Should trained lay providers perform HIV testing? A systematic review to inform World Health Organization guidelines.

New strategies for HIV testing services (HTS) are needed to achieve UN 90-90-90 targets, including diagnosis of 90% of people living with HIV. Task-sharing HTS to trained lay providers may alleviate health worker shortages and better reach target groups. We conducted a systematic review of studies evaluating HTS by lay providers using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Peer-reviewed articles were included if they compared HTS using RDTs performed by trained lay providers to HTS by health professionals, or to no intervention. We also reviewed data on end-users' values and preferences around lay providers preforming HTS. Searching was conducted through 10 online databases, reviewing reference lists, and contacting experts. Screening and data abstraction were conducted in duplicate using systematic methods. Of 6113 unique citations identified, 5 studies were included in the effectiveness review and 6 in the values and preferences review. One US-based randomized trial found patients' uptake of HTS doubled with lay providers (57% vs. 27%, percent difference: 30, 95% confidence interval: 27-32, p < 0.001). In Malawi, a pre/post study showed increases in HTS sites and tests after delegation to lay providers. Studies from Cambodia, Malawi, and South Africa comparing testing quality between lay providers and laboratory staff found little discordance and high sensitivity and specificity (≥98%). Values and preferences studies generally found support for lay providers conducting HTS, particularly in non-hypothetical scenarios. Based on evidence supporting using trained lay providers, a WHO expert panel recommended lay providers be allowed to conduct HTS using HIV RDTs. Uptake of this recommendation could expand HIV testing to more people globally.

Incidence and risk factors for cystoid macular edema following scleral buckling.

PurposeTo investigate the incidence of cystoid macular edema (CME) after scleral buckling (SB) and verify the possible risk factors of CME.MethodsA retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series study was conducted. Clinical charts of 130 consecutive patients who were underwent successful SB for primary retinal detachment (RD) from 2009 to 2013 were reviewed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was applied to detect CME. Data pertaining to patient demographics, pre- and postoperative visual acuity, surgical procedures, and postoperative OCT findings were recorded. Factors associated with CME were also analyzed.ResultsThe incidence of CME was 9/130 (6.9%). Risk factors for developing CME were older age (non-CME vs CME: 44.8±14.8 vs 57.3±5.3 years, P<0.05), more extensive RD (RD extent by clock hours; non-CME vs CME: 4.61±1.57 vs 5.78±1.39, P<0.05), macular detachment (non-CME vs CME: 51.2 vs 88.9%, P<0.05), and external drainage (non-CME vs CME: 38.8% vs 77.8%, P<0.05). There was no significant difference between patient with and without CME regarding the use of gas tamponade and the lens status. In patients with more extensive RD (macular detachment plus RD of more than 3 clock hours before surgery), 8 of 68 patients had CME after SB and only older age and external drainage factors were associated with CME.ConclusionsThe risk factors associated with CME after SB were older age, more extended RD, macular detachment, and external drainage. External drainage should be used with caution in older patients with more extensive RD.

Distribution, reabsorption, and complications of preretinal blood under silicone oil after vitrectomy for severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To examine the evolution and complications of preretinal hemorrhage under silicone oil after diabetic vitrectomy. METHODS: A total of 44 cases of primary diabetic vitrectomy with silicone oil infusion were reviewed in a 3-year period. Intravitreal bevacizumab was used preoperatively for cases with active proliferation, and in all cases at the end of surgery. Intraoperative bleeding, postoperative extent of preretinal hemorrhage, blood reabsorption time, and reproliferation and treatment results were assessed. RESULTS: Maximal blood distributed in thin and scattered patterns (23 cases), thick and localized patterns (10 cases), or thick and scattered patterns (10 cases) developed within 1 week after surgery, and was largely reabsorbed within a month with improved postoperative vision. Confluent blood extending to the midperiphery (one case) resulted in severe fibrosis and detachment. Complications included fibrotic plaque (two cases), and fibrous band and thick membrane (seven cases). Six cases underwent preretinal tissue removal. Vision improvement ≥ 3 lines was noted in three cases. CONCLUSION: Most of the rebleeding occurred within the first post-op week, with gradual reabsorption in the posterior pole within 4 weeks; widespread confluent bleeding might result in severe reproliferation and detachment. A major complication of preretinal bleeding was the formation of preretinal fibrosis. Re-operation achieved a mild VA improvement.