Recomendaciones para el manejo de la enfermedad pulmonar post tuberculosis / Recommendations for the Management of Post Tuberculosis Lung Disease

Introducción: Los esfuerzos de la lucha contra la tuberculosis (TB) se centran habitualmente en un diagnóstico precoz y un tratamiento eficaz y oportuno para romper la cadena de transmisión de Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Sin embargo, en los últimos años, coincidiendo con la asociación sindémica TB/COVID-19, han aparecido cada vez más evidencias sobre las graves secuelas clínicas, funcionales y psicosociales que puede ocasionar la TB, condición que se ha definido como enfermedad pulmonar post-tuberculosis (PTLD). Aproximadamente, un tercio de los pacientes que sobreviven a la TB se enfrentan a esto, incluyendo síntomas respiratorios persistentes con exacerbaciones episódicas, insuficiencia respiratoria crónica, trastornos emocionales y desafíos psico-sociales que impactan negativamente en la calidad de vida y enfrentan un alto costo catastrófico. Objetivo: Proporcionar un modelo compartido, orientador y científicamente válido para diagnosticar, evaluar y tratar en forma oportuna a los pacientes con PTLD (prevención, diagnóstico, tratamiento y posible rehabilitación). Metodología: Es una investigación documental que incluye revisiones sistemáticas, meta-análisis, estudios observacionales y de las directrices existentes en los últimos años al respecto, sumado a una evaluación por expertos en el tema, con el propósito de adaptarlas a las condiciones locales de cada país latinoamericano. Conclusiones: Considerando la carga mundial, particularmente, latinoamericana de TB, y la carga estimada de la PTLD, se considera urgente el desarrollo de un consenso sobre este tema. Creemos que las recomendaciones de ALAT proporcionarán la base para la formulación y adopción de directrices nacionales para el manejo del PTLD en Amé- rica Latina.

Introduction: Efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) usually focus on early, rapid diagnosis and effective treatment to break the chain of transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, in the last few years, coinciding with the syndemic TB/COVID-19 association, more and more evidence has proved the serious clinical, functional and psycho-social sequelae that TB can cause. This condition has been defined as Post-Pulmonary Disease Tuberculosis (PTLD) and it affects approximately one-third of the patients who survive TB, facing persistent respiratory symptoms with episodic exacerbations, chronic respiratory failure, emotional disorders and psychosocial challenges that negatively impact their life quality, meaning a high catastrophic cost. Objective: Provide a shared, guiding and scientifically valid model to promptly diagnose, evaluate and treat patients with PTLD (prevention, diagnosis, treatment and possible rehabilitation). Methodology: It is documentary research that includes systematic reviews, meta-analysis, observational studies and the guidelines that have existed in recent years in this regard, added to an evaluation by experts, with the purpose of adapting them to local conditions of each Latin American country. Conclusions: Considering the global and, particularly, the Latin American burden of TB, and the estimated burden of PTLD, the development of a consensus document on this topic is urgent. Therefore, we think ALAT recommendations will provide the basis for the formulation and adoption of national specific guidelines for the management of PTLD in Latin America.

Pruebas diagnósticas de tamizaje / Diagnostic screening tests

Introducción. Las pruebas diagnósticas de tamizaje son aquellas pruebas que son capaces de identificar un factor de riesgo o mutaciones genéticas que predicen el inicio ulterior de la enfermedad, así como también las pruebas que ponen de manifiesto alteraciones estructurales de la enfermedad antes que la enfermedad progrese y se vuelva sintomática. Métodos. Se hizo una revisión de la literatura para establecer los fundamentos teóricos científicos que sustentan a las pruebas de diagnóstico de tamizaje y las condiciones y requisitos que se deben cumplir para introducirlas en el ámbito clínico o como programas de salud pública. Resultados. Se estableció la diferencia conceptual entre la detección precoz y el diagnóstico temprano y la diferencia entre tamizaje de prevalencia y tamizaje de incidencia. Se dieron a conocer las indicaciones y criterios científicos para la realización de las pruebas de tamizaje. Se puntualizó la importancia de la duración del tiempo de adelanto en la eficacia de las pruebas diagnósticas de detección precoz. Se argumentaron las razones por las cuales era necesario la realización de experimentos clínicos aleatorizados para evaluar la eficacia de las pruebas diagnósticas de detección precoz en la prevención secundaria de la enfermedad. Conclusiones. Las pruebas diagnósticas de tamizaje hacen posible la introducción de intervenciones en el ámbito de la prevención primaria, como también en el escenario de la prevención secundaria de las enfermedades.

Introduction. Screening diagnostic tests are those tests that help to identify a risk factor or genetic mutations that predict the subsequent onset of the disease, as well as tests that reveal structural alterations of the disease before the disease progresses and becomes symptomatic. Methods. A literature review was performed to establish the scientific theoretical fundamentals that support diagnostic screening tests and the conditions and requirements that must be met to introduce them in the clinical setting or as public health programs. Results. The conceptual difference between early detection and early diagnosis and the difference between prevalence screening and incidence screening was established. Indications and scientific criteria for conducting screening tests were presented. The importance of the duration of the lead time in the efficacy of early detection diagnostic tests was pointed out. The reasons why it was necessary to carry out a randomized clinical experiment to evaluate the efficacy of early detection diagnostic tests for early diagnosis in the secondary prevention of the disease were confronted. Conclusions. Screening diagnostic tests make it possible to introduce interventions in the field of primary prevention, as well as in the setting of secondary prevention of diseases.

Identificação de alterações auditivas em crianças pré-escolares / Identification of hearing disorders in preschool children / Identificación de trastornos auditivos en niños en edad preescolar

Programas de saúde auditiva estão voltados predominantemente para crianças entre 0 e 3 anos de idade ou para os maiores de 7. As crianças entre estas duas faixas etárias não estão em nenhum destes programas, porém é neste grupo que mais ocorrem problemas de orelha média, e, é, neste grupo, possível detectar as perdas auditivas mínimas, leves ou unilaterais que não foram identificadas nos programas de triagem auditiva neonatal. Objetivo: Identificar alterações auditivas em crianças pré-escolares por meio de um programa de triagem auditiva. Método: Trata-se de estudo descritivo, transversal e observacional realizado em duas escolas municipais do município de Mauá. A amostra foi composta por crianças de cinco e seis anos de idade. O programa de triagem auditiva foi composto: a. otoscopia; b. timpanometria, e c. registro das emissões otoacústicas transiente (EOAT) e produto de distorção (EOAPD). Em vista da pandemia iniciada em março de 2020, não foi possível avaliar as crianças de três e quatro anos. Resultados: 28,44% (n= 31) de crianças falharam na otoscopia. Das 78 (71,55%) crianças que passaram na otoscopia, 30,8% falharam na timpanometria; 16,7% nas Emissões Otoacústicas Produto de Distorção (DPOAE) e 19,2% nas Emissões Otoacústicas por estímulo Transiente (TPOAE); 30,76% (n= 24) das crianças falharam em pelo menos um dos três procedimentos. Conclusão: foram identificadas 30,76% de crianças com risco de alteração auditiva que devem ser encaminhadas para avaliação médica e audiológica.

Hearing health programs are predominantly aimed at children between 0 and 3 years of age or those older than 7. Children between these two age groups are not in any of these programs, but it is in this group that the most middle ear problems occur, and, it is in this group, possible to detect minimal, mild, or unilateral hearing loss that was not identified in neonatal hearing screening programs. Objective: To identify hearing alterations in preschool children through a hearing screening program. Method: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and observational study conducted in two municipal schools in the municipality of Mauá. The sample consisted of children aged five and six years. The hearing screening program was composed of a. otoscopy; b. tympanometry and, c. recording of transient otoacoustic emissions (TOAE) and distortion product (DPOAE). In view of the pandemic that began in March 2020, it was not possible to evaluate the three and four-year-old children. Results: 28.44% (n= 31) of the children failed otoscopy. Of the 78 (71.55%) children who underwent otoscopy, 30.8% failed tympanometry: 16.7% in Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) and 19.2% in Transient Stimulus Otoacoustic Emissions (TPOAE); 30.76% (n= 24) of the children failed at least one of the three procedures. Conclusion: 30.76% of children at risk of hearing impairment were identified and should be referred for medical and audiological evaluation.

Los programas de salud auditiva están dirigidos principalmente a niños entre 0 y 3 años o mayores de 7 años. Los niños entre estos dos grupos de edad no están en ninguno de estos programas, pero es en este grupo que ocurren la mayoría de los problemas del oído medio, y, es en este grupo, posible detectar la pérdida de audición mínima, leve o unilateral que no se identificó en los programas de cribado auditivo neonatal. Objetivo: Identificar las alteraciones auditivas en niños en edad preescolar a través de un programa de detección auditiva. Método: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, transversal y observacional realizado en dos colegios municipales del municipio de Mauá. La muestra estuvo constituida por niños de cinco y seis años y sus padres/tutores. El programa de detección de audición estuvo compuesto por: a. Cuestionario para padres/tutores sobre la historia de la salud auditiva de los niños; b. otoscopia; c. timpanometria y, d. Registro de emisiones otoacústicas transitorias (EOT) y producto de distorsión (DPOAE). Ante la pandemia que comenzó en marzo de 2020, no fue posible realizar los reexámenes ni evaluar a los niños de tres y cuatro años. Resultados: 28,44% (n= 31) de los niños no pasaron la otoscopia. De los 78 (71,55%) niños que se sometieron a otoscopia, 30,8% fallaron la timpanometria; 16,7% en emisiones otoacústicas de productos de distorsión (DPOAE) y 19,2% en emisiones otoacústicas de estímulo transitorio (TPOAE); 30,76% (n= 24) de los niños fallaron por lo menos uno de los tres procedimientos. Conclusión: 30,76% de los niños con riesgo de deficiencia auditiva fueron identificados y deben ser referidos para evaluación médica y audiológica.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in 860 cancer patients with a combined screening procedure including triage, molecular nasopharyngeal swabs and rapid serological test. A report from the first epidemic wave.

INTRODUCTION: Even if now we have available the weapon of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, the patients with cancer remains a very frail population in which frequently the immunologic response to vaccination may be impaired. In this setting, the SARS-CoV-2 infection screening retains a great value. However, there are still limited data on the feasibility and efficacy of combined screening procedures to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (including asymptomatic cases) in cancer outpatients undergoing antineoplastic therapy. PATIENTS AND RESULTS: From May 1, 2020, to June 15, 2020, during the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, 860 consecutive patients, undergoing active anticancer therapy, were evaluated and tested for SARS-CoV-2 with a combined screening procedure, including a self-report questionnaire, a molecular nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) and a rapid serological immunoassay (for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies). The primary endpoint of the study was to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (including asymptomatic cases) in consecutive and unselected cancer outpatients by a combined screening modality. A total of 2955 SARS-CoV-2 NPS and 860 serological tests, in 475 patients with hematologic cancers and in 386 with solid tumors, were performed. A total of 112 (13%) patients self-reported symptoms potentially COVID-19 related. In 1/860 cases (< 1%) SARS-CoV-2 NPS was positive and in 14 cases (1.62%) the specific serological test was positive (overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection 1.62%). Of the 112 cases who declared symptoms potentially COVID-19-related, only 2.7% (3/112) were found SARS-CoV-2 positive. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study reporting the feasibility of a combined screening procedure (including triage, NPS and serologic test) to evaluate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients receiving active therapy, during the first epidemic wave and under the restrictive lockdown measures, in one of the active areas of the SARS-CoV-2 circulation. Lacking specific recommendations for the detection of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 cases, a combined diagnostic screening might be more effective to detect the exact prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in neoplastic patient population. The prevalence can obviously change according to the territorial context, the entity of the restrictive measures adopted and the phase of the epidemic curve. However, its exact and real-time knowledge could be important to balance risks/benefits of oncologic treatments, avoiding (if the prevalence is low) the reduction of dose intensity or the selection of less intensive (but also less effective) anti-cancer therapies.

Overview of screening eligibility in patients undergoing ruptured AAA repair from 2003 to 2019 in the Vascular Quality Initiative.

OBJECTIVE: Although efforts such as the Screening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Very Efficiently (SAAAVE) Act have improved access to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening, certain high-risk populations are currently excluded from the guidelines yet may benefit from screening. We therefore examined all patients who underwent repair of ruptured AAA (rAAA) to characterize those who are ineligible for screening under current guidelines and evaluate the potential impact of these restrictions on their disease. METHODS: We identified patients undergoing rAAA repair in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) database between 2003 and 2019. These patients were stratified by AAA screening eligibility according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement guidelines. We then described baseline characteristics to identify high-risk features of these cohorts. Groups with disproportionate representation in the screening-ineligible cohort were identified as potential targets of screening expansion. Trends over time in screening eligibility and the proportion of AAA repairs performed for rAAA were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 5340 patients underwent rAAA repair. The majority (66%) were screening-ineligible. When characterizing the screening-ineligible group by sex and risk factors (smoking history or family history of AAA), the largest contributors to screening ineligibility were males less than 65 years of age with a smoking history or family history of AAA (25%), males greater than 75 years of age with a smoking history (25%), and females older than 65 years of age with a smoking history (19%). In comparison with rAAAs prior to implementation of the SAAAVE act, the proportion of AAA repair performed for rupture among males undergoing AAA repair in the VQI decreased from 12% to 8% (P < .001), whereas in females, there was no change (P = .990). There was no statically significant difference in screening eligibility for either males (P = .762) or females (P = .335). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients who underwent rAAA repair were ineligible for initial AAA screening or aged out of the screening window. Furthermore, rAAA rates and screening ineligibility have not improved as much as expected since the passage of the SAAAVE Act. Our data suggest that three high-risk populations may benefit from expansion of AAA screening guidelines: males with a smoking history or family history of AAA between ages 55 and 64 years, female smokers older than 65 years, and male smokers older than 75 years who are otherwise in good health. Increased efforts to screen these high-risk populations may increase elective AAA repair and minimize the morbidity and mortality associated with rAAAs.

Retinografia como forma de rastreio de retinopatia diabética em hospital terciário do Sistema Único de Saúde / Color retinography as a means of screening for diabetic retinopathy in the tertiary hospital of Unified Health System

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o impacto da triagem de retinopatia diabética de paciente diabéticos realizada com retinografia colorida. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo, de caráter descritivo, avaliando laudos de retinografias realizadas desde a implementação do protocolo da triagem de retinopatia diabética de paciente diabéticos acompanhados no Ambulatório de Endocrinologia de um hospital terciário do Sistema Único de Saúde, de maio de 2018 até maio de 2020. Resultados Realizaram retinografia 727 pacientes diabéticos, que tinham entre 14 e 91 anos, sendo a maioria com 60 anos ou mais (53,2%), do sexo feminino (68%) e brancos (87,6%). Não apresentavam retinopatia diabética 467 (64,2%) pacientes, 125 (17,2%) tinham retinopatia diabética não proliferativa, 37 (5,1%) retinopatia diabética não proliferativa grave e/ou suspeita de edema macular, 65 (8,9%) retinopatia diabética proliferativa, 21 (2,9%) suspeita de outras patologias, e as imagens de 12 (1,7%) pacientes eram insatisfatórias. Foram considerados de alto risco (aqueles com retinopatia diabética não proliferativa grave e/ou edema macular, retinopatia diabética proliferativa ou imagem insatisfatória) 114 (15,68%) pacientes. Conclusão O rastreio de retinopatia diabética com retinografia colorida possibilitou a detecção de pacientes diabéticos de alto risco que necessitavam atendimento com brevidade, permitindo o acesso deles à consulta oftalmológica e diminuindo a morbidade da doença relacionada ao tratamento tardio. Os demais foram encaminhados à Atenção Primária para regulamentação, por meio do Sistema de Regulação.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the impact of diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening using color retinography in diabetic patients. Methods Retrospective descriptive study, evaluating reports of all retinographs performed since the implementation of the protocol for screening for diabetic retinopathy in diabetic patients followed up at the endocrinology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital of the Unified Health System, from May 2018 to May 2020. Results 727 diabetic with age range from 14 to 91 years old, the majority being 60 years old or older (53.2%), female (68%) and white (87.6%), patients underwent retinography. Of the patients, 467 (64.2%) did not have DR, 125 (17.2%) had non-proliferative DR, 37 (5.1%) had severe non-proliferative DR and/or suspected macular edema, 65 (8.9%) had proliferative DR, 21 (2.9%) had suspicion signs of other pathologies and 12 (1.7%) had unsatisfactory images. A total of 114 (15.68%) patients were considered at high risk (those with severe non-proliferative NP and/or EM, proliferative DR or poor image) and were referred for comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation. Conclusion The screening of RD with color retinography enabled the detection of high-risk diabetic patients who needed assistance sooner and enabled their access to ophthalmologic consultation, which decreased disease morbidity. The others were referred to primary care for regulation through the Regulation System (SISREG).

Economic evaluation of population-based type 2 diabetes mellitus screening at different healthcare settings in Vietnam.

INTRODUCTION: Few economic evaluations have assessed the cost-effectiveness of screening type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in different healthcare settings. This study aims to evaluate the value for money of various T2DM screening strategies in Vietnam. METHODS: A decision analytical model was constructed to compare costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of T2DM screening in different health care settings, including (1) screening at commune health station (CHS) and (2) screening at district health center (DHC), with no screening as the current practice. We further explored the costs and QALYs of different initial screening ages and different screening intervals. Cost and utility data were obtained by primary data collection in Vietnam. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated from societal and payer perspectives, while uncertainty analysis was performed to explore parameter uncertainties. RESULTS: Annual T2DM screening at either CHS or DHC was cost-effective in Vietnam, from both societal and payer perspectives. Annual screening at CHS was found as the best screening strategy in terms of value for money. From a societal perspective, annual screening at CHS from initial age of 40 years was associated with 0.40 QALYs gained while saving US$ 186.21. Meanwhile, one-off screening was not cost-effective when screening for people younger than 35 years old at both CHS and DHC. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM screening should be included in the Vietnamese health benefits package, and annual screening at either CHS or DHC is recommended.

A method for campus-wide SARS-CoV-2 surveillance at a large public university.

The systematic screening of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals is a powerful tool for controlling community transmission of infectious disease on college campuses. Faced with a paucity of testing in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities developed molecular diagnostic laboratories focused on SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing on campus and in their broader communities. We established the UC Santa Cruz Molecular Diagnostic Lab in early April 2020 and began testing clinical samples just five weeks later. Using a clinically-validated laboratory developed test (LDT) that avoided supply chain constraints, an automated sample pooling and processing workflow, and a custom laboratory information management system (LIMS), we expanded testing from a handful of clinical samples per day to thousands per day with the testing capacity to screen our entire campus population twice per week. In this report we describe the technical, logistical, and regulatory processes that enabled our pop-up lab to scale testing and reporting capacity to thousands of tests per day.

Cost-effectiveness of the adherence with recommendations for clinical monitoring of patients with diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To validate a set of indicators for monitoring the quality of care of patients with diabetes in 'real-life' practice through its relationship with measurable clinical outcomes and healthcare costs. METHODS AND RESULTS: A population-based cohort study was carried out by including the 20,635 patients, residents in the Lombardy Region (Italy), who in the year 2012 were newly taken-in-care for diabetes. Adherence with clinical recommendations (i.e., controls for glycated haemoglobin, lipid profile, urine albumin excretion and serum creatinine) was recorded during the first year after the patient was taken-in-care, and categorized according whether he/she complied with none or almost none (0 or 1), just some (2) or all or almost all (3 or 4) the recommendations, respectively denoted as poor, intermediate and high adherence. Short- and long-term complications of diabetes, and healthcare cost incurred by the National Health Service, were assessed during follow-up. Compared with patients with poor adherence, those with intermediate and high adherence respectively showed (i) a delay in outcome occurrence of 13 days (95% CI, -2 to 27) and 23 days (9-38), and (ii) a lower healthcare cost of 54 € and 77 €. In average, a gain of 18 Euros and 15 Euros for each day free from diabetic complication by increasing adherence respectively from poor to intermediate and from poor to high were observed. CONCLUSION: Close control of patients with diabetes through regular clinical examinations must be considered the cornerstone of national guidance, national audits, and quality improvement incentive schemes.

Coronary artery disease surveillance among childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A systematic review and recommendations from the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a concerning late outcome for cancer survivors. However, uniform surveillance guidelines are lacking. AIM: To harmonise international recommendations for CAD surveillance for survivors of childhood, adolescent and young adult (CAYA) cancers. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed and evidence graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. Eligibility included English language studies, a minimum of 20 off-therapy cancer survivors assessed for CAD, and 75% diagnosed prior to age 35 years. All study designs were included, and a multidisciplinary guideline panel formulated and graded recommendations. RESULTS: 32 of 522 identified articles met eligibility criteria. The prevalence of CAD ranged from 0 to 72% and was significantly increased compared to control populations. The risk of CAD was increased among survivors who received radiotherapy exposing the heart, especially at doses ≥15 Gy (moderate-quality evidence). The guideline panel agreed that healthcare providers and CAYA cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy exposing the heart should be counselled about the increased risk for premature CAD. While the evidence is insufficient to support primary screening, monitoring and early management of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors are recommended. Initiation and frequency of surveillance should be based on the intensity of treatment exposures, family history, and presence of co-morbidities but at least by age 40 years and at a minimum of every 5 years. All were strong recommendations. CONCLUSION: These systematically assessed and harmonised recommendations for CAD surveillance will inform care and guide research concerning this critical outcome for CAYA cancer survivors.

Targeting Hypertension Screening in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 1.2 Million Adults in 56 Countries.

Background As screening programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often do not have the resources to screen the entire population, there is frequently a need to target such efforts to easily identifiable priority groups. This study aimed to determine (1) how hypertension prevalence in LMICs varies by age, sex, body mass index, and smoking status, and (2) the ability of different combinations of these variables to accurately predict hypertension. Methods and Results We analyzed individual-level, nationally representative data from 1 170 629 participants in 56 LMICs, of whom 220 636 (18.8%) had hypertension. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, or reporting to be taking blood pressure-lowering medication. The shape of the positive association of hypertension with age and body mass index varied across world regions. We used logistic regression and random forest models to compute the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in each country for different combinations of age, body mass index, sex, and smoking status. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the model with all 4 predictors ranged from 0.64 to 0.85 between countries, with a country-level mean of 0.76 across LMICs globally. The mean absolute increase in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve from the model including only age to the model including all 4 predictors was 0.05. Conclusions Adding body mass index, sex, and smoking status to age led to only a minor increase in the ability to distinguish between adults with and without hypertension compared with using age alone. Hypertension screening programs in LMICs could use age as the primary variable to target their efforts.

Systematic screening for a proximal DVT in COVID-19 hospitalized patients: Results of a comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a high incidence of venous thromboembolism questioning the utility of a systematic screening for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in hospitalised patients. METHODS: In this prospective bicentric controlled study, 4-point ultrasound using a pocket device was used to screen for DVT, in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and controls admitted for acute medical illness not related to COVID-19 hospitalised in general ward, in order to assess the utility of a routine screening and to estimate the prevalence of VTE among those patients. RESULTS: Between April and May 2020, 135 patients were screened, 69 in the COVID+ group and 66 in the control one. There was no significant difference in the rate of proximal DVT between the two groups (2.2% vs. 1.5%; P=0.52), despite the high rate of PE diagnosed among COVID-19 infected patients (10.1% vs. 1.5%, P=0.063). No isolated DVT was detected, 37.5% of PE was associated with DVT. Mortality (7.2% vs. 1.5%) was not different (P=0.21) between COVID-19 patients and controls. CONCLUSION: The systematic screening for proximal DVT was not found to be relevant among COVID-19 patients hospitalized in general ward despite the increase of VTE among this population. Further studies are needed to confirm the hypothesis of a local pulmonary thrombosis which may lead to new therapeutic targets.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of ankle-brachial index screening in patients with coronary artery disease to optimize medical management.

INTRODUCTION: Screening for peripheral artery disease (PAD) with the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is currently not recommended in the general population; however, previous studies advocate screening in high-risk populations. Although providers may be hesitant to prescribe low-dose rivaroxaban to patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) alone, given the reduction in cardiovascular events and death associated with rivaroxaban, screening for PAD with the ABI test and accordingly prescribing rivaroxaban may provide additional benefits. We sought to describe the cost-effectiveness of screening for PAD in patients with CAD to optimize this high-risk populations' medical management. METHODS: We used a Markov model to evaluate the ABI test in patients with CAD. We assumed that all patients screened would be candidates for low-dose rivaroxaban. We assessed the cost of ABI screening at $100 per patient and added additional charges for physician visits ($100) and rivaroxaban cost ($470 per month). We used a 30-day cycle and performed analysis over 35 years. We evaluated quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) from previous studies and determined the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) according to our model. We performed a deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses of variables with uncertainty and reported them in a Tornado diagram showing the variables with the greatest effect on the ICER. RESULTS: Our model estimates decision costs to screen or not screen at $94,953 and $82,553, respectively. The QALYs gained from screening was 0.060, generating an ICER of $207,491 per QALY. Factors most influential on the ICER were the reduction in all-cause mortality associated with rivaroxaban and the prohibitively high cost of rivaroxaban. If rivaroxaban cost less than $95 per month, this would make screening cost-effective based on a willingness to pay threshold of $50,000 per QALY. CONCLUSIONS: According to our model, screening patients with CAD for PAD to start low-dose rivaroxaban is not currently cost-effective due to insufficient reduction in all-cause mortality and high medication costs. Nevertheless, vascular surgeons have a unique opportunity to prescribe or advocate for low-dose rivaroxaban in patients with PAD to improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Subsequent attendance in a breast cancer screening program after a false-positive result in the Local Health Authority of Bologna (Italy).

We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the likelihood of returning for routine breast cancer screening among women who have experienced a false-positive result (FPR) and to describe the possible individual and organizational factors that could influence subsequent attendance to the screening program. Several information were collected on demographic and clinical characteristics data. Electronic data from 2014 to 2016 related to breast screening program of the Local Health Authority (LHA) of Bologna (Italy) of women between 45 and 74 years old were reviewed. A total of 4847 women experienced an FPR during mammographic screening and were recalled to subsequent round; 80.2% adhered to the screening. Mean age was 54.2 ± 8.4 years old. Women resulted to be less likely to adhere to screening if they were not-Italian (p = 0.001), if they lived in the Bologna district (p < 0.001), if they had to wait more than 5 days from II level test to end of diagnostic procedures (p = 0.001), if the diagnostic tests were performed in a hospital with the less volume of activity and higher recall rate (RR) (p < 0.001) and if they had no previous participation to screening tests (p < 0.001). Our results are consistent with previous studies, and encourages the implementation and innovation of the organizational characteristics for breast cancer screening. The success of screening programs requires an efficient indicators monitoring strategy to develop and evaluate continuous improvement processes.

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.

Epidemiology of endovascular and open repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms in the United States from 2004 to 2015 and implications for screening.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary national trends in the repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and intact AAAs are relatively unknown. Furthermore, screening is only covered by insurance for patients aged 65 to 75 years with a family history of AAAs and for men with a positive smoking history. It is unclear what proportion of patients who present with a ruptured AAA would have been candidates for screening. METHODS: Using the National Inpatient Sample from 2004 to 2015, we identified ruptured and intact AAA admissions and repairs using the International Classification of Diseases codes. We generated the screening-eligible cohort using previously identified proportions of male smokers (87%) and all patients with a family history of AAAs (10%) and applied these proportions to patients aged 65 to 75 years. We accounted for those who could have had a previous AAA diagnosis (17%), either from screening or an incidental detection in patients aged >75 years who had presented with AAA rupture. The primary outcomes were treatment and in-hospital mortality between patients meeting the criteria for screening vs those who did not. RESULTS: We evaluated 65,125 admissions for ruptured AAAs and 461,191 repairs for intact AAAs. Overall, an estimated 45,037 admitted patients (68%) and 25,777 patients who had undergone repair for ruptured AAAs (59%) did not meet the criteria for screening. Of the patients who did not qualify, 27,653 (63%) were aged >75 years, 10,603 (24%) were aged <65 years, and 16,103 (36%) were women. Endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) increased for ruptured AAAs from 10% in 2004 to 55% in 2015 (P < .001), with operative mortality of 35%. EVAR increased for intact AAAs from 45% in 2004 to 83% in 2015 (P < .001), with operative mortality of 2.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients who had undergone repair for ruptured AAAs did not qualify for screening. EVAR was the primary treatment of both ruptured and intact AAAs with relatively low in-hospital mortality. Therefore, expansion of the screening criteria to include selected women and a wider age range should be considered.

Asymptomatic peripheral artery disease: Silent but deadly.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a manifestation of atherosclerosis characterized by diminished perfusion of the limb and a state of dysmetabolism. The asymptomatic PAD phenotype is a relatively recent classification. It is unknown how many people currently live with asymptomatic PAD because there are no universal screening recommendations for patients at risk for PAD. Patients with asymptomatic PAD suffer from a similar risk profile of morbidity and mortality as their counterparts with claudication. Despite this increased risk, there is a dearth of clinical investigations into therapies that specifically benefit the asymptomatic PAD population. At present, current pharmacotherapies that have been studied in PAD patient populations do not stratify by symptom status. We believe that further investigation of the impact of existing therapies in this unique population presents an opportunity to reduce morbidity and mortality due to PAD. This can only be achieved in combination with wide-spread adoption of screening for asymptomatic PAD.

Feasibility and Efficiency Study of a Population-Based Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program in Men and Women in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Based on current evidence, one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in men using ultrasound evaluation reduces mortality related to AAA rupture and is considered cost-effective, although all-cause mortality reduction still remains in question. In Spain, there is no population screening program for AAA, so the aim of our study was to perform a pilot population screening program in our area to assess feasibility and efficiency of an AAA screening program for men and women. METHODS: A population AAA screening pilot program was performed in a Barcelona area, including 400,000 inhabitants. According to inclusion criteria, 4,730 individuals aged 65 years at the moment of the trial were invited for screening (2,089 men and 2,641 women). Primary care doctors, trained in duplex ultrasound abdominal evaluations, performed an abdominal aortic measurement. Individuals with a previous diagnosis of AAA, limited life expectancy, or wrong contact data were excluded. Participation data, aortic diameters, AAA prevalence, and related cardiovascular risk factors were analyzed. The results were used in a cost-utility model to assess the efficiency of the screening program. RESULTS: Participation was 50.3% in men and 44% in women. Eleven patients were excluded because of previously diagnosed AAA. Five new asymptomatic AAA were detected in 65-year-old men (0.5% prevalence), all being active smokers. When considering patients excluded for previous AAA diagnosis, the prevalence in 65-year-old men reached 1.4%. Global AAA prevalence in smoking men reached 2.67%. No AAA was detected in women. Subaneurysmal aorta prevalence in men was 2.9% (n = 29), and in women, it was 0.08% (n = 2). A cost-utility analysis model on screening versus no screening retrieved 13,664€ per quality-adjusted life years at a 10-year horizon and 39,455€ per quality-adjusted life years at a 30-year horizon. CONCLUSIONS: AAA population-based screening by ultrasound evaluation in primary care is logistically feasible in our area. Despite that, AAA prevalence is lower than expected in men, and null in women. Cost-utility model results indicate that a local AAA screening program is only efficient in a 30 years' time horizon. Such inefficient results for a population screening make it necessary to consider other strategies such as opportunistic or subgroup screening in our area.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in Asian populations.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is well reported in Western countries and AAA screening programs are well-established. However, although individual studies have reported that the prevalence of AAAs is lower in Asian populations, high-quality data on the prevalence of AAA in Asians are relative lacking. The present study aimed to systematically synthesize the data available in the literature and report the prevalence of AAAs in Asians. METHODS: An electronic search was performed using two major databases (PubMed and EMBASE) with no limitations imposed on the year of publication. The review conformed to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies that reported the prevalence of AAAs in Asians were selected, and the population characteristics, AAA definition, method of screening, target population, and total number of patients screened were recorded. RESULTS: Our search yielded 157 unique articles. After a full-text review, 17 articles were included in the present study. All 17 studies of fair quality. The overall AAA prevalence was 1.30% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01%-1.59%) in Asian populations. The prevalence of AAAs was 2.56% (95% CI, 1.81%-3.31%) in Asian populations selected for cardiovascular risk factors and 0.61% (95% CI, 0.37%-0.85%) in Asian populations not selected for cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of AAAs in the general Asian population is low. However, the prevalence in Asian populations selected for cardiovascular risk factors approaches the prevalence of AAAs in Western populations. As such, screening for AAAs in carefully selected Asian male populations with cardiovascular risk factors could potentially yield benefits. Opportunistic screening for AAAs during ultrasound examination of the abdomen or transthoracic echocardiography for other indications could also be considered. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of screening for AAAs in carefully selected Asian populations.