Diagnostic Yield of Population-Based Screening for Chronic Kidney Disease in Low-Income, Middle-Income, and High-Income Countries.

Importance: Population-based screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD) is sometimes recommended based on the assumption that detecting CKD is associated with beneficial changes in treatment. However, the treatment of CKD is often similar to the treatment of hypertension or diabetes, which commonly coexist with CKD. Objective: To determine the frequency with which population-based screening for CKD is associated with a change in recommended treatment compared with a strategy of measuring blood pressure and assessing glycemia. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study was conducted using data obtained from studies that evaluated CKD in population-based samples from China (2007-2010), India (2010-2014), Mexico (2007-2008), Senegal (2012), and the United States (2009-2014), including a total of 126 242 adults screened for CKD. Data were analyzed from January 2020 to March 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary definition of CKD was estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. For individuals with CKD, the need for a treatment change was defined as not taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker or having blood pressure levels of 140/90 mm Hg or greater. For individuals with CKD who also had diabetes, the need for a treatment change was also defined as having hemoglobin A1c levels of 8% or greater or fasting glucose levels of 178.4 mg/dL (9.9 mmol/L) or greater. Case finding was defined as testing for CKD only in adults with hypertension or diabetes. Results: Among 126 242 adults screened for CKD, there were 47 204 patients in the China cohort, 9817 patients in the India cohort, 51 137 patients in the Mexico cohort, 2441 patients in the Senegal cohort, and 15 643 patients in the US cohort. The mean age of participants was 49.6 years (95% CI, 49.5-49.7 years) in the China cohort, 42.9 years (95% CI, 42.6-43.2 years) in the India cohort, 51.6 years (95% CI, 51.5-51.7 years) in the Mexico cohort, 48.2 years (95% CI, 47.5-48.9 years) in the Senegal cohort, and 47.3 years (95% CI, 46.6-48.0 years) in the US cohort. The proportion of women was 57.3% (95% CI, 56.9%-57.7%) in the China cohort, 53.4% (95% CI, 52.4%-54.4%) in the India cohort, 68.8% (95% CI, 68.4%-69.2%) in the Mexico cohort, 56.0% (95% CI, 54.0%-58.0%) in the Senegal cohort, and 51.9% (51.0%-52.7%) in the US cohort. The prevalence of CKD was 2.5% (95% CI, 2.4%-2.7%) in the China cohort, 2.3% (95% CI, 2.0%-2.6%) in the India cohort, 10.6% (95% CI, 10.3%-10.9%) in the Mexico cohort, 13.1% (95% CI, 11.7%-14.4%) in the Senegal cohort, and 6.8% (95% CI, 6.2%-7.5%) in the US cohort. Screening for CKD was associated with the identification of additional adults whose treatment would change (beyond those identified by measuring blood pressure and glycemia) per 1000 adults: China: 8 adults (95% CI, 8-9 adults); India: 5 adults (95% CI, 4-7 adults); Mexico: 26 adults (95% CI, 24-27 adults); Senegal: 59 adults (95% CI, 50-69 adults); and the US: 19 adults (95% CI, 16-23 adults). Case finding was associated with the identification of 46.2% (95% CI, 45.1%-47.4%) to 86.4% (95% CI, 85.4%-87.3%) of individuals with CKD depending on the country, an increase in the proportion of individuals requiring a treatment change by as much 89.6% (95% CI, 80.4%-99.3%) in the US, and a decrease in the proportion of individuals needing GFR measurements by as much as 57.8% (95% CI, 56.3%-59.3%) in the US. Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that most additional individuals with CKD identified by population-based screening programs did not need a change in treatment compared with a strategy of measuring blood pressure and assessing glycemia and that case finding was more efficient than screening for early detection of CKD.

Helicobacter pylori Infection Mass Screening for Children and Adolescents: a Systematic Review of Observational Studies.

PURPOSE: Population-based Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) screening and eradication for adults in areas with a high incidence of gastric cancer have been shown to be effective. The current status of H. pylori screening for young people, however, has not been sufficiently evaluated. METHODS: A systematic review of population-based H. pylori screening of young people was performed using four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ICHUSHI) and independently evaluated by two investigators. Studies were evaluated with regard to the country, region, screening method, target age, number of screened people, and rate of positive screening. RESULTS: From 3231 studies, 39 studies were included (14 English original studies published in peer-review journals, 6 Japanese original studies, and 19 conference reports). These studies originated from 10 countries, with the largest number stemming from Japan (29 studies) followed by Germany (2 studies). Screening was performed using the urea breath test, blood antibodies, stool antigens, and urine antibodies. Five countries used the breath test as the first screening method, five used blood samples, two used stool antigens, and only Japan used urinary tests. CONCLUSION: Screening for H. pylori in young people was reviewed based on reports from several countries, and findings suggest that local authorities considering screening for H. pylori in young people need to scrutinize the age and potential methods. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of mid- to long-term H. pylori screening for young people.

The use of multi-pronged screening strategy to understand the epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Hong Kong: transition from epidemic to endemic setting.

A multi-pronged carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) screening strategy was implemented in Hong Kong West healthcare network. Of 199,192 fecal specimens from 77,194 patients screening from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2019, the incidence of CPE per 1000 patient admission significantly increased from 0.01 (2012) to 1.9 (2018) (p<0.01). With appropriate infection control measures, the incidence of nosocomial CPE per 1000 CPE colonization day decreased from 22.34 (2014) to 10.65 (2018) (p=0.0094). Exposure to wet market for purchasing raw pork (p=0.007), beef (p=0.017), chicken (p=0.026), and vegetable (p=0.034) for >3 times per week significantly associated with community acquisition of CPE. Strategic CPE control measures should be implemented in both the hospital and the community.

Revisión de programas de cribado de hepatitis C en España para población inmigrante de países endémicos / No disponible

ANTECEDENTES: la mayoría de las estrategias de cribado del virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) en los países europeos no incluyen a la población inmigrante de países endémicos como grupo de riesgo. OBJETIVO: el objetivo de este estudio es describir y evaluar las estrategias de cribado de VHC en población inmigrante residente en España y comparar las diferencias entre las estrategias a nivel autonómico y a nivel nacional. MÉTODOS: se realizó una búsqueda on-line en las páginas web de los sistemas de salud autonómicos entre 2017 y 2019. RESULTADOS: Aragón, Cantabria, Cataluña, Canarias y Madrid cuentan con programas de cribado de VHC e incluyen a la población inmigrante de países endémicos como grupo de riesgo. Comunidad Valenciana y País Vasco tienen un programa para el VHC aunque los inmigrantes de países endémicos no están incluidos. Finalmente, el resto no tiene un programa específico. Solo algunas de estas regiones tienen sistemas de control y evaluación. CONCLUSIÓN: existe heterogeneidad entre los diferentes programas de cribado en relación a los grupos de riesgo que deben ser objetivo del cribado. El cribado de VHC en población inmigrante de países endémicos debe extenderse al resto de comunidades autónomas. Más medidas y controles con indicadores específicos para población inmigrantes deberían ser implementadas en las estrategias autonómicas

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El papel del dermatólogo en el diagnóstico precoz de la artritis psoriásica: recomendaciones de un grupo de expertos / Dermatologists' Role in the Early Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis: Expert Recommendations

La artritis psoriásica (APs) es una forma común de artritis inflamatoria que aparece hasta en el 40% de los pacientes con psoriasis. Dado que la afectación cutánea suele preceder a la afectación articular, los dermatólogos desempeñan un papel fundamental en la detección precoz de la APs. El diagnóstico precoz es importante para reducir el riesgo de daños estructurales irreversibles, limitar el deterioro de la función física y mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes. El presente documento ha sido elaborado por un grupo de especialistas (nueve dermatólogos y un reumatólogo) con el objetivo de proporcionar recomendaciones sencillas que ayuden a los dermatólogos en el cribado de la APs en pacientes con psoriasis. Los expertos elaboraron el presente documento ofreciendo unas recomendaciones consensuadas basadas en una revisión descriptiva de la evidencia científica disponible y en la experiencia adquirida en la práctica clínica diaria

Psoriatic arthritis is a common type of inflammatory arthritis found in up to 40% of patients with psoriasis. Because skin involvement usually precedes joint involvement, dermatologists play a key role in early detection. Early diagnosis is important for reducing the risk of irreversible structural damage, attenuating the deterioration of physical function, and improving patients' quality of life. This consensus statement was drafted by a group of 9 dermatologists and 1 rheumatologist to provide simple recommendations to help dermatologists screen for psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis. The experts offer consensus-based guidelines that draw on a review of available scientific evidence and on experience acquired in routine clinical practice

Detection of advanced colorectal neoplasia and relative colonoscopy workloads using quantitative faecal immunochemical tests: an observational study exploring the effects of simultaneous adjustment of both sample number and test positivity threshold.

OBJECTIVE: When screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) using quantitative faecal immunochemical tests (FIT), test parameters requiring consideration are the faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) positivity cut-off and the number of stools sampled. This observational study explored variation in f-Hb between samples and the relationship between sensitivity for advanced neoplasia (AN, cancer or advanced adenoma) and colonoscopy workload across a range of independently-adjusted parameter combinations. DESIGN: Quantitative FIT data (OC-Sensor) were accessed from individuals undergoing personalised colonoscopic screening with an offer of 2-sample FIT in the intervening years. We estimated variation in f-Hb between samples in 12 710 completing 2-sample FIT, plus test positivity rates (colonoscopy workload) and sensitivity for AN according to parameter combinations in 4037 instances where FIT was done in the year preceding colonoscopy. RESULTS: There was large within-subject variability between samples, with the ratio for the second to the first sample f-Hb ranging up to 18-fold for all cases, and up to 56-fold for AN cases. Sensitivity for AN was greatest at lower f-Hb cut-offs and/or using 2-sample FIT. Colonoscopy workload varied according to how parameters were combined. Using different cut-offs for 1-sample FIT and 2-sample FIT to return similar sensitivity, workload was less with 2-sample FIT when the sensitivity goal exceeded 35%. CONCLUSION: Variation in f-Hb between samples is such that both parameters are crucial determinants of sensitivity and workload; independent adjustment of each should be considered. The 2-sample FIT approach is best for detecting advanced adenomas as well as CRC provided that the colonoscopy workload is feasible.

Trends in Low-Value Carotid Imaging in the Veterans Health Administration From 2007 to 2016.

Importance: As part of the Choosing Wisely campaign, primary care, surgery, and neurology societies have identified carotid imaging ordered for screening, preoperative evaluation, and syncope as frequently low value. Objective: To determine the changes in overall and indication-specific rates of carotid imaging following Choosing Wisely recommendations. Design, Setting, and Participants: This serial cross-sectional study compared annual rates of carotid imaging before Choosing Wisely recommendations (ie, 2007 to 2012) and after (ie, 2013 to 2016) among adults receiving care in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) national health system. Data analysis was performed from April 10, 2019, to November 27, 2019. Exposures: Release of the Choosing Wisely recommendations. Main Outcomes and Measures: Annual rates of overall imaging, imaging ordered for stroke workup, imaging ordered for low-value indications (ie, screening owing to carotid bruit, preoperative evaluation, and syncope). Indications were identified using a text lexicon algorithm based on electronic health record review of a stratified random sample of 1000 free-text imaging orders. The subsequent performance of carotid procedures within 6 months after carotid imaging was assessed. Results: Between 2007 and 2016, 809 071 carotid imaging examinations were identified (mean [SD] age of patients undergoing imaging, 69 [10] years; 776 632 [96%] men), of which 201 467 images (24.9%) were ordered for low-value indications (67 064 [8.2%] for carotid bruit, 25 032 [3.1%] for preoperative evaluation, and 109 400 [13.5%] for syncope), 257 369 (31.8%) for stroke workup, and 350 235 (43.3%) for other indications. Imaging for carotid bruits declined across the study period while there was no significant change in imaging for syncope or preoperative evaluation. Compared with the 6 years before, during the 4 years following Choosing Wisely recommendations, there was no change in the trend for syncope, a small decline in preoperative imaging (post-Choosing Wisely trend, -0.1 [95% CI, -0.1 to <-0.1] images per 10 000 veterans), and a continued but less steep decline in imaging for carotid bruits (post-Choosing Wisely trend, -0.3 [95% CI, -0.3 to -0.2] images per 10 000 veterans). During the study period, 17 689 carotid procedures were identified, of which 3232 (18.3%) were preceded by carotid imaging ordered for low-value indications. Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that Choosing Wisely recommendations were not associated with a meaningful change in low-value carotid imaging in a national integrated health system. To reduce low-value testing and utilization cascades, interventions targeting ordering clinicians are needed to augment the impact of public awareness campaigns.

Reflective study on participatory diagnosis as a community research strategy.

OBJECTIVES: to conceive a theoretical-reflective discussion about participatory diagnosis as a methodological option in participatory research. METHODS: this is a reflection study, based on an experience that used participatory diagnosis as a research strategy in a socially vulnerable community. It was intended to implicate social groups in the search for identification and solution to the problems. RESULTS: the use of participatory diagnosis has provided significant results regarding the importance given by participants to community empowerment in the fight for health, quality of life and social empowerment. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: participatory research and its relationship to participatory diagnosis favors the understanding of social issues, including health conditions, education and effective participation in problem solving.

Organised and opportunistic prevention in primary health care: estimation of missed opportunities by population based health interview surveys in Hungary.

BACKGROUND: Improvement of preventive services for adults can be achieved by opportunistic or organised methods in primary care. The unexploited opportunities of these approaches were estimated by our investigation. METHODS: Data from the Hungarian implementation of European Health Interview Surveys in 2009 (N = 4709) and 2014 (N = 5352) were analysed. Proportion of subjects used interventions in target group (screening for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and influenza vaccination) within a year were calculated. Taking into consideration recommendations for the frequency of intervention, numbers of missed interventions among patients visited a general practitioner in a year and among patients did not visit a general practitioner in a year were calculated in order to describe missed opportunities that could be utilised by opportunistic or organised approaches. Numbers of missed interventions were estimated for the entire population of the country and for an average-sized general medical practice. RESULTS: Implementation ratio were 66.8% for blood pressure measurement among subjects above 40 years and free of diagnosed hypertension; 63.5% for checking blood glucose among adults above 45 and overweighed and free of diagnosed diabetes mellitus; and 19.1% for vaccination against seasonal influenza. There were 4.1 million interventions implemented a year in Hungary, most of the (3.8 million) among adults visited general practitioner in a year. The number of missed interventions was 4.5 million a year; mostly (3.4 million) among persons visited general practitioner in a year. For Hungary, the opportunistic and organised missed opportunities were estimated to be 561,098, and 1,150,321 for hypertension screening; 363,270, and 227,543 for diabetes mellitus screening; 2,784,072, and 380,033 for influenza vaccination among the < 60 years old high risk subjects, and 3,029,700 and 494,150 for influenza vaccination among more than 60 years old adults, respectively. By implementing all missed services, the workload in an average-sized general medical practice would be increased by 12-13 opportunistic and 4-5 organised interventions a week. CONCLUSIONS: The studied interventions are much less used than recommended. The opportunistic missed opportunities is prevailing for influenza vaccination, and the organised one is for hypertension screening. The two approaches have similar significance for diabetes mellitus screening.

Utilization of cervical cancer screening and associated factors among women in Debremarkos town, Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer is the most common type of malignancy among all malignancies for women worldwide with 266 000 deaths every year. Even though there is a proven importance of cervical cancer screening, the death of women due to cervical cancer in Ethiopia is high. We, therefore, did this study to investigate the utilization of cancer screening and its associated factors among women in Debremarkos town, Amhara region, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women from 30-49 years in Debremarkos town, from July 1 to August 30, 2018. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 822 women in the study. We used EPI info version 7 for data entry and SPSS version 24 software for cleaning and analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the utilization of cervical cancer screening. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 were taken as significant variables. RESULT: The study revealed that 44 (5.4%) of women have been screened for cervical cancer. Women's age [AOR:3.126(1.246,7.845)], marital status (AOR:3.41(1.299,8.972)], educational status(secondary education level [AOR: 4.578(95% CI: 1.19, 17.65)] and College and above education level [AOR:7.27,95%CI: 2.07,25.513)]), started sexual intercourse for the first time below 16 years[AOR:3.021(1.84,4.97)], history of multiple sexual partners [AOR:2.51(1.040, 6.06)], history of sexually transmitted disease [AOR:4.04(1.68, 9.72),], knowledge on cervical cancer screening [AOR:4.02(2.07,7.77)] and attitude towards cervical cancer screening [AOR:3.23(2.52,4.12)] were significant factors for utilization of cervical cancer screening. CONCLUSION: This study showed the magnitude of the utilization of cervical cancer screening is very low. Women's age, marital status, educational status, age at first sex history of multiple sexual partners and sexually transmitted disease, knowledge and attitude were important factors of screening. Therefore, intervention programs that are aimed at improving cervical cancer screening practice among women should focus on the identified factors.

Construct validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Falls Efficacy Scale in patients with COPD.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The Brazilian version of Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-BR) used to assess the fear of falling, has not yet been validated in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the construct validity and reliability of the (FES-BR) in patients with COPD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving subjects with COPD, aged between 48 and 83 years. Data were collected by two independent and blind assessors. Construct validity was assessed using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between FES-BR and Berg Balance Scale, Downton fall risk index, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), hand-grip strength (HGS), Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST) and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Reliability was measured by the Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: The study included 60 subjects aged 68.3 ±â€¯9.9 years and FEV1 56.0 ±â€¯19.3. The correlations were significantly strong between FES-BR and the Berg Balance Scale (r = -0.66), TUG (r = 0.64), HGS (r = 0.61) and FTSST (r = 0.62); and moderate between FES-BR and the Downton fall risk index (r = 0.38) and the 6MWT (r = -0.48). All correlations had p < 0.001. Intra-rater [ICC = 0.94, (95% CI = 0.91-0.96)] and inter-rater [0.97, (95% CI = 0.97-0.98)] reliability were considered excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian version of FES was valid and reliable in assess fear of falling in subjects with COPD.

Cribado de hipertensión arterial. Variabilidad entre práctica clínica y recomendaciones actuales / Screening of hypertension. Variability between clinical practice and current recommendations

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The Potential Population-Level Impact of Different Gonorrhea Screening Strategies in Baltimore and San Francisco: An Exploratory Mathematical Modeling Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Baltimore and San Francisco represent high burden areas for gonorrhea in the United States. We explored different gonorrhea screening strategies and their comparative impact in the 2 cities. METHODS: We used a compartmental transmission model of gonorrhea stratified by sex, sexual orientation, age, and race/ethnicity, calibrated to city-level surveillance data for 2010 to 2017. We analyzed the benefits of 5-year interventions which improved retention in care cascade or increased screening from current levels. We also examined a 1-year outreach screening intervention of high-activity populations. RESULTS: In Baltimore, annual screening of population aged 15 to 24 years was the most efficient of the 5-year interventions with 17.9 additional screening tests (95% credible interval [CrI], 11.8-31.4) needed per infection averted while twice annual screening of the same population averted the most infections (5.4%; 95% CrI, 3.1-8.2%) overall with 25.3 (95% CrI, 19.4-33.4) tests per infection averted. In San Francisco, quarter-annual screening of all men who have sex with men was the most efficient with 16.2 additional (95% CrI, 12.5-44.5) tests needed per infection averted, and it also averted the most infections (10.8%; 95% CrI, 1.2-17.8%). Interventions that reduce loss to follow-up after diagnosis improved outcomes. Depending on the ability of a short-term outreach screening to screen populations at higher acquisition risk, such interventions can offer efficient ways to expand screening coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Data on gonorrhea prevalence distribution and time trends locally would improve the analyses. More focused intervention strategies could increase the impact and efficiency of screening interventions.

Seroprevalence of Anti-Leptospira IgG and IgM Antibodies and Risk Assessment of Leptospirosis among Urban Poor Communities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira. Disease incidence is known to be attributed to environmental and social conditions which promote the spread of reservoir hosts, primarily rodents. A well-being program was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with leptospirosis in urban poor communities occupying low-cost flat accommodation and squatter settlements in the vicinity of Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur. Blood samples from a total of 532 volunteers were screened for the detection of IgG and IgM antibodies against leptospirosis using ELISA. Demographic data were collected for each participant through a questionnaire survey before blood collection. The overall seroprevalence was low (12.6%, n = 67/532; 95% CI: 9.9-15.7%), with 8.1% (n = 43/532) being seropositive for anti-Leptospira IgG, indicating previous infection, and 4.9% (n = 26/532) for anti-Leptospira IgM, indicating current infection. Two significant factors such as host age (P ≤ 0.01) and knowledge of disease transmission (P = 0.017) significantly influenced the presence of anti-Leptospira IgM, whereas the detection of anti-IgG indicated the presence of clean drinking water sources (P = 0.043). Despite the low prevalence, the transmission of leptospirosis does occur among urban poor communities, suggesting the need for undertaking public awareness programs.

An Analysis of User Survey Data for an Internet Program for Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections, I Want the Kit, in Maryland and Washington, DC.

We evaluated the results of an acceptability survey administered online to users of I Want the Kit, which offers Internet-requested kits for sexually transmitted infection screening. User satisfaction was high for I Want the Kit, with many users in our survey being repeat patients of this program. Both male and female respondents preferred genital self-collected swabs over urine collected specimens. Strong interest was expressed in home testing options for other sexually transmitted infections.

Change in prevalence of gestational diabetes and obstetric complications when applying IADPSG screening criteria in a Belgian French speaking University Hospital. A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In April 2012 our institution chose to switch from a two- step criteria for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) screening, to the International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group (IADSPG) criteria. This shift led to an increased prevalence of GDM in our pregnant population. We designed a study in order to estimate the magnitude of the increase in GDM prevalence before and after the switch in screening strategy. As a secondary objective we wanted to evaluate if there was a significant difference between the two periods in the percentage of maternal and neonatal complications such as gestational hypertensive disorders (GHD), primary cesarean section (pCS), preterm birth, large for gestational age (LGA) newborns, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, 5' Apgar score less than to 7 at birth, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) transfer and neonatal hypoglycemia. METHODS: We selected retrospectively 3496 patients who delivered between January 2009 and December 2011 who were screened with the two-step criteria (group A), and compared them to 2555 patients who delivered between January 2013 and December 2014 and who were screened with IADPSG criteria (Group B). We checked patients' electronic files to establish GDM status, baseline characteristics (age, body mass index, nationality, parity) and the presence of maternal and neonatal complications. RESULTS: GDM prevalence increased significantly from group A (3.4%; 95%CI 2.8-4.06%) to group B (16.28%; 95%CI 14.8 -17.7%). In group B there were significantly more non-Belgian and primiparous patients. There was no statistically significant difference in maternal and neonatal complications between the two groups, even after adjustment for nationality and parity. There was a non-significant reduction of the proportion of macrosomic and of LGA babies. CONCLUSIONS: In our population the introduction of IADPSG screening criteria has increased the prevalence of GDM without having a statistically significant impact on pregnancy outcomes.

Development of a screening eye clinic for Ebola virus disease survivors: Lessons learned and rapid implementation at ELWA Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia 2015.

BACKGROUND: In the wake of the West African Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak of 2014-2016, thousands of EVD survivors began to manifest a constellation of systemic and ophthalmic sequelae. Besides systemic arthralgias, myalgias, and abdominal pain, patients were developing uveitis, a spectrum of inflammatory eye disease leading to eye pain, redness, and vision loss. To investigate this emerging eye disease, resources and equipment were needed to promptly evaluate this sight-threatening condition, particularly given our identification of Ebola virus in the ocular fluid of an EVD survivor during disease convalescence. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A collaborative effort involving ophthalmologists, infectious disease specialists, eye care nurses, and physician leadership at Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA) Hospital in Liberia led to the development of a unique screening eye clinic for EVD survivors to screen, treat, and refer patients for more definitive care. Medications, resources, and equipment were procured from a variety of sources including discount websites, donations, purchasing with humanitarian discounts, and limited retail to develop a screening eye clinic and rapidly perform detailed ophthalmologic exams. Findings were documented in 96 EVD survivors to inform public health officials and eye care providers of the emerging disease process. Personal protective equipment was tailored to the environment and implications of EBOV persistence within intraocular fluid. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: A screening eye clinic was feasible and effective for the rapid screening, care, and referral of EVD survivors with uveitis and retinal disease. Patients were screened promptly for an initial assessment of the disease process, which has informed other efforts within West Africa related to immediate patient care needs and our collective understanding of EVD sequelae. Further attention is needed to understand the pathogensis and treatment of ophthalmic sequelae given recent EVD outbreaks in West Africa and ongoing outbreak within Democratic Republic of Congo.

Lack of disparities in screening for associated anomalies in children with anorectal malformations.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) often have associated congenital anomalies and should undergo several screening exams in the first year of life. We hypothesized that racial and socioeconomic disparities exist in the screening processes for these patients. METHODS: After IRB approval, a retrospective review of patients with ARM born between 2005 and 2016 was performed at a quaternary care children's hospital. Demographics including gender, race, insurance, and zip code were collected. Zip code was used as a surrogate for median income. Chart review was performed to identify anomaly type and whether Vertebral defects, Anorectal malformations, Cardiac defects, Tracheo-Esophageal fistula, Renal anomalies, and Limb abnormalities screening was performed within 1 y of age. Descriptive statistics and chi square analyses were performed. RESULTS: One hundred patients (59% male, 68% low malformation) were identified. African American and Caucasian subjects represented 41% and 40% of the population, respectively. Overall, 68 of 100 patients had at least one screening test for each of the Vertebral defects, Anorectal malformations, Cardiac defects, Tracheo-Esophageal fistula, Renal anomalies, and Limb abnormalities associations. Although some minor differences were noted (more African Americans received skeletal survey than Caucasians, 80.5% versus 60%, P = 0.00335), no pattern of systematic bias in the receipt or timing of screening was evident based on race, insurance, or income. CONCLUSIONS: There do not appear to be racial or socioeconomic disparities in screening for associated anomalies in patients with ARM. However, overall gaps in screening still exist, and work must be carried out to appropriately screen all patients for associated anomalies.

Methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus screening and decolonisation in elective hip and knee arthroplasty.

AIMS: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic and potentially life threatening complication following arthroplasty. In addition to the resulting impact on patient morbidity and mortality, PJI is associated with significant financial cost, which is estimated at £21,937 per case. Methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) is a common isolate in PJI and colonisation is a proven risk factor for subsequent infection. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine if MSSA screening and decolonisation reduced MSSA PJI rate in primary joint replacement and (2) to determine cost effectiveness of such a screening program. METHODS: Pre-operative screening for MSSA was introduced in our institution in 2010. All MSSA positive patients attending for elective arthroplasty were prescribed Octenisan body wash and nasal Bactroban for use 5 days prior to procedure, and five days after. Infection data was collected prospectively and compared with a control group from before. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2014, 12,910 primary arthroplasties (5917 hip, 6993 knee) were performed. There were 3593 in the pre-screening group and 9318 in the post-screening group. Pre-screening PJI MSSA rate was 0.75% which reduced to 0.25% post screening introduction (p < 0.0001). Overall PJI rate fell from 1.92% to 1.41% (p = 0.03). The screening program was most effective in MSSA prevention in total hip arthroplasty (3% to 1.5%, p = 0.002) and significant in the multivariate analysis. Following the introduction of the screening programme 47 PJIs were avoided, with a cost per infection prevented of £1893. CONCLUSION: The MSSA screening and eradication protocol used in our institution was effective at reducing rates of MSSA PJI. Furthermore, it resulted in significant savings when compared to the cost of prevented infections.