Private Doctors' Perspective towards "Patient First" in TB Diagnostic Cascade, Hisar, India.

TB diagnosis has been simplified in India following advances in available diagnostic tools. This facilitates private doctors' "patient first" approach toward early diagnosis; however, costs remain high. India's NTEP established a TB diagnostic network, which is free for patients and incentivizes private doctors to participate. Drawing from this context led to the design and implementation of the One-Stop TB Diagnostic Solution model, which was conducted in the Hisar district, Haryana, allowing specimens from presumptive TB patients from private doctors to be collected and tested as per NTEPs diagnostic algorithm. A subset of data pertaining to private doctors was analyzed for the project period. Qualitative data were also collected by interviewing doctors using a snowball method to capture doctors' perception about the model. Out of 1159 specimens collected from 60 facilities, MTB was detected in 32% and rifampicin resistance was detected in 7% specimens. All specimens went through the diagnostic algorithm. Thirty doctors interviewed were satisfied with the services offered and were appreciative of the program that implements this "patient centric" model. Results from implementation indicate the need to strengthen private diagnostics through a certification process to ensure provision of quality TB diagnostic services.

[Brain check-up: a structured approach diagnosing mild cognitive impairment in the primary care setting]. / Gehirn-Check-up: strukturiertes Vorgehen zur Diagnostik von kognitiven Störungen im hausärztlichen Setting.

BACKGROUND: The reason-related identification of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in primary care is helpful to treat reversible causes or decelerate progression to dementia by optimal management of existing risk factors. In this process general practitioners are in a key position. The present feasibility study investigated the practicability of a diagnostic algorithm (brain check-up), comprising neuropsychological examinations, differential diagnoses and follow-up measures. METHOD: By means of a standardized questionnaire, the utilization and practicability of the brain check-up was surveyed in n = 37 medical practices of general practitioners and internists in Germany. RESULTS: The brain check-up was performed by n = 37 physicians in 389 patients (66%). The main barriers to implementation included patients' fear of facing the results, the professionals' lack of time, and costs. Overall, 73% of the participants agreed that the brain check-up was practical in everyday treatment. Long waiting times for an appointment with a neurological/psychiatric specialist were perceived as a barrier for optimal care. CONCLUSION: The structured algorithm is convenient in physician's everyday practice and can contribute to identify patients with MCI more easily. Therefore, it appears to be a helpful tool in primary care. To achieve sustainability in everyday use, identified barriers need to be addressed during the implementation phase.

[Palmoplantar dermatoses: Diagnostic approach in primary care]. / Dermatosis palmoplantares: aproximación diagnóstica en atención primaria.

This article addresses the diagnostic challenges of palmoplantar dermatoses (PPD) within the scope of Primary Health Care (PHC). These common skin conditions, encountered in daily practice, exhibit a diverse range of symptoms and morphologies, complicating their diagnosis. They are etiologically classified into infectious inflammatory, non-infectious inflammatory, and hereditary keratodermas. While various dermatoses may affect the palms and soles, few are specific to this area. Notable examples include palmoplantar pustulosis, dyshidrosis, erythema pernio, and Bazex syndrome. Given the high prevalence of dermatological consultations in PHC, this article underscores the significance of PHC professionals' knowledge regarding these conditions. It proposes a diagnostic algorithm to facilitate their management and timely referral.

Understanding Kerion Celsi in Children: Diagnosis and Therapeutic Guidelines Through an Algorithm.

Kerion celsi (KC), known as scalp ringworm, is the most common dermatophytosis in children. In Mexico, it ranks fourth among dermatophytoses, with a frequency of 4%-10%. KC is the inflammatory variety of tinea capitis (TC), with the most common causative agents being Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. We present the clinical case of a six-year-old male diagnosed with KC. Direct examination stained with chlorazol black and cultures were performed, yielding negative results. Histopathological study revealed spores and short hyphae within and surrounding the hair shaft. Treatment with itraconazole was initiated based on suspicion of Microsporum spp. from the trichoscopy findings. We propose a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for kerion celsi.

A practical ligament-based diagnostic system for cure of pelvic symptoms and prolapse.

The Integral Theory Paradigm (ITP) has a 25-year track record of successfully treating bladder/bowel/pain symptoms caused by laxity in specific ligaments, even when the prolapse is minimal. The ITP-based treatment involves ligament support and can be nonsurgical or daycare surgical. An accurate diagnostic protocol is required. The Integral Theory Diagnostic system is performed in an outpatient setting. It a step-by-step "how to" resource for clinicians who wish to learn a practical anatomical diagnostic method which can quickly and accurately identify a ligament cause for bladder/bowel/pain symptoms, and therefore, potentially cure them. The structured ITP diagnosis flow chart uses symptoms to diagnose anatomical defects. It comprises 4 related steps. The ITP is holistic, and bladder, bowel, pain symptoms co-occur. The first step, therefore, is to establish all possible symptoms for transfer to the Diagnostic Algorithm which is the second step. Because patients complain of one main symptom, other symptoms must be located by direct questioning, using the Diagnostic Algorithm as an aide memoire, or a questionnaire to locate bladder, bowel, pain symptoms. Second step: symptoms are placed into 3 anatomical zones: anterior zone, pubourethral ligament (PUL) [stress urinary incontinence (SUI)]; middle zone, cardinal ligament (CL) (transverse defect cystocele); posterior zone, uterosacral ligament (USL) (uterine prolapse and enterocele). The third step is a vaginal examination to confirm the ligament damage (prolapses) in the three zones predicted by the algorithm. The fourth step is "simulated operations" (mechanical support of specific ligaments per vaginam) to validate the particular ligament indicated by the diagnostic algorithm, is indeed causing that symptom. For SUI, a hemostat test at midurethra supports PUL vaginally to stop urine loss on coughing; the lower blade of a bivalve speculum gently inserted into the vagina can relieve urge and pain.

Predictors contributing to the estimation of pulmonary tuberculosis among adults in a resource-limited setting: A systematic review of diagnostic predictions.

Background: Although tuberculosis is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, millions of cases remain undetected using current diagnostic methods. To address this problem, researchers have proposed prediction rules. Objective: We analyzed existing prediction rules for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and identified factors with a moderate to high strength of association with the disease. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of relevant databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Global Health for Reports, and Google Scholar) up to 14 November 2022. Studies that developed diagnostic algorithms for pulmonary tuberculosis in adults from low and middle-income countries were included. Two reviewers performed study screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. The study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. We performed a narrative synthesis. Results: Of the 26 articles selected, only half included human immune deficiency virus-positive patients. In symptomatic human immune deficiency virus patients, radiographic findings and body mass index were strong predictors of pulmonary tuberculosis, with an odds ratio of >4. However, in human immune deficiency virus-negative individuals, the biomarkers showed a moderate association with the disease. In symptomatic human immune deficiency virus patients, a C-reactive protein level ⩾10 mg/L had a sensitivity and specificity of 93% and 40%, respectively, whereas a trial of antibiotics had a specificity of 86% and a sensitivity of 43%. In smear-negative patients, anti-tuberculosis treatment showed a sensitivity of 52% and a specificity of 63%. Conclusions: The performance of predictors and diagnostic algorithms differs among patient subgroups, such as in human immune deficiency virus-positive patients, radiographic findings, and body mass index were strong predictors of pulmonary tuberculosis. However, in human immune deficiency virus-negative individuals, the biomarkers showed a moderate association with the disease. A few models have reached the World Health Organization's recommendation. Therefore, more work should be done to strengthen the predictive models for tuberculosis screening in the future, and they should be developed rigorously, considering the heterogeneity of the population in clinical work.

From evidence to practice: A systematic review-based diagnostic algorithm for paediatric eosinophilia across socioeconomic context.

AIM: Paediatric eosinophilia is a common clinical dilemma, often leading to resource- and time-consuming assessments. We aim to evaluate the main aetiologies of eosinophilia in children from different socioeconomic settings and propose a diagnostic algorithm. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted through PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Studies published from January 2012 to June 2023 reporting the incidence and aetiology of peripheral eosinophilia in children were included. Evidence from studies on children originating from low- or high-income countries was compared. RESULTS: A total of 15 observational studies, encompassing 3409 children, were included. The causes of eosinophilia varied based on the children's origin and the eosinophilia severity. In children from high-income countries, allergic diseases were the leading cause, with a prevalence of 7.7%-78.2%, while parasitosis ranged from 1.0% to 9.1%. In children from low-income countries, parasitosis was predominant, ranging from 17.7% to 88.3%, although allergic diseases were found in 2.5%-4.8% of cases. Concerning severity, allergic diseases were the leading cause of mild-to-moderate eosinophilia; parasitosis was associated with moderate-to-severe eosinophilia, while immunological disorders were mostly found in severe cases. CONCLUSION: We developed a step-up diagnostic algorithm that considers the child's origin and eosinophilia severity and could optimise resource allocation.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: application of a new diagnostic algorithm to a time series of the disease.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic criteria for Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) have changed over time. Our aim is to apply a recent diagnostic algorithm to a historical series of patients diagnosed with HP to assess its distribution according to current diagnostic criteria and the diagnostic confidence achieved. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Application to each patient the algorithm criteria. The diagnosis was HP (≥90%), provisional high (70-89%) or low confidence (51-69%) or non-HP (unlikely) (≤50%); or HP, provisional or non-HP, if they had lung biopsy. RESULTS: 129 patients [mean age 64 ± 12 years; 79 (61.2%) women] were included of which 16 (12.4%) were diagnosed on the basis of high clinical suspicion. After applying the algorithm, 106 patients (82.2%) could be evaluated and 83 (78.3%) had a diagnosis of HP or high confidence. Lung biopsy was able to establish a diagnosis of certainty in another 21 patients and a provisional diagnosis in 9 more [total, 113 (87.6%)]. The 16 patients without strict diagnostic criteria for HP had a low confidence diagnosis. A total of 56 lung biopsies (64.4%) could have been avoided according to the new guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The application of this algorithm achieves a high diagnostic yield in HP, significantly reducing the number of lung biopsies required.

Pediatric poisoning management: How clinical practice can benefit from forensic approach.

Pediatric population represents the most vulnerable and at risk for unintentional poisoning, with children younger than 6 years old accounting for nearly half of poison exposures. Poisoning is a time-dependent emergency. The need to reach a scientific agreement on diagnostic protocol and treatment seems to be crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality. Starting from a buprenorphine pediatric intoxication case, this article highlights the limits and pitfalls of the traditional diagnostic approach. Diagnosis of drug intoxication was achieved after several days when an in-depth diagnostic investigation became necessary and complete forensic toxicological analyses were performed. Results evidenced an alarming lack of an unequivocal diagnostic protocol in case of suspect intoxication in structures not provided with a forensic toxicological service/unit. Collection of biological specimens according to forensic protocols at hospitalization plays a paramount role in the definitive diagnosis of intoxication. A diagnostic algorithm that focuses on medical history and biological specimen collection timing is herein proposed, in order to unify emergency approaches to the suspected poisoned child.

Personalized non-invasive diagnostic algorithms based on urinary free cortisol in ACTH-dependant Cushing's syndrome.

CONTEXT: Current guidelines for distinguishing Cushing's disease (CD) from ectopic ACTH secretion (EAS) are questionable, as they use pituitary MRI as first-line investigation for all patients, CRH testing is no longer available and they suggest performing inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPPS), an invasive and rarely available investigation, in many patients. OBJECTIVE: To establish non-invasive personalized diagnostic strategies based on the probability of EAS estimated from simple baseline parameters. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospitals. PATIENTS: 247 CD and 36 EAS patients evaluated between 2001 and 2023 in 2 French hospitals. A single-center cohort of 105 Belgian patients served for external validation. RESULTS: 24h-urinary free cortisol (UFC) had the highest area under ROC curve for discrimination of CD from EAS (0·96 [95% CI, 0·92-0·99] in the primary study and 0·99 [95% CI, 0·98-1·00] in the validation cohort). The addition of clinical, imaging and biochemical parameters did not improve EAS prediction over UFC alone, with only BIPPS showing a modest improvement (c-statistic index 0·99 [95% CI, 0·97-1·00]). 3 groups were defined based on baseline UFC: < 3 (group one), 3-10 (group 2) and > 10 x the upper limit of normal (group 3), and were associated with 0%, 6·1% and 66·7% prevalence of EAS, respectively. Diagnostic approaches performed in our cohort support the use of pituitary MRI alone in group one, MRI first followed by neck-to-pelvis CT-scan (npCT) when negative in group 2, and npCT first followed by pituitary MRI when negative in group 3. When not combined with the CRH test, the desmopressin test has limited diagnostic value. CONCLUSION: UFC accurately predicts EAS and can serve to define personalized and non-invasive diagnostic algorithms.

Hepatitis C virus core antigen: A diagnostic and treatment monitoring marker of hepatitis C virus in Indian population.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and treatment monitoring of hepatitis C is quite challenging. The screening test, i.e. antibody assay, is unable to detect acute cases, while the gold standard hepatitis C virus (HCV) reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) assay is not feasible in resource-limited countries such as India due to high cost and infrastructure requirement. European Association for the Study of the Liver and World Health Organization have approved a new marker, i.e. HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) assay, as an alternative to molecular assay. In this study, we have evaluated HCVcAg assay for diagnosis and treatment monitoring follow-up in Indian population infected with hepatitis C. METHODS: Blood specimen of 90 clinically suspected cases of acute hepatitis C were tested simultaneously for anti-HCV antibody assay via ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoassay), HCVcAg assay by chemiluminescence immune assay (CLIA) and HCV RTPCR VL (viral load) assay. Thirty-four HCV RTPCR positive patients were further enrolled in treatment monitoring group whose blood samples were tested at the beginning of treatment, two weeks, four weeks and 12 weeks via HCV core Ag assay and HCV RTPCR Viral Load assay. RESULTS: Considering HCV RTPCR as gold standard, diagnostic performance of HCV core Ag assay and anti-HCV antibody assay was evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity of HCV core Ag assay were higher than that of anti-HCV Antibody assay, i.e. 88.3% and 100% vs. 23.3% and 83.3%, respectively. The overall diagnostic accuracy of HCV core Ag assay was 92.20%. Among treatment follow-up group, HCV core Ag levels correlated well with HCV viral load levels, at the beginning of treatment (baseline) till 12 weeks showing highly significant Spearman rank correlation coefficient of > 0.9 with HCV viral load levels. CONCLUSIONS: HCV core Ag assay is a cost-effective, practically feasible substitute of HCV RTPCR viral load assay for diagnosis as well as long duration treatment monitoring of hepatitis C infection in resource-limited settings.

Differentiation between adrenocortical carcinoma and lipid-poor adrenal adenoma using a multiparametric MRI-based diagnostic algorithm.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capabilities of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in differentiating between lipid-poor adrenal adenoma (LPAA) and adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients of two centers who underwent surgical resection of LPAA or ACC after multiparametric MRI were retrospectively included. A training cohort was used to build a diagnostic algorithm obtained through recursive partitioning based on multiparametric MRI variables, including apparent diffusion coefficient and chemical shift signal ratio (i.e., tumor signal intensity index). The diagnostic performances of the multiparametric MRI-based algorithm were evaluated using a validation cohort, alone first and then in association with adrenal tumor size using a cut-off of 4 cm. Performances of the diagnostic algorithm for the diagnosis of ACC vs. LPAA were calculated using pathology as the reference standard. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients (27 with LPAA and 27 with ACC; 37 women; mean age, 48.5 ± 13.3 [standard deviation (SD)] years) were used as the training cohort and 61 patients (24 with LPAA and 37 with ACC; 47 women; mean age, 49 ± 11.7 [SD] years) were used as the validation cohort. In the validation cohort, the diagnostic algorithm yielded best accuracy for the diagnosis of ACC vs. LPAA (75%; 46/61; 95% CI: 55-88) when used without lesion size. Best sensitivity was obtained with the association of the diagnostic algorithm with tumor size (96%; 23/24; 95% CI: 80-99). Best specificity was obtained with the diagnostic algorithm used alone (76%; 28/37; 95% CI: 60-87). CONCLUSION: A multiparametric MRI-based diagnostic algorithm that includes apparent diffusion coefficient and tumor signal intensity index helps discriminate between ACC and LPAA with high degrees of specificity and accuracy. The association of the multiparametric MRI-based diagnostic algorithm with adrenal lesion size helps maximize the sensitivity of multiparametric MRI for the diagnosis of ACC.

Development of a Standardized Algorithm for Management of Newly Diagnosed Anorectal Malformations.

Neonates with a new diagnosis of anorectal malformation (ARM) present a unique challenge to the clinical team. ARM is strongly associated with additional midline malformations, such as those observed in the VACTERL sequence, including vertebral, cardiac, and renal malformations. Timely assessment is necessary to identify anomalies requiring intervention and to prevent undue stress and delayed treatment. We utilized a multidisciplinary team to develop an algorithm guiding the midline workup of patients newly diagnosed with ARM. Patients were included if born in or transferred to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), or if seen in clinic within one month of life. Complete imaging was defined as an echocardiogram, renal ultrasound, and spinal magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound within the first month of life. We compared three periods: prior to implementation (2010-2014), adoption period (2015), and delayed implementation (2022); p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Rates of complete imaging significantly improved from pre-implementation to delayed implementation (65.2% vs. 50.0% vs. 97.0%, p = 0.0003); the most growth was observed in spinal imaging (71.0% vs. 90.0% vs. 100.0%, p = 0.001). While there were no differences in the rates of identified anomalies, there were fewer missed diagnoses with the algorithm (10.0% vs. 47.6%, p = 0.05). We demonstrate that the implementation of a standardized algorithm can significantly increase appropriate screening for anomalies associated with a new diagnosis of ARM and can decrease delayed diagnosis. Further qualitative studies will help to refine and optimize the algorithm moving forward.

Comparación de desempeño de algoritmos para el diagnóstico de sífilis / Performance comparison of algorithms for the diagnosis of syphilis / Comparação de desempenho de algoritmos para o diagnóstico da sífilis

Resumen La sífilis es una de las infecciones de transmisión sexual con mayor incidencia en la Argentina. Para su diagnóstico, el Ministerio de Salud de la Nación avala distintos algoritmos, entre ellos, el algoritmo tradicional y el reverso. En el algoritmo tradicional, la VDRL constituye la prueba de screening y los resultados positivos se confirman con la prueba treponémica de aglutinación de partículas (TPPA). El algoritmo reverso con un test rápido, avalado más recientemente, consiste en la realización de un test rápido treponémico como screening y posterior VDRL en las muestras que resulten positivas. Se realizó una comparación entre ambos algoritmos para evaluar si era factible y conveniente la implementación del algoritmo reverso con un test rápido en el laboratorio del H.I.G.A. Dr. Oscar Alende. El objetivo fue determinar la concordancia entre el algoritmo tradicional, utilizado actualmente en la institución (VDRL seguido por TPPA), y el nuevo algoritmo propuesto (test rápido treponémico Alere Determine Syphilis TP seguido por VDRL-USR). Para ello se realizó un estudio prospectivo de desempeño de métodos cualitativos. Se realizó VDRL-USR, TPPA y test rápido Alere Determine Syphilis TP en muestras de 580 pacientes, de los cuales 558 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Se obtuvieron 51 muestras con resultados positivos y 507 con resultados negativos para el diagnóstico de sífilis por ambos algoritmos, con un porcentaje de concordancia global del 100%, lo cual indica que podría reemplazarse el algoritmo tradicional por el reverso en aquellas situaciones que lo requieran en la población estudiada.

Abstract Syphilis is one of the sexually transmitted infections with the highest incidence in Argentina. For its diagnosis, the Ministry of Health of the Nation endorses different algorithms, among them, the traditional algorithm and the reverse. In the traditional algorithm, VDRL constitutes the screening test and positive results are confirmed with particle agglutination assay TPPA. The reverse algorithm with rapid test, endorsed more recently, consists of performing a rapid treponemal test as screening and subsequent VDRL in the samples that are positive. A comparison was made between both algorithms to evaluate if the implementation of the reverse algorithm with rapid test in Dr. Oscar Alende Hospital would be feasible and convenient. The objective of this work was to determine the concordance between the traditional algorithm, currently used in the institution (VDRL followed by TPPA), and the new algorithm proposed (rapid treponemal test Alere Determine Syphilis TP followed by VDRL-USR). For that purpose, a prospective study of the performance of qualitative methods was carried out. VDRL-USR, TPPA and Alere Determine Syphilis TP Rapid Test were performed on samples from 580 patients, of which 558 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 51 samples with positive results and 507 with negative results for the diagnosis of syphilis were obtained by both algorithms, with an overall concordance percentage of 100%, which indicates that the traditional algorithm could be replaced by the reverse in those situations that require it in the studied population.

Resumo A sífilis é uma das infecções sexualmente transmissíveis com maior incidência na Argentina. Para o seu diagnóstico, o Ministério da Saúde da Nação endossa diversos algoritmos, incluindo o algoritmo tradicional e o reverso. No algoritmo tradicional, o VDRL constitui o teste de triagem e os resultados positivos são confirmados com o teste treponêmico de aglutinação de partículas (TPPA). O algoritmo reverso com teste rápido, endossado mais recentemente, consiste na realização de um teste rápido treponêmico como triagem e posterior VDRL nas amostras positivas. Foi feita uma comparação entre os dois algoritmos para avaliar se a implementação do algoritmo reverso com um teste rápido no laboratório H.I.G.A. Dr. Óscar Alende era viável e conveniente. O objetivo foi determinar a concordância entre o algoritmo tradicional, atualmente utilizado na instituição (VDRL seguido de TPPA), e o novo algoritmo proposto (teste rápido treponêmico Alere Determine Syphilis TP seguido de VDRL-USR). Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo prospectivo de desempenho de métodos qualitativos. O VDRL- -USR, o TPPA e o teste rápido Alere Determine Syphilis TP foram realizados em amostras de 580 pacientes, dos quais 558 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Foram obtidas 51 amostras com resultados positivos e 507 com resultados negativos para o diagnóstico de sífilis por ambos os algoritmos, com um percentual de concordância global de 100%, o que indica que o algoritmo tradicional poderia ser substituído pelo reverso nas situações que o exigissem na população estudada.

Correlation between high-risk HPV infection and p16/Ki-67 abnormalities in Pap samples in a South Eastern Europe cohort.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths amongst women worldwide. CC represents a major global healthcare issue, and Romania ranks the worst in mortality rates amongst EU countries. However, the early detection of CC can be lifesaving. To understand the testing process undergone by women in Romania, we performed a retrospective study, and investigated a cohort of 83 785 cervical cases from Romanian women aged 15-70, obtained in private-based opportunistic screening. We examined the correlation between Pap smear results, human papilloma virus (HPV) genotyping, and the expression of cell cycle markers p16 and Ki-67. Analysis of Pap results revealed approximately 10% abnormal cases, of which high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions constituted 4.9%. HPV genotyping of 12 185 cases with available Pap results unveiled a range of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) types associated with cervical abnormalities. Notably, 26% of hrHPV-positive cases showed no observable abnormalities. In a subset of cases with abnormal Pap and a type of hrHPV, P16/Ki-67 double-staining was also positive. This study suggests the importance of an integrated diagnostic algorithm that should consider the HPV genotype, Pap smear, and p16/Ki-67 staining. This algorithm should enhance the CC screening accuracy and its management strategies, particularly in those regions with a high disease burden, such as Romania.

New categorization of chest pain: noncardiac is in, atypical is out!

Chest pain poses a diagnostic challenge in the emergency department and requires a thorough clinical assessment. The traditional distinction between "atypical" and "typical" chest pain carries the risk of not addressing nonischemic clinical pictures. The newly conceived subdivision into cardiac, possibly cardiac, and (probably) noncardiac causes of the presenting symptom complex addresses a much more interdisciplinary approach to a symptom-oriented diagnostic algorithm. The diagnostic structures of the chest pain units in Germany do not currently reflect this. An adaptation should therefore be considered.

Algorithm-Driven Tele-otoscope for Remote Care for Patients With Otitis Media.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a growing demand for telemedicine. Artificial intelligence and image processing systems with wireless transmission functionalities can facilitate remote care for otitis media (OM). Accordingly, this study developed and validated an algorithm-driven tele-otoscope system equipped with Wi-Fi transmission and a cloud-based automatic OM diagnostic algorithm. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional, diagnostic study. SETTING: Tertiary Academic Medical Center. METHODS: We designed a tele-otoscope (Otiscan, SyncVision Technology Corp) equipped with digital imaging and processing modules, Wi-Fi transmission capabilities, and an automatic OM diagnostic algorithm. A total of 1137 otoscopic images, comprising 987 images of normal cases and 150 images of cases of acute OM and OM with effusion, were used as the dataset for image classification. Two convolutional neural network models, trained using our dataset, were used for raw image segmentation and OM classification. RESULTS: The tele-otoscope delivered images with a resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels. Our tele-otoscope effectively differentiated OM from normal images, achieving a classification accuracy rate of up to 94% (sensitivity, 80%; specificity, 96%). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that the developed tele-otoscope has acceptable accuracy in diagnosing OM. This system can assist health care professionals in early detection and continuous remote monitoring, thus mitigating the consequences of OM.

Abordaje integral del vértigo: algoritmo diagnóstico, causas, tratamientos y criterios de derivación desde la perspectiva de atención primaria. Documento de consenso SEMERGEN / Comprehensive approach to vertigo: Diagnostic algorithm, causes, treatments, and referral criteria from the perspective of primary care. SEMERGEN consensus document

El vértigo es un síntoma común que puede tener diversas causas y requerir un enfoque integral para su diagnóstico y tratamiento desde atención primaria. Se propone un algoritmo de diagnóstico basado en la clasificación propuesta por la Comisión de Otoneurología de la SEORL-PCF, que facilita la clasificación de los diferentes tipos de vértigo y proporciona criterios de derivación de pacientes desde atención primaria hacia otras especialidades. Se realiza una revisión de los tratamientos disponibles basada en la causa subyacente para un manejo terapéutico adecuado. Se espera que este documento se convierta en una herramienta valiosa para los profesionales que atienden a pacientes con vértigo. El documento se basa en evidencia científica y en la experiencia de expertos en el campo de las diferentes especialidades médicas implicadas; y busca mejorar la comprensión y el abordaje clínico del vértigo agudo desde atención primaria.(AU)

Vertigo is a common symptom that can have various causes and may require a comprehensive approach for its diagnosis and treatment from primary care. A diagnostic algorithm based on the classification proposed by the Otoneurology Commission of the SEORL-PCF is suggested, which facilitates the classification of the different types of vertigo and provides referral criteria for patients from primary care to other specialties. A review of the available treatments based on the underlying cause is conducted for appropriate therapeutic management. This document is expected to become a valuable tool for professionals treating patients with vertigo. The document is based on scientific evidence and on the experience of experts in the field from various medical specialties; and seeks to improve the understanding and clinical approach to acute vertigo from primary care.(AU)

Paediatric steatotic liver disease has unique characteristics: A multisociety statement endorsing the new nomenclature.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been a commonly used term and diagnosis in paediatric hepatology, gastroenterology, and endocrinology clinics for over 30 years. A multisociety Delphi process has determined a new name "Steatotic Liver Disease" (SLD) as the overarching term for disorders associated with hepatic lipid accumulation. Our Societies give our support to steatotic liver disease as the best overarching term for use in our communities. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) overcomes many of the shortcomings of the name NAFLD. Here, we highlight several points of the new nomenclature that are of particular importance for our community and their consequences for implementation including: diagnostic criteria, considering alternate diagnoses, practical implementation, research, advocacy, and education for paediatricians. As with all nomenclature changes, it will take a concerted effort from our paediatric societies to help integrate the optimal use of this into practice.