more limited for cases with very early or remote infection, or those with prior treatment. When higher sensitivity is needed, additional strategies including recurrent testing or laboratory-based tests may be required.