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Visser BJ, Grobusch MP, Korevaar DA. Exploring the limits of interferon-γ releasing assay screening in large-scale populations. Clin Microbiol Infect 2024; 30:1219-1221. [PMID: 38908747 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Visser
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Infectious Diseases, Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Martin P Grobusch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniël A Korevaar
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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de Moraes FM, Brasil S, Frigieri G, Robba C, Paiva W, Silva GS. ICP wave morphology as a screening test to exclude intracranial hypertension in brain-injured patients: a non-invasive perspective. J Clin Monit Comput 2024; 38:773-782. [PMID: 38355918 DOI: 10.1007/s10877-023-01120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Intracranial hypertension (IH) is a life-threating condition especially for the brain injured patient. In such cases, an external ventricular drain (EVD) or an intraparenchymal bolt are the conventional gold standard for intracranial pressure (ICPi) monitoring. However, these techniques have several limitations. Therefore, identifying an ideal screening method for IH is important to avoid the unnecessary placement of ICPi and expedite its introduction in patients who require it. A potential screening tool is the ICP wave morphology (ICPW) which changes according to the intracranial volume-pressure curve. Specifically, the P2/P1 ratio of the ICPW has shown promise as a triage test to indicate normal ICP. In this study, we propose evaluating the noninvasive ICPW (nICPW-B4C sensor) as a screening method for ICPi monitoring in patients with moderate to high probability of IH. This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective, multicenter study that recruited adult patients requiring ICPi monitoring from both Federal University of São Paulo and University of São Paulo Medical School Hospitals. ICPi values and the nICPW parameters were obtained from both the invasive and the noninvasive methods simultaneously 5 min after the closure of the EVD drainage. ICP assessment was performed using a catheter inserted into the ventricle and connected to a pressure transducer and a drainage system. The B4C sensor was positioned on the patient's scalp without the need for trichotomy, surgical incision or trepanation, and the morphology of the ICP waves acquired through a strain sensor that can detect and monitor skull bone deformations caused by changes in ICP. All patients were monitored using this noninvasive system for at least 10 min per session. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to describe discriminatory power of the P2/P1 ratio for IH, with emphasis in the Negative Predictive value (NPV), based on the Youden index, and the negative likelihood ratio [LR-]. Recruitment occurred from August 2017 to March 2020. A total of 69 patients fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria in the two centers and a total of 111 monitorizations were performed. The mean P2/P1 ratio value in the sample was 1.12. The mean P2/P1 value in the no IH population was 1.01 meanwhile in the IH population was 1.32 (p < 0.01). The best Youden index for the mean P2/P1 ratio was with a cut-off value of 1.13 showing a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 60%, and a NPV of 97%, as well as an AUC of 0.83 to predict IH. With the 1.13 cut-off value for P2/P1 ratio, the LR- for IH was 0.11, corresponding to a strong performance in ruling out the condition (IH), with an approximate 45% reduction in condition probability after a negative test (ICPW). To conclude, the P2/P1 ratio of the noninvasive ICP waveform showed in this study a high Negative Predictive Value and Likelihood Ratio in different acute neurological conditions to rule out IH. As a result, this parameter may be beneficial in situations where invasive methods are not feasible or unavailable and to screen high-risk patients for potential invasive ICP monitoring.Trial registration: At clinicaltrials.gov under numbers NCT05121155 (Registered 16 November 2021-retrospectively registered) and NCT03144219 (Registered 30 September 2022-retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sérgio Brasil
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Frigieri
- Medical Investigation Laboratory 62, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chiara Robba
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Per L'Oncologia E Le Neuroscienze, Genoa, Italy
| | - Wellingson Paiva
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Sampaio Silva
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Westphal M, Zapf A. Statistical inference for diagnostic test accuracy studies with multiple comparisons. Stat Methods Med Res 2024; 33:669-680. [PMID: 38490184 PMCID: PMC11025299 DOI: 10.1177/09622802241236933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Diagnostic accuracy studies assess the sensitivity and specificity of a new index test in relation to an established comparator or the reference standard. The development and selection of the index test are usually assumed to be conducted prior to the accuracy study. In practice, this is often violated, for instance, if the choice of the (apparently) best biomarker, model or cutpoint is based on the same data that is used later for validation purposes. In this work, we investigate several multiple comparison procedures which provide family-wise error rate control for the emerging multiple testing problem. Due to the nature of the co-primary hypothesis problem, conventional approaches for multiplicity adjustment are too conservative for the specific problem and thus need to be adapted. In an extensive simulation study, five multiple comparison procedures are compared with regard to statistical error rates in least-favourable and realistic scenarios. This covers parametric and non-parametric methods and one Bayesian approach. All methods have been implemented in the new open-source R package cases which allows us to reproduce all simulation results. Based on our numerical results, we conclude that the parametric approaches (maxT and Bonferroni) are easy to apply but can have inflated type I error rates for small sample sizes. The two investigated Bootstrap procedures, in particular the so-called pairs Bootstrap, allow for a family-wise error rate control in finite samples and in addition have a competitive statistical power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Westphal
- Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Bremen, Germany
- The two authors contributed equally and are listed in alphabetical order
| | - Antonia Zapf
- Department of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- The two authors contributed equally and are listed in alphabetical order
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4
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Jiang X, Pan J, Xu Q, Song YH, Sun HH, Peng C, Qi XL, Qian YY, Zou WB, Yang Y, Jin SQ, Duan BS, Wu S, Chu Y, Xiao DH, Hu LJ, Cao JZ, Dai JF, Liu X, Xia T, Zhou W, Chen T, Zhou CH, Wu W, Liu SJ, Yang ZY, Wang F, Zhang L, Li CZ, Xu H, Wang JX, Wei B, Lin Y, Deng X, Qu LH, Shen YQ, Wang H, Huang YF, Bao HB, Zhang S, Li L, Shi YH, Wang XY, Zou DW, Wan XJ, Xu MD, Mao H, He CH, Li Z, Zuo XL, He SX, Xie XP, Liu J, Yang CQ, Spada C, Li ZS, Liao Z. Diagnostic accuracy of magnetically guided capsule endoscopy with a detachable string for detecting oesophagogastric varices in adults with cirrhosis: prospective multicentre study. BMJ 2024; 384:e078581. [PMID: 38443074 PMCID: PMC10912951 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-078581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and safety of using magnetically guided capsule endoscopy with a detachable string (ds-MCE) for detecting and grading oesophagogastric varices in adults with cirrhosis. DESIGN Prospective multicentre diagnostic accuracy study. SETTING 14 medical centres in China. PARTICIPANTS 607 adults (>18 years) with cirrhosis recruited between 7 January 2021 and 25 August 2022. Participants underwent ds-MCE (index test), followed by oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD, reference test) within 48 hours. The participants were divided into development and validation cohorts in a ratio of 2:1. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcomes were the sensitivity and specificity of ds-MCE in detecting oesophagogastric varices compared with OGD. Secondary outcomes included the sensitivity and specificity of ds-MCE for detecting high risk oesophageal varices and the diagnostic accuracy of ds-MCE for detecting high risk oesophagogastric varices, oesophageal varices, and gastric varices. RESULTS ds-MCE and OGD examinations were completed in 582 (95.9%) of the 607 participants. Using OGD as the reference standard, ds-MCE had a sensitivity of 97.5% (95% confidence interval 95.5% to 98.7%) and specificity of 97.8% (94.4% to 99.1%) for detecting oesophagogastric varices (both P<0.001 compared with a prespecified 85% threshold). When using the optimal 18% threshold for luminal circumference of the oesophagus derived from the development cohort (n=393), the sensitivity and specificity of ds-MCE for detecting high risk oesophageal varices in the validation cohort (n=189) were 95.8% (89.7% to 98.4%) and 94.7% (88.2% to 97.7%), respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of ds-MCE for detecting high risk oesophagogastric varices, oesophageal varices, and gastric varices was 96.3% (92.6% to 98.2%), 96.9% (95.2% to 98.0%), and 96.7% (95.0% to 97.9%), respectively. Two serious adverse events occurred with OGD but none with ds-MCE. CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggest that ds-MCE is a highly accurate and safe diagnostic tool for detecting and grading oesophagogastric varices and is a promising alternative to OGD for screening and surveillance of oesophagogastric varices in patients with cirrhosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03748563.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Clinical Research Unit, National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jun Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Clinical Research Unit, National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Hu Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan-Huan Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanxi Clinical Research Centre of Digestive Disease (cancer division), the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao-Long Qi
- CHESS Centre, Department of Radiology, Basic Medicine Research and Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nurturing Centre of Jiangsu Province for State Laboratory of AI Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang-Yang Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Clinical Research Unit, National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Clinical Research Unit, National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, The Fifth affiliated Zhuhai Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Shao-Qin Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ben-Song Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endoscopy Centre, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Wu
- Department of Endoscopy, The Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Chu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding-Hua Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li-Juan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong New Area Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Zhi Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Feng Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Clinical Research Unit, National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Clinical Research Unit, National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Clinical Research Unit, National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endoscopy Centre, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Hua Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shao-Jun Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fen Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng-Zhong Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Xue Wang
- Department of Infection, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of Infection, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Hong Qu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Qiu Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Fei Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Biao Bao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Hai Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong New Area Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Duo-Wu Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Jian Wan
- Department of Endoscopy, The Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei-Dong Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endoscopy Centre, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao-Hui He
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, The Fifth affiliated Zhuhai Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiu-Li Zuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shui-Xiang He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanxi Clinical Research Centre of Digestive Disease (cancer division), the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang-Qing Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cristiano Spada
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Zhao-Shen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Clinical Research Unit, National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhuan Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Clinical Research Unit, National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Pepić A, Stark M, Friede T, Kopp-Schneider A, Calderazzo S, Reichert M, Wolf M, Wirth U, Schopf S, Zapf A. A diagnostic phase III/IV seamless design to investigate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical effectiveness using the example of HEDOS and HEDOS II. Stat Methods Med Res 2024; 33:433-448. [PMID: 38327081 PMCID: PMC10981198 DOI: 10.1177/09622802241227951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The development process of medical devices can be streamlined by combining different study phases. Here, for a diagnostic medical device, we present the combination of confirmation of diagnostic accuracy (phase III) and evaluation of clinical effectiveness regarding patient-relevant endpoints (phase IV) using a seamless design. This approach is used in the Thyroid HEmorrhage DetectOr Study (HEDOS & HEDOS II) investigating a post-operative hemorrhage detector named ISAR-M THYRO® in patients after thyroid surgery. Data from the phase III trial are reused as external controls in the control group of the phase IV trial. An unblinded interim analysis is planned between the two study stages which includes a recalculation of the sample size for the phase IV part after completion of the first stage of the seamless design. The study concept presented here is the first seamless design proposed in the field of diagnostic studies. Hence, the aim of this work is to emphasize the statistical methodology as well as feasibility of the proposed design in relation to the planning and implementation of the seamless design. Seamless designs can accelerate the overall trial duration and increase its efficiency in terms of sample size and recruitment. However, careful planning addressing numerous methodological and procedural challenges is necessary for successful implementation as well as agreement with regulatory bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amra Pepić
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Stark
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Friede
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Silvia Calderazzo
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Michael Wolf
- CRI—The Clinical Research Institute, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wirth
- Clinic for General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Schopf
- RoMed Klinik Bad Aibling, Academic University Hospital of the Technical University of Munich, Bad Aibling, Germany
| | - Antonia Zapf
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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Burger J, Jeitner C, Zappalorti RT, Bunnell JF, Ng K, DeVito E, Schneider D, Gochfeld M. Snake Fungal Disease in Free-Ranging Northern Pine Snakes ( Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) in New Jersey: Lesions, Severity of Sores and Investigator's Perceptions. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:125. [PMID: 38392797 PMCID: PMC10889963 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the fungus causing snake fungal disease (SFD), has been identified in northern pine snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) in New Jersey. In this paper, we (1) review the positivity rate of SFD on different locations on snakes' bodies, (2) determine the relationship between the sores and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) positivity rates, and (3) explore the relationship between the investigators' clinical evaluation of the severity of sores, their evaluation of the likelihood of the sores being positive, and the qPCR positivity of SFD for the sores. Swabbing the sores was more effective at determining whether the snakes tested positive for O. ophidiicola than ventrum swabbing alone. The perception of the severity of the sores did not relate to qPCR positivity for O. ophidiicola. We suggest that the assessment of the rate of SFD among snakes in the wild needs to include the sampling of snakes with no clinical signs, as well as those with sores, and the swabbing of all the sores collectively. Clear terminology for sores, the identification of clinical signs of SFD, and distinguishing the rates of O. ophidiicola by PCR testing should be adopted. Overall, the pine snakes exhibited a higher rate of sores and positivity of O. ophidiicola swabs by PCR testing compared to the other snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease, and Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Christian Jeitner
- Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- New Jersey Pinelands Commission, New Lisbon, NJ 08064, USA
| | | | - John F Bunnell
- New Jersey Pinelands Commission, New Lisbon, NJ 08064, USA
| | - Kelly Ng
- Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Emile DeVito
- New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Far Hills, NJ 07931, USA
| | | | - Michael Gochfeld
- Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease, and Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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7
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Mustafa RA, El Mikati IK, Murad MH, Hultcrantz M, Steingart KR, Yang B, Leeflang MMG, Akl EA, Dahm P, Schünemann HJ. GRADE guidance 37: rating imprecision in a body of evidence on test accuracy. J Clin Epidemiol 2024; 165:111189. [PMID: 38613246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide guidance on rating imprecision in a body of evidence assessing the accuracy of a single test. This guide will clarify when Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) users should consider rating down the certainty of evidence by one or more levels for imprecision in test accuracy. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING A project group within the GRADE working group conducted iterative discussions and presentations at GRADE working group meetings to produce this guidance. RESULTS Before rating the certainty of evidence, GRADE users should define the target of their certainty rating. GRADE recommends setting judgment thresholds defining what they consider a very accurate, accurate, inaccurate, and very inaccurate test. These thresholds should be set after considering consequences of testing and effects on people-important outcomes. GRADE's primary criterion for judging imprecision in test accuracy evidence is considering confidence intervals (i.e., CI approach) of absolute test accuracy results (true and false, positive, and negative results in a cohort of people). Based on the CI approach, when a CI appreciably crosses the predefined judgment threshold(s), one should consider rating down certainty of evidence by one or more levels, depending on the number of thresholds crossed. When the CI does not cross judgment threshold(s), GRADE suggests considering the sample size for an adequately powered test accuracy review (optimal or review information size [optimal information size (OIS)/review information size (RIS)]) in rating imprecision. If the combined sample size of the included studies in the review is smaller than the required OIS/RIS, one should consider rating down by one or more levels for imprecision. CONCLUSION This paper extends previous GRADE guidance for rating imprecision in single test accuracy systematic reviews and guidelines, with a focus on the circumstances in which one should consider rating down one or more levels for imprecision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem A Mustafa
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Centre, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, MS3002, Kansas City, KS 61160, USA; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Ibrahim K El Mikati
- Outcomes and Implementation Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - M Hassan Murad
- Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st, ST, SW, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Monica Hultcrantz
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodav. 18 A, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karen R Steingart
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Bada Yang
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariska M G Leeflang
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, P.O.Box 227001100 DE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elie A Akl
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Philipp Dahm
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Urology Section 112D, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
| | - Holger J Schünemann
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, L8S 4L8 Ontario, Canada; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090 Milano, Italy; Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
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8
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Gogoberidze Y, Klassen V, Natenzon M, Prosvirkin I, Vladzimirsky A, Sharova D, Zinchenko V. PhthisisBioMed Artificial Medical Intelligence: Software for Automated Analysis of Digital Chest X-ray/Fluorograms. Sovrem Tekhnologii Med 2023; 15:5-19. [PMID: 38434193 PMCID: PMC10902898 DOI: 10.17691/stm2023.15.4.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The scope of diagnostic medical examinations increases from year to year causing a reasonable desire to develop and implement new technologies to diagnostics and medical data analysis. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms became one of the most promising solutions to this problem and proved themselves in the course of mass practical application. During the three-year Moscow experiment started in 2020, the possibility was achieved to develop methodologies of AI use and to successfully implement it into the regional level healthcare system. In this article, the authors share their experience in developing a medical AI service using the example of PhthisisBioMed AI service and the results of its application in real clinical activities environment. This AI service has shown its quality and reliability confirmed by technological monitoring. Clinical trials of PhthisisBioMed AI service were conducted on a specially prepared verified data set (n=1536) considering epidemiological indicators of the thoracic organs major diseases prevalence. The mean sensitivity of the service was 0.975 (95% CI: 0.966-0.984). PhthisisBioMed medical AI service is registered as a medical device (medical device registration certificate No.RZN 2022/17406 dated May 31, 2022) and is actively used in the Russian Federation as a diagnostic tool to reduce the burden on radiologists and to accelerate the process of medical report obtaining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y.T. Gogoberidze
- Senior Development Engineer; PhthisisBioMed LLC, 135 Karla Marksa St., Chistopol, Republic of Tatarstan, 422980, Russia
| | - V.I. Klassen
- Professor, General Director; RK Vector JSC, 135 Karla Marksa St., Chistopol, Republic of Tatarstan, 422980, Russia; Board Chairman; PhthisisBioMed LLC, 135 Karla Marksa St., Chistopol, Republic of Tatarstan, 422980, Russia
| | - M.Y. Natenzon
- Senior Researcher; Russian Academy of Sciences, 14 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119071, Russia; Chairman of the Board of Directors; Scientific and Production Association National Telemedicine Agency, Office 8, 9 Demyana Bednogo St., Moscow, 123423, Russia
| | - I.A. Prosvirkin
- IT Director; RK Vector JSC, 135 Karla Marksa St., Chistopol, Republic of Tatarstan, 422980, Russia
| | - A.V. Vladzimirsky
- Deputy Director for Scientific Research; Scientific and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Department of Health, Bldg. 1, 24 Petrovka St., Moscow, 127051, Russia
| | - D.E. Sharova
- Head of Innovative Technologies Department; Scientific and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Department of Health, Bldg. 1, 24 Petrovka St., Moscow, 127051, Russia
| | - V.V. Zinchenko
- Head of Clinical and Technical Trials Sector; Scientific and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Department of Health, Bldg. 1, 24 Petrovka St., Moscow, 127051, Russia
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9
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Touitou R, Bidet P, Dubois C, Partouche H, Bonacorsi S, Jung C, Cohen R, Levy C, Cohen JF. Diagnostic accuracy of a rapid nucleic acid test for group A streptococcal pharyngitis using saliva samples: protocol for a prospective multicenter study in primary care. Diagn Progn Res 2023; 7:13. [PMID: 37443047 DOI: 10.1186/s41512-023-00150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group A streptococcus is found in 20-40% of cases of childhood pharyngitis; the remaining cases are viral. Streptococcal pharyngitis ("strep throat") is usually treated with antibiotics, while these are not indicated in viral cases. Most guidelines recommend relying on a diagnostic test confirming the presence of group A streptococcus before prescribing antibiotics. Conventional first-line tests are rapid antigen detection tests based on throat swabs. Recently, rapid nucleic acid tests were developed; they allow the detection of elements of the genome of group A streptococcus. We hypothesize that these rapid nucleic acid tests are sensitive enough to be performed on saliva samples instead of throat swabs, which could be more convenient in practice. METHODS This is a multicenter, prospective diagnostic accuracy study evaluating the performance of a rapid nucleic acid test for group A streptococcus (Abbott ID NOW STREP A2) in saliva, compared with a conventional pharyngeal rapid antigen detection test (EXACTO PRO STREPTATEST, lateral flow assay, comparator test), with a composite reference standard of throat culture and group A streptococcus PCR in children with pharyngitis in primary care (i.e., 27 primary care pediatricians or general practitioners). To ensure group A streptococcus is not missed, the salivary rapid nucleic acid test requires a minimally acceptable value of sensitivity (primary outcome) set at 80%. Assuming 35% of participants will have group A streptococcus, we will recruit 800 consecutive children with pharyngitis. Secondary outcomes will include difference in sensitivity between the pharyngeal rapid antigen detection test and the salivary rapid nucleic acid test; variability in sensitivity and specificity of the salivary rapid nucleic acid test with the level of McIsaac score; time to obtain the result of the salivary rapid nucleic acid test; patient, physician, and parents satisfaction; and barriers and facilitators to using rapid tests for group A streptococcus in primary care. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approved by the Institutional Review Board "Comité de protection des personnes Ile de France I" (no. 2022-A00085-38). Results will be presented at international meetings and disseminated in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05521568.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Touitou
- Association Enseignement Formation Généralistes Hospitaliers - Croix Saint Simon, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Bidet
- Department of Microbiology, Robert Debré Hospital, AP-HP, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Constance Dubois
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (Inserm UMR 1153), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Henri Partouche
- Department of General Practice, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Bonacorsi
- Department of Microbiology, Robert Debré Hospital, AP-HP, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Camille Jung
- Clinical Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Robert Cohen
- Association Clinique Et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val-de-Marne (ACTIV), Créteil, France
| | - Corinne Levy
- Clinical Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
- Association Clinique Et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val-de-Marne (ACTIV), Créteil, France
| | - Jérémie F Cohen
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (Inserm UMR 1153), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, AP-HP, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
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10
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Lam L, Fontaine H, Lapidus N, Bellet J, Lusivika-Nzinga C, Nicol J, Dorival C, Cagnot C, Hejblum G, Pol S, Bourlière M, Carrat F. Performance of algorithms for identifying patients with chronic hepatitis B or C infection in the french health insurance claims databases using the ANRS CO22 HEPATHER cohort. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:232-241. [PMID: 36529681 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The validity of algorithms for identifying patients with chronic hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV) infection in claims databases has been little explored. The performance of 15 algorithms was evaluated. Data from HBV- or HCV-infected patients enrolled between August 2012 and December 2015 in French hepatology centres (ANRS CO22 HEPATHER cohort) were individually linked to the French national health insurance system (SNDS). The SNDS covers 99% of the French population and contains healthcare reimbursement data. Performance metrics were calculated by comparing the viral status established by clinicians with those obtained with the algorithms identifying chronic HBV- and HCV-infected patients. A total of 14 751 patients (29% with chronic HBV and 63% with chronic HCV infection) followed-up until December 2018 were selected. Despite good specificity, the algorithms relying on ICD-10 codes performed poorly. By contrast, the multi-criteria algorithms combining ICD-10 codes, antiviral dispensing, laboratory diagnostic tests (HBV DNA or HCV RNA detection and quantification, HCV genotyping), examinations for the assessment of liver fibrosis and long-term disease registrations were the most effective (sensitivity 0.92, 95% CI, 0.91-0.93 and specificity 0.96, 95% CI, 0.95-0.96 for identifying chronic HBV-infected patients; sensitivity 0.94, 95% CI, 0.94-0.94 and specificity 0.85, 95% CI, 0.84-0.86 for identifying chronic HCV-infected patients). In conclusion, the multi-criteria algorithms perform well in identifying patients with chronic hepatitis B or C infection and can be used to estimate the magnitude of the public health burden associated with hepatitis B and C in France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Lam
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Fontaine
- Department of Hepatology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Nathanael Lapidus
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Paris, France.,Department of Public Health, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Jonathan Bellet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Paris, France
| | - Clovis Lusivika-Nzinga
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Nicol
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Paris, France
| | - Céline Dorival
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Paris, France
| | | | - Gilles Hejblum
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Paris, France
| | - Stanislas Pol
- Department of Hepatology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France.,Université de Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Marc Bourlière
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hôpital Saint Joseph, Marseille, France.,INSERM, UMR 1252 IRD SESSTIM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Fabrice Carrat
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Paris, France.,Department of Public Health, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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11
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Kim W, Kim JH, Cha YK, Chong S, Kim TJ. Completeness of Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy (DTA) of Radiological Articles Based on the PRISMA-DTA Reporting Guideline. Acad Radiol 2023; 30:258-275. [PMID: 35491344 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2022.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the completeness of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in radiology using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Diagnostic Test Accuracy (PRISMA-DTA) and PRISMA-DTA for Abstracts guidelines between articles published before and those published after the issuance of the guideline and identify areas that have been poorly reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed were searched for systematic reviews on DTA with or without meta-analyses published in general radiology journals between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020. The identified articles were assessed for completeness of reporting according to the PRISMA-DTA. Subgroup analyses were performed for association of completeness of reporting with multiple cofactors. RESULTS The search identified 183 reviews from 12 journals. The mean numbers (standard deviation) of reported PRISMA-DTA and PRISMA-DTA for Abstracts items in the full texts and abstracts were 18.45 (2.02) and 5.66 (1.28), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that compared to the corresponding reference groups, a higher mean number of reported PRISMA-DTA items was associated with publication during July 2018-December 2020 [(17.82 (2.01) vs 18.89 (1.91); p = 0.034), citation of the PRISMA-DTA [17.62 (1.86) vs 20.27 (2.02); p < 0.001], and inclusion of supplementary materials [17.64 (2) vs 19.09 (1.8); p < 0.001] on multiple-linear regression analysis. CONCLUSION Completeness of reporting with respect to the PRISMA-DTA and PRISMA-DTA for Abstracts has improved modestly since the publication of the PRISMA-DTA guideline; however, increasing awareness of the specific weakness provides the chance for completeness improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wook Kim
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, South Korea
| | - Jun Ho Kim
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, South Korea.
| | - Yoon Ki Cha
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, South Korea
| | - Semin Chong
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, South Korea
| | - Tae Jung Kim
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, South Korea
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12
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O’Connor SR, Treanor C, Ward E, Wickens RA, O’Connell A, Culliford LA, Rogers CA, Gidman EA, Peto T, Knox PC, Burton BJL, Lotery AJ, Sivaprasad S, Reeves BC, Hogg RE, Donnelly M. Patient Acceptability of Home Monitoring for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Reactivation: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13714. [PMID: 36294292 PMCID: PMC9603709 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a chronic, progressive condition and the commonest cause of visual disability in older adults. This study formed part of a diagnostic test accuracy study to quantify the ability of three index home monitoring (HM) tests (one paper-based and two digital tests) to identify reactivation in nAMD. The aim of this qualitative research was to investigate patients' or participants' views about acceptability and explore adherence to weekly HM. Semi-structured interviews were held with 78/297 participants (26%), with close family members (n = 11) and with healthcare professionals involved in training participants in HM procedures (n = 9) (n = 98 in total). A directed thematic analytical approach was applied to the data using a deductive and inductive coding framework informed by theories of technology acceptance. Five themes emerged related to: 1. The role of HM; 2. Suitability of procedures and instruments; 3. Experience of HM; 4. Feasibility of HM in usual practice; and 5. Impediments to patient acceptability of HM. Various factors influenced acceptability including a patient's understanding about the purpose of monitoring. While initial training and ongoing support were regarded as essential for overcoming unfamiliarity with use of digital technology, patients viewed HM as relatively straightforward and non-burdensome. There is a need for further research about how use of performance feedback, level of support and nature of tailoring might facilitate further the implementation of routinely conducted HM. Home monitoring was acceptable to patients and they recognised its potential to reduce clinic visits during non-active treatment phases. Findings have implications for implementation of digital HM in the care of older people with nAMD and other long-term conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seán R. O’Connor
- School of Psychology, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Charlene Treanor
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Elizabeth Ward
- Bristol Trials Centre (CTEU), University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Robin A. Wickens
- Bristol Trials Centre (CTEU), University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Abby O’Connell
- Exeter Clinical Trials Unit (EXECTU), University of Exeter, St. Lukes Campus, Exeter EX1 2LT, UK
| | - Lucy A. Culliford
- Bristol Trials Centre (CTEU), University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Chris A. Rogers
- Bristol Trials Centre (CTEU), University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Eleanor A. Gidman
- Bristol Trials Centre (CTEU), University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Tunde Peto
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Paul C. Knox
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | | | - Andrew J. Lotery
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Sobha Sivaprasad
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Barnaby C. Reeves
- Bristol Trials Centre (CTEU), University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Ruth E. Hogg
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Michael Donnelly
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
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13
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Lööv A, Högberg C, Lilja M, Theodorsson E, Hellström P, Metsini A, Olsson L. Diagnostic accuracy for colorectal cancer of a quantitative faecal immunochemical test in symptomatic primary care patients: a study protocol. Diagn Progn Res 2022; 6:16. [PMID: 35978403 PMCID: PMC9386911 DOI: 10.1186/s41512-022-00129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence supporting the use of faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) in patients reporting symptoms associated with colorectal cancer (CRC), but most studies until now have focused on selected subjects already referred for investigation. We therefore set out to determine the accuracy and predictive values of FIT in a primary care population. METHOD A prospective, multicentre, single-gated comparative diagnostic study on quantitative FIT in patients aged 40 years and above presenting in primary care with symptoms associated with CRC will be conducted. Patients representing the whole spectrum of severity of such symptoms met with in primary care will be eligible and identified by GPs. Participants will answer a short form on symptoms during the last month. They will provide two faecal samples from two separate days. Analyses will be performed within 5 days (QuikRead go®, Aidian Oy). The analytical working range is 10-200 μg Hb/g faeces. Reference test will be linked to the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry up to 2 years after inclusion. Accuracy, area under ROC curves, and predictive values will be calculated for one FIT compared to the highest value of two FIT and at cutoff < 10, 10-14.9, 15-19.9 and ≥ 20 μg Hb/g faeces. Subgroup analyses will be conducted for patients with anaemia and those reporting rectal bleeding. A model-based cost-effectiveness analysis based on the clinical accuracy study will be performed. Based on previous literature, we hypothesized that the sensitivity of the highest value of two FIT at cutoff 10 μg Hb/g faeces will be 95% (95% CI + / - 15%). The prevalence of CRC in the study population was estimated to be 2%, and the rate of non-responders to be 1/6. In all, 3000 patients will be invited at 30 primary care centres. DISCUSSION This study will generate important clinical real-life structured data on accuracy and predictive values of FIT in the most critical population for work-up of CRC, i.e. patients presenting with at times ambiguous symptoms in primary care. It will help establish the role of FIT in this large group. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05156307 . Registered on 14 December 2021-retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lööv
- Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
- Skebäck Primary Care Centre, Region Örebro län, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia Högberg
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Unit of Research, Education and Development Östersund, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mikael Lilja
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Unit of Research, Education and Development Östersund, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Elvar Theodorsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science; Clinical Chemistry, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Hellström
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Metsini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Knowledge Management and Patient Safety Unit, Region Värmland, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Louise Olsson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Centre for Assessment of Medical Technology, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
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14
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Lu L, Phua QS, Bacchi S, Goh R, Gupta AK, Kovoor JG, Ovenden CD, To MS. Small Study Effects in Diagnostic Imaging Accuracy: A Meta-Analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2228776. [PMID: 36006641 PMCID: PMC9412222 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.28776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Small study effects are the phenomena that studies with smaller sample sizes tend to report larger and more favorable effect estimates than studies with larger sample sizes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the presence and extent of small study effects in diagnostic imaging accuracy meta-analyses. DATA SOURCES A search was conducted in the PubMed database for diagnostic imaging accuracy meta-analyses published between 2010 and 2019. STUDY SELECTION Meta-analyses with 10 or more studies of medical imaging diagnostic accuracy, assessing a single imaging modality, and providing 2 × 2 contingency data were included. Studies that did not assess diagnostic accuracy of medical imaging techniques, compared 2 or more imaging modalities or different methods of 1 imaging modality, were cost analyses, used predictive or prognostic tests, did not provide individual patient data, or were network meta-analyses were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data extraction was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was calculated for each primary study using 2 × 2 contingency data. Regression analysis was used to examine the association between effect size estimate and precision across meta-analyses. RESULTS A total of 31 meta-analyses involving 668 primary studies and 80 206 patients were included. Fixed effects analysis produced a regression coefficient for the natural log of DOR against the SE of the natural log of DOR of 2.19 (95% CI, 1.49-2.90; P < .001), with computed tomography as the reference modality. Interaction test for modality and SE of the natural log of DOR did not depend on modality (Wald statistic P = .50). Taken together, this analysis found an inverse association between effect size estimate and precision that was independent of imaging modality. Of 26 meta-analyses that formally assessed for publication bias using funnel plots and statistical tests for funnel plot asymmetry, 21 found no evidence for such bias. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This meta-analysis found evidence of widespread prevalence of small study effects in the diagnostic imaging accuracy literature. One likely contributor to the observed effects is publication bias, which can undermine the results of many meta-analyses. Conventional methods for detecting funnel plot asymmetry conducted by included studies appeared to underestimate the presence of small study effects. Further studies are required to elucidate the various factors that contribute to small study effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Lu
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Qi Sheng Phua
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Stephen Bacchi
- Department of Neurology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rudy Goh
- Department of Neurology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, Australia
| | - Aashray K. Gupta
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Australia
| | - Joshua G. Kovoor
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Surgery, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, Australia
| | - Christopher D. Ovenden
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Minh-Son To
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
- South Australia Medical Imaging, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia
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15
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Paul Lovell D. Commentary: Statistical analysis of 2 x 2 tables in Biomarker studies 2) Study design and statistical tests. Biomarkers 2022; 27:512-519. [PMID: 35892176 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2022.2085798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Abstract/SummaryIn this article the importance of study design will be emphasized, statistical methods for analysing the data are described and some of the implications of these method are discussed. How these issues relate to the use of SpIN and SnOUT rules are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Paul Lovell
- Population Health Research Institute (PHRI), St George's Medical School, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London, SW17 0RE, UK
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16
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Lovell DP. Commentary: Statistical analysis of 2 x 2 tables in Biomarker studies 3) Design, Interpretation and Guidelines. Biomarkers 2022; 27:520-525. [PMID: 35816158 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2022.2096927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Abstract/SummaryThis article discusses issues associated with the design and interpretation of biomarker studies, points to various guidelines and lists points to look out for in assessing studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Paul Lovell
- Population Health Research Institute (PHRI), St George's Medical School, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London, SW17 0RE, UK
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17
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Evaluation of Soluble CD90: Potential for Diagnostic Significance in Endometriosis Patients. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:9345858. [PMID: 35769819 PMCID: PMC9236764 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9345858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating gynecologic disorder, driven by endocrine and immune dysfunctions, which lead to poor endometrial differentiation and attenuated fertility. Escape from immune surveillance and involvement of inflammatory mechanisms appear to be factors in disease progression. Current diagnostic guidelines for endometriosis still lack an efficient biomarker. Here, we report a study on two previously unexplored factors as potential biomarkers for endometriosis. Methods A case-control study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum CD90 and CD83 levels in endometriosis patients (cases validated by surgical and histological examination) compared to healthy controls. Serum was collected from age-matched females and analyzed by ELISA. Results Comparison of endometriosis patients to the control group showed significantly elevated levels of serum CD90 (1160 ± 856 pg/mL vs. 334 ± 228 pg/mL; ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001). A threshold value of 479.4 pg/mL was defined based on the control results, and the diagnostic efficiency of the test was estimated. The obtained sensitivity (70.4%), specificity (92.9%), positive predictive value (90.5%), and negative predictive value (76.5%) rated the test as one with promising diagnostic potential. In contrast, the analysis of serum CD83 levels showed comparable values in both groups, suggesting no association with patient status. Conclusion Elevated soluble CD90 in human serum is associated with endometriosis, which suggests its putative clinical significance as a biomarker in screening and/or diagnosis of the disease.
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18
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Stark M, Hesse M, Brannath W, Zapf A. Blinded sample size re-estimation in a comparative diagnostic accuracy study. BMC Med Res Methodol 2022; 22:115. [PMID: 35439947 PMCID: PMC9019976 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-022-01564-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The sample size calculation in a confirmatory diagnostic accuracy study is performed for co-primary endpoints because sensitivity and specificity are considered simultaneously. The initial sample size calculation in an unpaired and paired diagnostic study is based on assumptions about, among others, the prevalence of the disease and, in the paired design, the proportion of discordant test results between the experimental and the comparator test. The choice of the power for the individual endpoints impacts the sample size and overall power. Uncertain assumptions about the nuisance parameters can additionally affect the sample size. Methods We develop an optimal sample size calculation considering co-primary endpoints to avoid an overpowered study in the unpaired and paired design. To adjust assumptions about the nuisance parameters during the study period, we introduce a blinded adaptive design for sample size re-estimation for the unpaired and the paired study design. A simulation study compares the adaptive design to the fixed design. For the paired design, the new approach is compared to an existing approach using an example study. Results Due to blinding, the adaptive design does not inflate type I error rates. The adaptive design reaches the target power and re-estimates nuisance parameters without any relevant bias. Compared to the existing approach, the proposed methods lead to a smaller sample size. Conclusions We recommend the application of the optimal sample size calculation and a blinded adaptive design in a confirmatory diagnostic accuracy study. They compensate inefficiencies of the sample size calculation and support to reach the study aim. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12874-022-01564-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stark
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | - Werner Brannath
- University of Bremen, Institute of Statistics, Bremen, Germany
| | - Antonia Zapf
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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19
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Esmailian M, Vakili Z, Nasr-Esfahani M, Heydari F, Masoumi B. D-dimer Levels in Predicting Severity of Infection and Outcome in Patients with COVID-19. TANAFFOS 2022; 21:419-433. [PMID: 37583776 PMCID: PMC10423863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 disease began to spread all around the world in December 2019 until now; and in the early stage it may be related to high D-dimer level that indicates coagulation pathways and thrombosis activation that can be affected by some underlying diseases including diabetes, stroke, cancer, and pregnancy and it also can be associated with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this article was to analyze D-dimer levels in COVID-19 patients, as D-dimer level is one of the measures to detect the severity and outcomes of COVID-19. According to the results of this study, there is a higher level of D-dimer as well as concentrations of fibrinogen in the disease onset and it seems that the poor prognosis is linked to a 3 to 4-fold increase in D-dimer levels. It is also shown that 76% of the patients with ≥1 D-dimer measurement, had elevated D-dimer and were more likely to have critical illness than those with normal D-dimer. There was an increase in the rates of adverse outcomes with higher D-dimer of more than 2000 ng/mL and it is associated with the highest risk of death at 47%, thrombotic event at 37.8%, and critical illness at 66%. It also found that diabetes and COPD had the strongest association with death in COVID-19. So, it is necessary to measure the D-dimer levels and parameters of coagulation from the beginning as well as pay attention to comorbidities that can help control and management of COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Esmailian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zohreh Vakili
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Farhad Heydari
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Babak Masoumi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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20
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Kazi S, Frank RA, Salameh J, Fabiano N, Absi M, Pozdnyakov A, Islam N, Korevaar DA, Cohen JF, Bossuyt PM, Leeflang MM, Cobey KD, Moher D, Schweitzer M, Menu Y, Patlas M, McInnes MD. Evaluating the Impact of Peer Review on the Completeness of Reporting in Imaging Diagnostic Test Accuracy Research. J Magn Reson Imaging 2022; 56:680-690. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sakib Kazi
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Robert A. Frank
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Jean‐Paul Salameh
- Faculty of Health Sciences Queen's University Kingston Ontario Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | | | - Marissa Absi
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Alex Pozdnyakov
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Nayaar Islam
- Clinical Epidemiology Program Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Ottawa Ontario Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Daniël A. Korevaar
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam Netherlands
| | - Jérémie F. Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics Inserm UMR 1153 (Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics), Necker–Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris Université de Paris Paris France
| | - Patrick M. Bossuyt
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam Amsterdam Netherlands
| | - Mariska M.G. Leeflang
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam Amsterdam Netherlands
| | - Kelly D. Cobey
- The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - David Moher
- Centre for Journalology, Clinical Epidemiology Program Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Mark Schweitzer
- Department of Radiology Wayne State University School of Medicine Detroit Michigan USA
| | - Yves Menu
- Department of Radiology Sorbonne Université‐APHP Paris France
| | - Michael Patlas
- Department of Radiology McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Matthew D.F. McInnes
- Clinical Epidemiology Program Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Ottawa Ontario Canada
- Department of Radiology University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
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21
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Jones WS, Suklan J, Winter A, Green K, Craven T, Bruce A, Mair J, Dhaliwal K, Walsh T, Simpson AJ, Graziadio S, Allen AJ. Diagnosing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in UK NHS ICUs: the perceived value and role of a novel optical technology. Diagn Progn Res 2022; 6:5. [PMID: 35144691 PMCID: PMC8830125 DOI: 10.1186/s41512-022-00117-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in an intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex process. Our aim was to collect, evaluate and represent the information relating to current clinical practice for the diagnosis of VAP in UK NHS ICUs, and to explore the potential value and role of a novel diagnostic for VAP, which uses optical molecular alveoscopy to visualise the alveolar space. METHODS Qualitative study performing semi-structured interviews with clinical experts. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. A flow diagram of the VAP patient pathway was elicited and validated with the expert interviewees. Fourteen clinicians were interviewed from a range of UK NHS hospitals: 12 ICU consultants, 1 professor of respiratory medicine and 1 professor of critical care. RESULTS Five themes were identified, relating to [1] current practice for the diagnosis of VAP, [2] current clinical need in VAP diagnostics, [3] the potential value and role of the technology, [4] the barriers to adoption and [5] the evidence requirements for the technology, to help facilitate a successful adoption. These themes indicated that diagnosis of VAP is extremely difficult, as is the decision to stop antibiotic treatment. The analysis revealed that there is a clinical need for a diagnostic that provides an accurate and timely diagnosis of the causative pathogen, without the long delays associated with return of culture results, and which is not dangerous to the patient. It was determined that the technology would satisfy important aspects of this clinical need for diagnosing VAP (and pneumonia, more generally), but would require further evidence on safety and efficacy in the patient population to facilitate adoption. CONCLUSIONS Care pathway analysis performed in this study was deemed accurate and representative of current practice for diagnosing VAP in a UK ICU as determined by relevant clinical experts, and explored the value and role of a novel diagnostic, which uses optical technology, and could streamline the diagnostic pathway for VAP and other pneumonias.
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Affiliation(s)
- W S Jones
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - J Suklan
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - A Winter
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - K Green
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - T Craven
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
- Edinburgh Critical Care Research Group, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A Bruce
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - J Mair
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - K Dhaliwal
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - T Walsh
- Edinburgh Critical Care Research Group, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A J Simpson
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - S Graziadio
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - A J Allen
- NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
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22
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Abràmoff MD, Cunningham B, Patel B, Eydelman MB, Leng T, Sakamoto T, Blodi B, Grenon SM, Wolf RM, Manrai AK, Ko JM, Chiang MF, Char D. Foundational Considerations for Artificial Intelligence Using Ophthalmic Images. Ophthalmology 2022; 129:e14-e32. [PMID: 34478784 PMCID: PMC9175066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The development of artificial intelligence (AI) and other machine diagnostic systems, also known as software as a medical device, and its recent introduction into clinical practice requires a deeply rooted foundation in bioethics for consideration by regulatory agencies and other stakeholders around the globe. OBJECTIVES To initiate a dialogue on the issues to consider when developing a bioethically sound foundation for AI in medicine, based on images of eye structures, for discussion with all stakeholders. EVIDENCE REVIEW The scope of the issues and summaries of the discussions under consideration by the Foundational Principles of Ophthalmic Imaging and Algorithmic Interpretation Working Group, as first presented during the Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Imaging inaugural meeting on September 7, 2020, and afterward in the working group. FINDINGS Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve health care access and patient outcome fundamentally while decreasing disparities, lowering cost, and enhancing the care team. Nevertheless, substantial concerns exist. Bioethicists, AI algorithm experts, as well as the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies, industry, patient advocacy groups, clinicians and their professional societies, other provider groups, and payors (i.e., stakeholders) working together in collaborative communities to resolve the fundamental ethical issues of nonmaleficence, autonomy, and equity are essential to attain this potential. Resolution impacts all levels of the design, validation, and implementation of AI in medicine. Design, validation, and implementation of AI warrant meticulous attention. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The development of a bioethically sound foundation may be possible if it is based in the fundamental ethical principles of nonmaleficence, autonomy, and equity for considerations for the design, validation, and implementation for AI systems. Achieving such a foundation will be helpful for continuing successful introduction into medicine before consideration by regulatory agencies. Important improvements in accessibility and quality of health care, decrease in health disparities, and lower cost thereby can be achieved. These considerations should be discussed with all stakeholders and expanded on as a useful initiation of this dialogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Abràmoff
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Elecrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Brad Cunningham
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Office of Health Technology 1, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Springs, Maryland
| | - Bakul Patel
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Digital Health Center of Excellence, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Springs, Maryland
| | - Malvina B. Eydelman
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Office of Health Technology 1, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Springs, Maryland
| | - Theodore Leng
- Byers Eye Institute at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Taiji Sakamoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.,Japanese Vitreous Retina Society, Osaka, Japan
| | - Barbara Blodi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - S. Marlene Grenon
- Innovation Ventures, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Universify of California San Francisco, California
| | - Risa M. Wolf
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Arjun K. Manrai
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justin M. Ko
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | - Danton Char
- Division of Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, San Francisco, California.,Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
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23
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Westphal M, Zapf A, Brannath W. A multiple testing framework for diagnostic accuracy studies with co-primary endpoints. Stat Med 2022; 41:891-909. [PMID: 35075684 DOI: 10.1002/sim.9308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Major advances have been made regarding the utilization of machine learning techniques for disease diagnosis and prognosis based on complex and high-dimensional data. Despite all justified enthusiasm, overoptimistic assessments of predictive performance are still common in this area. However, predictive models and medical devices based on such models should undergo a throughout evaluation before being implemented into clinical practice. In this work, we propose a multiple testing framework for (comparative) phase III diagnostic accuracy studies with sensitivity and specificity as co-primary endpoints. Our approach challenges the frequent recommendation to strictly separate model selection and evaluation, that is, to only assess a single diagnostic model in the evaluation study. We show that our parametric simultaneous test procedure asymptotically allows strong control of the family-wise error rate. A multiplicity correction is also available for point and interval estimates. Moreover, we demonstrate in an extensive simulation study that our multiple testing strategy on average leads to a better final diagnostic model and increased statistical power. To plan such studies, we propose a Bayesian approach to determine the optimal number of models to evaluate simultaneously. For this purpose, our algorithm optimizes the expected final model performance given previous (hold-out) data from the model development phase. We conclude that an assessment of multiple promising diagnostic models in the same evaluation study has several advantages when suitable adjustments for multiple comparisons are employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Westphal
- Institute for Statistics, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.,Max Westphal, Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, Max-Von-Laue-Straße 2, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Antonia Zapf
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, UKE Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Werner Brannath
- Institute for Statistics, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.,Competence Center for Clinical Trials Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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24
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Guner A, Kim KY, Park SH, Cho M, Kim YM, Hyung WJ, Kim HI. Safe Discharge Criteria After Curative Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer. J Gastric Cancer 2022; 22:395-407. [PMID: 36316113 PMCID: PMC9633928 DOI: 10.5230/jgc.2022.22.e32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the relationship between clinical and laboratory parameters and complication status to predict which patients can be safely discharged from the hospital on the third postoperative day (POD). Materials and Methods Data from a prospectively maintained database of 2,110 consecutive patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent curative surgery were reviewed. The third POD vital signs, laboratory data, and details of the course after surgery were collected. Patients with grade II or higher complications after the third POD were considered unsuitable for early discharge. The performance metrics were calculated for all algorithm parameters. The proposed algorithm was tested using a validation dataset of consecutive patients from the same center. Results Of 1,438 patients in the study cohort, 142 (9.9%) were considered unsuitable for early discharge. C-reactive protein level, body temperature, pulse rate, and neutrophil count had good performance metrics and were determined to be independent prognostic factors. An algorithm consisting of these 4 parameters had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 95.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94.2–97.3), sensitivity of 80.3% (95% CI, 72.8–86.5), and specificity of 51.1% (95% CI, 48.3–53.8). Only 28 (1.9%) patients in the study cohort were classified as false negatives. In the validation dataset, the NPV was 93.7%, sensitivity was 66%, and 3.3% (17/512) of patients were classified as false negatives. Conclusions Simple clinical and laboratory parameters obtained on the third POD can be used when making decisions regarding the safe early discharge of patients who underwent gastrectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Guner
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ki Yoon Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Gastric Cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Hyun Park
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Gastric Cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minah Cho
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Gastric Cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoo Min Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Gastric Cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woo Jin Hyung
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Gastric Cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyoung-Il Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Gastric Cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Seoul, Korea
- Open NBI Convergence Technology Research Laboratory, Severance Hospital, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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25
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Tuft S, Somerville TF, Li JPO, Neal T, De S, Horsburgh MJ, Fothergill JL, Foulkes D, Kaye S. Bacterial keratitis: identifying the areas of clinical uncertainty. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 89:101031. [PMID: 34915112 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial keratitis is a common corneal infection that is treated with topical antimicrobials. By the time of presentation there may already be severe visual loss from corneal ulceration and opacity, which may persist despite treatment. There are significant differences in the associated risk factors and the bacterial isolates between high income and low- or middle-income countries, so that general management guidelines may not be appropriate. Although the diagnosis of bacterial keratitis may seem intuitive there are multiple uncertainties about the criteria that are used, which impacts the interpretation of investigations and recruitment to clinical studies. Importantly, the concept that bacterial keratitis can only be confirmed by culture ignores the approximately 50% of cases clinically consistent with bacterial keratitis in which investigations are negative. The aetiology of these culture-negative cases is unknown. Currently, the estimation of bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobials is based on data from systemic administration and achievable serum or tissue concentrations, rather than relevant corneal concentrations and biological activity in the cornea. The provision to the clinician of minimum inhibitory concentrations of the antimicrobials for the isolated bacteria would be an important step forward. An increase in the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance is a concern, but the effect this has on disease outcomes is yet unclear. Virulence factors are not routinely assessed although they may affect the pathogenicity of bacteria within species and affect outcomes. New technologies have been developed to detect and kill bacteria, and their application to bacterial keratitis is discussed. In this review we present the multiple areas of clinical uncertainty that hamper research and the clinical management of bacterial keratitis, and we address some of the assumptions and dogma that have become established in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Tuft
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
| | - Tobi F Somerville
- Department of Eye and Vision Sciences, University of Liverpool, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.
| | - Ji-Peng Olivia Li
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
| | - Timothy Neal
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Prescot Street, Liverpool, L7 8XP, UK.
| | - Surjo De
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, UK.
| | - Malcolm J Horsburgh
- Department of Infection and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7BX, UK.
| | - Joanne L Fothergill
- Department of Eye and Vision Sciences, University of Liverpool, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.
| | - Daniel Foulkes
- Department of Eye and Vision Sciences, University of Liverpool, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.
| | - Stephen Kaye
- Department of Eye and Vision Sciences, University of Liverpool, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.
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26
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Kang H, Wang X, Guo M, Dai C, Chen R, Yang L, Wu Y, Ying T, Zhu Z, Wei D, Liu Y, Wei D. Ultrasensitive Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody by Graphene Field-Effect Transistors. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:7897-7904. [PMID: 34581586 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c00837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The fast spread of SARS-CoV-2 has severely threatened the public health. Establishing a sensitive method for SARS-CoV-2 detection is of great significance to contain the worldwide pandemic. Here, we develop a graphene field-effect transistor (g-FET) biosensor and realize ultrasensitive SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection with a limit of detection (LoD) down to 10-18 M (equivalent to 10-16 g mL-1) level. The g-FETs are modified with spike S1 proteins, and the SARS-CoV-2 antibody biorecognition events occur in the vicinity of the graphene surface, yielding an LoD of ∼150 antibodies in 100 μL full serum, which is the lowest LoD value of antibody detection. The diagnoses time is down to 2 min for detecting clinical serum samples. As such, the g-FETs leverage rapid and precise SARS-CoV-2 screening and also hold great promise in prevention and control of other epidemic outbreaks in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Institute of Molecular Materials and Devices, Department of Material Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Institute of Molecular Materials and Devices, Department of Material Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Mingquan Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Changhao Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Institute of Molecular Materials and Devices, Department of Material Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Renzhong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Institute of Molecular Materials and Devices, Department of Material Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Institute of Molecular Materials and Devices, Department of Material Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yanling Wu
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tianlei Ying
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhaoqin Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Dapeng Wei
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Yunqi Liu
- Institute of Molecular Materials and Devices, Department of Material Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Dacheng Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Institute of Molecular Materials and Devices, Department of Material Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
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Meyer JC, Hunyadi LM, Ordóñez-Mena JM. The accuracy of ACTH as a biomarker for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Equine Vet J 2021; 54:457-466. [PMID: 34428330 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accuracy of baseline ACTH for the diagnosis of PPID in horses varies between studies. OBJECTIVES To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of ACTH as a biomarker for PPID in adult horses and appraise potential causes of heterogeneity. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS A literature review identified studies reporting diagnostic accuracy data for extraction. Risk of bias was evaluated using QUADAS-2. Two random-effects models, the hierarchical summary receiver operating curve (HSROC) and the bivariate binomial normal model (BBN) were used to pool accuracy measurements. We performed meta-regression using study-level variables. The impact of diagnostic test accuracy on the frequency of false-positive and false-negative results at various pretest probabilities was calculated using the BBN model's accuracy results. RESULTS Patient selection and index test evaluation demonstrated significant risk of bias. Mean and 95% confidence intervals for sensitivity and specificity for all studies (n = 11) based upon the HSROC model were (0.72, 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.82) and (0.88, 95% CI: 0.79 to 0.93), respectively. When studies with a common positivity threshold of 35 pg/mL ACTH were evaluated (n = 6), sensitivity and specificity were (0.66, 95% CI:0.54 to 0.77) and (0.87, 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.94). In a hypothetical group of one thousand horses with PPID prevalence of 2%, 20%, and 90%, the frequency of resulting false-positive and false-negatives would be (127 and 7), (104 and 68) and (13 and 306), respectively. Factors leading to increased accuracy were case-control design, clinical reference standard and data-driven choice of ACTH threshold. MAIN LIMITATIONS A small number of primary studies (n = 11) were available, demonstrating significant biases. CONCLUSIONS Less biased studies examining diagnostic accuracy of ACTH are needed. In horses with a high pretest probability of PPID, ACTH may be a functional "rule-in" test. Baseline ACTH is not recommended for screening purposes or use in horses without clinical signs of PPID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - László M Hunyadi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - José M Ordóñez-Mena
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences - University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Hoyer A, Zapf A. Studies for the Evaluation of Diagnostic Tests–Part 28 of a Series on Evaluation of Scientific Publications. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 118:555-560. [PMID: 34725029 PMCID: PMC8579430 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accurate diagnosis of a disease is a prerequisite for its appropriate treatment. How well a medical test is able to correctly identify or rule out a target disease can be assessed by diagnostic accuracy studies. METHODS The main statistical parameters that are derived from diagnostic accuracy studies, and their proper interpretation, will be presented here in the light of publications retrieved by a selective literature search, supplemented by the authors' own experience. Aspects of study planning and the analysis of complex studies on diagnostic tests will also be discussed. RESULTS In the usual case, the findings of a diagnostic accuracy study are presented in a 2 × 2 contingency table containing the number of true-positive, true-negative, false-positive, and true-positive test results. This information allows the calculation of various statistical parameters, of which the most important are the two pairs sensitivity/ specificity and positive/negative predictive value. All of these parameters are quotients, with the number of true positive (resp. true negative) test results in the numerator; the denominator is, in the first pair, the total number of ill (resp. healthy) patients, and in the second pair, the total number of patients with a positive (resp. negative) test. The predictive values are the parameters of greatest interest to phy - sicians and patients, but their main disadvantage is that they can easily be misinterpreted. We will also present the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) as additional important measures for the assessment of diagnostic tests. Further topics are discussed in the supplementary materials. CONCLUSION The statistical parameters used to assess diagnostic tests are primarily based on 2 × 2 contingency tables. These parameters must be interpreted with care in order to draw correct conclusions for use in medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Hoyer
- Department of Statistics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich
| | - Antonia Zapf
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
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Evaluating tests for diagnosing COVID-19 in the absence of a reliable reference standard: pitfalls and potential solutions. J Clin Epidemiol 2021; 138:182-188. [PMID: 34358639 PMCID: PMC8330140 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of Telephone Administration of an adapted wound heaLing QuestiONnaire for assessment for surgical site infection following abdominal surgery in low and middle-income countries (TALON): protocol for a study within a trial (SWAT). Trials 2021; 22:471. [PMID: 34289893 PMCID: PMC8293583 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05398-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Surgical site infection is the most common complication of abdominal surgery, with a global impact on patients and health systems. There are no tools to identify wound infection that are validated for use in the global setting. The overall aim of the study described in this protocol is to evaluate the feasibility and validity of a remote, digital pathway for wound assessment after hospital discharge for patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods A multi-centre, international, mixed-methods study within a trial, conducted in two stages (TALON-1 and TALON-2). TALON-1 will adapt and translate a universal reporter outcome measurement tool (Bluebelle Wound Healing Questionnaire, WHQ) for use in global surgical research (SWAT store registration: 126) that can be delivered over the telephone. TALON-2 will evaluate a remote wound assessment pathway (including trial retention) and validate the diagnostic accuracy of this adapted WHQ through a prospective cohort study embedded within two global surgery trials. Embedded community engagement and involvement activities will be used to optimise delivery and ensure culturally attuned conduct. TALON-1 and TALON-2 are designed and will be reported in accordance with best practice guidelines for adaptation and validation of outcome measures, and diagnostic test accuracy studies. Discussion Methods to identify surgical site infection after surgery for patients after hospital discharge have the potential to improve patient safety, trial retention, and research efficiency. TALON represents a large, pragmatic, international study co-designed and delivered with LMIC researchers and patients to address an important research gap in global surgery trial methodology. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05398-z.
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Zheng FF, Shen WH, Gong F, Hu ZD, Lippi G, Šimundić AM, Bossuyt PMM, Plebani M, Zhang K. Adherence to the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD): a survey of four journals in laboratory medicine. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:918. [PMID: 34350233 PMCID: PMC8263879 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-1665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background The Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) statement has been updated in 2015. Many diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) studies have been published in medical laboratory journals, but their adherence to the updated STARD statement remains unknown. Methods We searched the PubMed database to verify studies published in 4 laboratory journals, including Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Clinica Chimica Acta, and Clinical Biochemistry, in 2019. DTA studies were identified and their adherence to the STARD statement was assessed. Results A total of 45 studies were included in this analysis. Overall, 18 out of 34 STARD items were reported. The items (adherence rate) of sample size estimation (4%), adverse events (9%), protocol (9%), registration (16%), missing value (22%), indeterminate results (18%), and cross-tabulation (22%) were the most frequently unreported items. Conclusions Adherence to the STARD statement in DTA articles published in laboratory medicine seems as yet unsatisfactory. Our study emphasizes the necessity to improve the reporting quality of DTA studies published in medical laboratory journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Fei Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Wei-Hong Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Fang Gong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhi-De Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China.,Journal of Laboratory and Precision Medicine Editorial Office, Guangzhou, China
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ana-Maria Šimundić
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Zagreb University, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Patrick M M Bossuyt
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mario Plebani
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, and Department of Integrated Diagnostics, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Kaiping Zhang
- Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company, Hong Kong, China.,School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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32
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Dubois C, Smeesters PR, Refes Y, Levy C, Bidet P, Cohen R, Chalumeau M, Toubiana J, Cohen JF. Diagnostic accuracy of rapid nucleic acid tests for group A streptococcal pharyngitis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:1736-1745. [PMID: 33964409 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute pharyngitis is one of the most common conditions in outpatient settings and an important source of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs) offer diagnosis of group A streptococcus at the point of care but have limited sensitivity. Rapid nucleic acid tests (RNATs) are now available; a systematic review of their accuracy is lacking. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the accuracy of RNATs in patients with pharyngitis; to explore test-level and study-level factors that could explain variability in accuracy; and to compare the accuracy of RNATs with that of RADTs. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science (1990-2020). STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Cross-sectional studies and randomized trials. PARTICIPANTS Patients with pharyngitis. INDEX TEST/S AND REFERENCE STANDARDS RNAT commercial kits compared with throat culture. METHODS We assessed risk of bias and applicability using QUADAS-2. We performed meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity using the bivariate random-effects model. Variability was explored by subgroup analyses and meta-regression. RESULTS We included 38 studies (46 test evaluations; 17 411 test results). RNATs were most often performed in a laboratory. The overall methodological quality of primary studies was uncertain because of incomplete reporting. RNATs had a summary sensitivity of 97.5% (95% CI 96.2%-98.3%) and a summary specificity of 95.1% (95% CI 93.6%-96.3%). There was low variability in estimates across studies. Variability in sensitivity and specificity was partially explained by test type (p < 0.05 for both). Sensitivity analyses limited to studies with low risk of bias showed robust accuracy estimates. RNATs were more sensitive than RADTs (13 studies; 96.8% versus 82.3%, p 0.004); there was no difference in specificity (p 0.92). CONCLUSIONS The high diagnostic accuracy of RNATs may allow their use as stand-alone tests to diagnose group A streptococcus pharyngitis. Based on direct comparisons, RNATs have greater sensitivity than RADTs and equal specificity. Further studies should evaluate RNATs in point-of-care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Dubois
- Université de Paris, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Pierre R Smeesters
- Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université libre de Bruxelles, Department of Paediatrics, Brussels, Belgium; Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Corinne Levy
- Association Clinique et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val-de-Marne, ACTIV, Créteil, France
| | - Philippe Bidet
- Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Université de Paris, Department of Microbiology, Paris, France
| | - Robert Cohen
- Association Clinique et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val-de-Marne, ACTIV, Créteil, France
| | - Martin Chalumeau
- Université de Paris, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, Paris, France; Necker-Enfants malades Hospital, APHP, Université de Paris, Department of General Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Julie Toubiana
- Necker-Enfants malades Hospital, APHP, Université de Paris, Department of General Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Paris, France; Institut Pasteur, Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Bacterial Pathogens, Paris, France
| | - Jérémie F Cohen
- Université de Paris, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, Paris, France; Necker-Enfants malades Hospital, APHP, Université de Paris, Department of General Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Paris, France.
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Burgel CF, Eckert IDC, Brito JE, Rodrigues FW, Silva FM. Accuracy of three tools for malnutrition diagnosis in hospitalised patients: Comparison to subjective global assessment. J Hum Nutr Diet 2021; 34:935-944. [PMID: 33908107 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malnutrition is prevalent in hospital, and the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) has been widely used for its identification. However, in the last decade, new tools were proposed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics-American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (AND-ASPEN), European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM). The diagnostic test accuracy of these tools has been scarcely investigated. Thus, we aimed to compare the accuracy of AND-ASPEN, ESPEN and GLIM for malnutrition diagnosis in hospitalised patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with hospitalised patients aged ≥ 18 years from a five-unit complex hospital. Malnutrition was diagnosed within 48 h of admission using SGA, AND-ASPEN, ESPEN and GLIM. The accuracy of these tools was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve, considering SGA as reference, which was compared by the DeLong test. RESULTS Six hundred patients (55.7 ± 14.8 years, 51.3% male) were evaluated. AND-ASPEN [AUROC 0.846; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.810-0.883] and GLIM presented a satisfactory accuracy (AUROC 0.842; 95% CI, 0.807-0.877), whereas ESPEN had a substantially lower accuracy (AUROC, 0.572; 95% CI, 0.522-0.622). The AUROC of AND-ASPEN and GLIM were not different from each other (p = 0.785) and both had significantly higher accuracy than ESPEN (p < 0.001). AND-ASPEN and GLIM presented sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value > 80%, whereas ESPEN sensitivity was < 20%. CONCLUSIONS AND-ASPEN and GLIM were accurate methods for diagnosing malnutrition and could be applied in hospitalised patients. By contrast, the ESPEN criteria had unsatisfactory accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Ferri Burgel
- Nutrition Science Post graduation Program from the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Julia Epping Brito
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Flávia Moraes Silva
- Nutrition Department and Nutrition Science Postgraduation Program, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Study Designs: Diagnostic Studies. Indian Pediatr 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13312-022-2449-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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35
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Prager R, Pratte M, Guy A, Bala S, Bachar R, Kim DJ, Millington S, Salameh JP, McGrath TA, McInnes MD. Completeness of reporting for systematic reviews of point-of-care ultrasound: a meta-research study. BMJ Evid Based Med 2021; 26:bmjebm-2020-111652. [PMID: 33785511 DOI: 10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systematic reviews are often considered among the highest quality of evidence. Completely reported systematic reviews, however, are required so readers can assess for generalisability of the research to practice and risk of bias. The objective of this study was to assess the completeness of reporting for systematic reviews assessing the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Diagnostic Test Accuracy (PRISMA-DTA) checklist that was published in 2018. DESIGN AND SETTING In this meta-research study, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched, with no date restriction, on March 1st, 2020 for systematic reviews assessing the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS. Adherence to PRISMA-DTA for the main text and abstract was scored independently and in duplicate using a modified checklist. Prespecified subgroup analyses were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the mean PRISMA-DTA checklist adherence for the full-text and abstract. RESULTS A total of 71 studies published from 2008 to 2020 met the inclusion criteria. The overall adherence for the full-text was moderate: 19.8 out of 26.0 items (76%) and for the abstract was 7.0 out of 11.0 items (64%). Although many items in the PRISMA-DTA checklist were frequently reported, several were r infrequently reported (<33% of studies), including item 5 (protocol registration), item D2 (minimally acceptable test accuracy) and item 14 (variability in target condition, index test and reference standards). Subgroup analyses showed a higher PRISMA-DTA mean adherence (SD) for high impact journals (20.9 (2.52) vs 18.9 (1.95); p<0.001), studies including supplemental materials (20.6 (2.48) vs 18.9 (2.28); p=0.004), studies citing adherence to PRISMA reporting guidelines (20.4 (1.95) vs 19.0 (3.00); p=0.038) and studies published in journals endorsing PRISMA guidelines (20.2 (2.47) vs 18.6 (2.37); p=0.025). There was variable adherence based on journal of publication (p=0.006), but not for study population (adult vs paediatric vs mixed) (p=0.62), year of publication (p=0.94), body region (p=0.78) or country (p=0.40). There was no variability in abstract adherence based on whether the abstract was structured with subheadings or not (p=0.25). A Spearman's correlation found moderate correlation between higher word counts and abstractand full-text adherence (R=0.45, p<0.001 and R=0.38, p=0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the reporting of POCUS diagnostic accuracy systematic reviews and meta-analyses was moderate. We identified deficits in several key areas including the preregistration of systematic reviews in an online repository, handling of multiple definitions of target conditions, index tests and reference standards and specifying minimally acceptable test accuracy. Prospective registration of reviews and detailed reporting as per PRISMA-DTA during the research process could improve reporting completeness. At an editorial level, word count and supplemental material limitations may impede reporting completeness, whereas endorsement of reporting guidelines on journal websites could improve reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Prager
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Pratte
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Guy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sudarshan Bala
- Faculty of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roudi Bachar
- Medicine-Surgery, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Wrexham, UK
| | - Daniel J Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Scott Millington
- Division of Critical Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Trevor A McGrath
- Department of Radiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew Df McInnes
- Department of Radiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Lathyris D, Haidich AB. Meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy: Just another meta-analysis? Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2021; 64:103028. [PMID: 33715957 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2021.103028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Lathyris
- Intensive Care Unit, General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Ethnikis Aminis 41, 54635 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Anna-Bettina Haidich
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Korevaar DA, van Es J. Pulmonary embolism in COVID-19: D-dimer threshold selection should not be based on maximising Youden's index. Eur Respir J 2021; 57:13993003.04279-2020. [PMID: 33380510 PMCID: PMC7778874 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.04279-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has raised new challenges in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) [1]. Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism, but symptoms of COVID-19 and PE may overlap, which makes it difficult to identify those with a higher likelihood of PE. Simple and minimally invasive diagnostic algorithms that can safely rule-out PE in patients with COVID-19 are urgently needed. Therefore, we read with interest the recent paper by Mouhatet al. [2] in the European Respiratory Journal. D-dimer thresholds for ruling-out pulmonary embolism should not be selected based on the “optimal” Youden's indexhttps://bit.ly/2Mfp4on
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniël A Korevaar
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Josien van Es
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Corso M, Cancelliere C, Mior S, Kumar V, Smith A, Côté P. The clinical utility of routine spinal radiographs by chiropractors: a rapid review of the literature. Chiropr Man Therap 2020; 28:33. [PMID: 32641135 PMCID: PMC7346665 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-020-00323-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION When indicated by signs or symptoms of potentially serious underlying pathology (red flags), chiropractors can use radiographs to inform their diagnosis. In the absence of red flags, the clinical utility of routine or repeat radiographs to assess the structure and function of the spine is controversial. OBJECTIVES To determine the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of routine or repeat radiographs (in the absence of red flags) of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine for the functional or structural evaluation of the spine. Investigate whether functional or structural findings on repeat radiographs are valid markers of clinically meaningful outcomes. The research objectives required that we determine the validity, diagnostic accuracy and reliability of radiographs for the structural and functional evaluation of the spine. EVIDENCE REVIEW We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Index to Chiropractic Literature from inception to November 25, 2019. We used rapid review methodology recommended by the World Health Organization. Eligible studies (cross-sectional, case-control, cohort, randomized controlled trials, diagnostic and reliability) were critically appraised. Studies of acceptable quality were included in our synthesis. The lead author extracted data and a second reviewer independently validated the data extraction. We conducted a qualitative synthesis of the evidence. FINDINGS We identified 959 citations, screened 176 full text articles and critically appraised 23. No relevant studies assessed the clinical utility of routine or repeat radiographs (in the absence of red flags) of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine for the functional or structural evaluation of the spine. No studies investigated whether functional or structural findings on repeat radiographs are valid markers of clinically meaningful outcomes. Nine low risk of bias studies investigated the validity (n = 2) and reliability (n = 8) of routine or repeat radiographs. These studies provide no evidence of clinical utility. CONCLUSION We found no evidence that the use of routine or repeat radiographs to assess the function or structure of the spine, in the absence of red flags, improves clinical outcomes and benefits patients. Given the inherent risks of ionizing radiation, we recommend that chiropractors do not use radiographs for the routine and repeat evaluation of the structure and function of the spine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Corso
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University and Centre for Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON, L1G 0C5, Canada
| | - Carol Cancelliere
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University and Centre for Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON, L1G 0C5, Canada
| | - Silvano Mior
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University and Centre for Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON, L1G 0C5, Canada
- Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, North York, Ontario, Canada
| | - Varsha Kumar
- Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, North York, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ali Smith
- Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, North York, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pierre Côté
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University and Centre for Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON, L1G 0C5, Canada.
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