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PET Clinics Jan 2015The development of clinical diagnostic procedures comprises early-phase and late-phase studies to elucidate diagnostic accuracy and patient outcome. Economic assessments... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The development of clinical diagnostic procedures comprises early-phase and late-phase studies to elucidate diagnostic accuracy and patient outcome. Economic assessments of new diagnostic procedures compared with established work-ups indicate additional cost for 1 additional unit of effectiveness measure by means of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios when considering the replacement of the standard regimen by a new diagnostic procedure. This article discusses economic assessments of PET and PET/computed tomography reported until mid-July 2014. Forty-seven studies on cancer and noncancer indications were identified but, because of the widely varying scope of the analyses, a substantial amount of work remains to be done.
Topics: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Health Care Costs; Humans; Internationality; Multimodal Imaging; Neoplasms; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 25455883
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpet.2014.09.008 -
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology Apr 2021To assess the diagnostic accuracy of hysteroscopy compared with that of laparoscopic chromopertubation for the detection of fallopian tubal obstruction. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the diagnostic accuracy of hysteroscopy compared with that of laparoscopic chromopertubation for the detection of fallopian tubal obstruction.
DATA SOURCES
An electronic search from inception to March 31, 2020, was performed in Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
This diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Synthesizing Evidence from Diagnostic Accuracy Tests recommendations. A combination of the following Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords was included in the search strategy: "hysteroscopy[MeSH]," "tubal obstruction," "tubal patency," "tubal dysfunction," and "tubal blockage." Quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom). Publication bias was evaluated by means of the Deek funnel plot asymmetry test. The following outcomes were analyzed: diagnostic odds ratio, area under hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic and area under receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
Six studies comparing hysteroscopy with laparoscopic chromopertubation were included in the meta-analysis. After pooling all the studies, the diagnostic odds ratio was 43. The evaluated area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.93, correlating with high diagnostic accuracy for the index test. Sensitivity and specificity were 88% and 85%, respectively. In addition, the positive and negative likelihood ratios were 5.88 and 0.16, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Hysteroscopic techniques are highly accurate and sensitive for detecting fallopian tubal obstruction. Interventional assessment enhances diagnostic accuracy compared with observational assessment, as does the office setting compared with the operating room. Additional studies, along with a refinement of the techniques, could facilitate the widespread use of hysteroscopic techniques for the detection of fallopian tube occlusion.
Topics: Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Fallopian Tube Diseases; Fallopian Tubes; Female; Humans; Hysteroscopy; Infertility, Female; Laparoscopy; Pregnancy; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 33246040
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2020.11.013 -
Health Technology Assessment... Jul 2023Magnetic resonance imaging-based technologies are non-invasive diagnostic tests that can be used to assess non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
BACKGROUND
Magnetic resonance imaging-based technologies are non-invasive diagnostic tests that can be used to assess non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
OBJECTIVES
The study objectives were to assess the diagnostic test accuracy, clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of two magnetic resonance imaging-based technologies (LiverMultiScan and magnetic resonance elastography) for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease for whom advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis had not been diagnosed and who had indeterminate results from fibrosis testing, or for whom transient elastography or acoustic radiation force impulse was unsuitable, or who had discordant results from fibrosis testing.
DATA SOURCES
The data sources searched were MEDLINE, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Database of Controlled Trials, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and the Health Technology Assessment.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using established methods. Diagnostic test accuracy estimates were calculated using bivariate models and a summary receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated using a hierarchical model. A simple decision-tree model was developed to generate cost-effectiveness results.
RESULTS
The diagnostic test accuracy review (13 studies) and the clinical impact review (11 studies) only included one study that provided evidence for patients who had indeterminate or discordant results from fibrosis testing. No studies of patients for whom transient elastography or acoustic radiation force impulse were unsuitable were identified. Depending on fibrosis level, relevant published LiverMultiScan diagnostic test accuracy results ranged from 50% to 88% (sensitivity) and from 42% to 75% (specificity). No magnetic resonance elastography diagnostic test accuracy data were available for the specific population of interest. Results from the clinical impact review suggested that acceptability of LiverMultiScan was generally positive. To explore how the decision to proceed to biopsy is influenced by magnetic resonance imaging-based technologies, the External Assessment Group presented cost-effectiveness analyses for LiverMultiScan plus biopsy versus biopsy only. Base-case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per quality-adjusted life year gained results for seven of the eight diagnostic test strategies considered showed that LiverMultiScan plus biopsy was dominated by biopsy only; for the remaining strategy (Brunt grade ≥2), the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per quality-adjusted life year gained was £1,266,511. Results from threshold and scenario analyses demonstrated that External Assessment Group base-case results were robust to plausible variations in the magnitude of key parameters.
LIMITATIONS
Diagnostic test accuracy, clinical impact and cost-effectiveness data for magnetic resonance imaging-based technologies for the population that is the focus of this assessment were limited.
CONCLUSIONS
Magnetic resonance imaging-based technologies may be useful to identify patients who may benefit from additional testing in the form of liver biopsy and those for whom this additional testing may not be necessary. However, there is a paucity of diagnostic test accuracy and clinical impact data for patients who have indeterminate results from fibrosis testing, for whom transient elastography or acoustic radiation force impulse are unsuitable or who had discordant results from fibrosis testing. Given the External Assessment Group cost-effectiveness analyses assumptions, the use of LiverMultiScan and magnetic resonance elastography for assessing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease for patients with inconclusive results from previous fibrosis testing is unlikely to be a cost-effective use of National Health Service resources compared with liver biopsy only.
STUDY REGISTRATION
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42021286891.
FUNDING
Funding for this study was provided by the Evidence Synthesis Programme of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in ; Vol. 27, No. 10. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
Topics: Humans; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Liver Cirrhosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; State Medicine
PubMed: 37839810
DOI: 10.3310/KGJU3398 -
European Spine Journal : Official... Jul 2022To provide a systematic review with meta-analysis providing evidence of the current diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of pedicle screw electrical stimulation. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To provide a systematic review with meta-analysis providing evidence of the current diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of pedicle screw electrical stimulation.
METHODS
A systematic database search on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was performed according to the PRISMA-DTA guidelines, and eligibility criteria applied to reduce the results to: (1) only journal articles reporting electrical stimulation of the pedicle screw head, (2) screw position confirmation by imaging techniques, and (3) enough information allowing the calculation of a 2 × 2 contingency table. Sample characteristics, image confirmation method, electrical current threshold and stimulation results were retrieved and analyzed using according to appropriate DTA analysis methods, and allowing the calculation of specificity, sensitivity for pedicle screws insertion at the lumbar and thoracic levels.
RESULTS
Lumbar screw stimulation presents a higher sensitivity (0.586 [0.336, 0.798] and specificity (0.984 [0.958, 0.994]) than thoracic screws (sensitivity: 0.270 [0.096; 0.562]; specificity: 0.958 [0.931, 0.975]). The same is observed in terms of the diagnostic odds ratio for lumbar (88.32 [32.136, 242.962]) and thoracic (8.460 [2.139, 33.469]) levels. When performing a sub-group analysis, it is possible to divide the lumbar stimulation threshold as 8 and 10-12 mA, and the thoracic threshold as 6 and 9-12 mA. A threshold of 8 mA at the lumbar level provides higher sensitivity and specificity. Increasing the threshold results in higher specificity but not sensitivity. In fact, at the range of 10-12 mA, the diagnostic validity is too low to confer this technique any robust diagnostic validity. Similarly, at the thoracic level, lower threshold currents are associated with increased sensitivity, but their diagnostic validity is very low.
CONCLUSION
Electrical stimulation of the pedicle screw can be used as an adequate diagnostic capability at the lumbar level with a threshold of 8 mA. However, thoracic stimulation is currently not reliable, with very low sensitivity and diagnostic validity at 6 mA or higher.
Topics: Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Electric Stimulation; Electromyography; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Pedicle Screws; Spinal Fusion; Thoracic Vertebrae
PubMed: 35562617
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-022-07218-7 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Jan 2022The number of people with chronic diseases and the subsequent pressure on health care is increasing. eHealth technology for diagnostic testing can contribute to more... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The number of people with chronic diseases and the subsequent pressure on health care is increasing. eHealth technology for diagnostic testing can contribute to more efficient health care and lower workload.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review examines the available methods for direct web-based access for patients to diagnostic testing and results in the absence of a health care professional in primary care.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Library, Emcare, and Academic Search Premier databases in August 2019 and updated in July 2021. The included studies focused on direct patient access to web-based triage leading to diagnostic testing, self-sampling or testing, or web-based communication of test results. A total of 45 studies were included. The quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.
RESULTS
Most studies had a quantitative descriptive design and discussed a combination of services. Diagnostic test services mainly focused on sexually transmitted infections. Overall, the use was high for web-based triage (3046/5000, >50%, who used a triage booked a test), for self-sampling or self-testing kits (83%), and the result service (85%). The acceptability of the test services was high, with 81% preferring home-based testing over clinic-based testing. There was a high rate of follow-up testing or treatment after a positive test (93%).
CONCLUSIONS
The results show that direct access to testing and result services had high use rates, was positively evaluated, and led to high rates of follow-up treatment. More research on cost-effectiveness is needed to determine the potential for other diseases. Direct access to diagnostic testing can lower the threshold for testing in users, potentially increase efficiency, and lower the workload in primary care.
Topics: Delivery of Health Care; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Humans; Primary Health Care; Telemedicine
PubMed: 35019848
DOI: 10.2196/29303 -
Histopathology Jul 2023PRAME is a novel immunohistochemical marker that aids the diagnosis of melanocytic lesions. Diffuse PRAME positivity suggests melanoma, whereas benign naevi are negative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PRAME is a novel immunohistochemical marker that aids the diagnosis of melanocytic lesions. Diffuse PRAME positivity suggests melanoma, whereas benign naevi are negative or only weakly positive. However, the factual diagnostic accuracy of PRAME is not well established. Moreover, some studies have suggested that the threshold of 3+/50% positive cells may be more useful in practice than the most widely used cut-off (4+/75% of positive cells). Hence, we performed a systematic review and diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and optimal threshold for PRAME in distinguishing benign melanocytic proliferations from melanomas. Twenty-six studies were enrolled into the meta-analysis. A total of 2915 melanocytic lesions were analysed. The optimal threshold for PRAME positivity was estimated at 3.11, which translates into 3+ in practice. Sensitivity and specificity calculated from SROC at the 3+ threshold were 0.735 (0.631-0.818) and 0.915 (0.834-0.958), respectively, compared to 0.679 (0.559-0.957) and 0.957 (0.908-0.981) at the 4+ cut-off. In subgroup analysis, the spitzoid subgroup was characterised by the lowest sensitivity and diagnostic odds ratio of PRAME. Our findings indicate that PRAME immunohistochemistry may serve as an ancillary marker to support the diagnosis of melanoma. Nevertheless, the accuracy of PRAME may be lower in spitzoid neoplasms. Our meta-analysis suggests that the 3+/50% threshold might be more useful in practice than the 4+/75% cut-off, as it shows higher sensitivity with retained satisfactory specificity.
Topics: Humans; Melanoma; Skin Neoplasms; Melanocytes; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Antigens, Neoplasm; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 36942814
DOI: 10.1111/his.14904 -
Journal of Research in Medical Sciences... 2016Identification of children with specific language impairment (SLI) has been viewed as both necessity and challenge. Investigators and clinicians use different tests and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Identification of children with specific language impairment (SLI) has been viewed as both necessity and challenge. Investigators and clinicians use different tests and measures for this purpose. Some of these tests/measures have good psychometric properties, but it is not sufficient for diagnostic purposes. A diagnostic procedure can be used for identification a specific population with confidence only when its sensitivity and specificity are acceptable. In this study, we searched for tests/measures with predefined sensitivity and specificity for identification of preschool children with SLI from their typically developing peers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A computerized search in bibliographic databases from 2000 to August 2015 was performed with the following keywords: "specific language impairment" or SLI" and "primary language impairment" or 'PLI' with at least one of the followings: "diagnosis," "identification," "accuracy," "sensitivity," and "specificity." In addition, the related citations and reference lists of the selected articles were considered.
RESULTS
The results of reviewing 23 included studies show that the index measures used in studies vary in accuracy with the sensitivity ranging from 16% to 100% and the specificity ranging from 14% to 100%.
CONCLUSION
These varieties in sensitivity and specificity of different tests/measures confirm the necessity of attention to the diagnostic power of tests/measures before their use as diagnostic tool. Further, the results indicate there are some promising tests/measures that the available evidence supports their performances in the diagnosis of SLI in preschool-aged children, yet the place of a reference standard for the diagnosis of SLI is vacant among investigations.
PubMed: 27904612
DOI: 10.4103/1735-1995.189648 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Jul 2019Lassa fever virus has been enlisted as a priority pathogen of epidemic potential by the World Health organization Research and Development (WHO R & D) Blueprint....
BACKGROUND
Lassa fever virus has been enlisted as a priority pathogen of epidemic potential by the World Health organization Research and Development (WHO R & D) Blueprint. Diagnostics play a crucial role in epidemic preparedness. This systematic review was conducted to determine the sensitivity and specificity of Lassa fever diagnostic tests for humans.
METHODS
We searched OVID Medline, OVID Embase, Scopus and Web of Science for laboratory based and field studies that reported the performance of diagnostic tests for Lassa fever in humans from 1 January 1990 to 25 January 2019. Two reviewers independently screened all the studies and included only studies that involved the evaluation of a Lassa fever diagnostic test and provided data on the sensitivity and specificity. The quality of the studies was assessed using the QUADAS-2 criteria. Data on the study location, study design, type of sample, index test, reference tests and diagnostic performance were extracted from the studies.
RESULTS
Out of a total of 1947 records identified, 1245 non-duplicate citations were obtained. Twenty-six (26) full-text articles examined which identified 08 studies meeting pre-defined criteria. Only one study was a field evaluation study. The sensitivity and specificity of the point of care (RDT) against the Nikisins qPCR were 91.2%(95% CI:75.2-97.7) and 86%(95% CI: 71.4-94.2) at temperatures 18-30 °C, while the sensitivity and specificity of the single IgM ELISA assay against standard RT-PCR were 31.1%(95%CI: 25.6-37) and 95.7%(95%CI:92.8-97.7). The sensitivity of the combined ELISA Antigen/IgM assay(against virus isolation), the recombinant IgM/IgG ELISA(against standard RT-PCR), and the IgM/IgG immunoblot(against IFA) were 88%(95%CI:77-95), 25.9%(95%CI:20.8-31.6), and 90.7%(95%CI:84.13-97.27) respectively. The specificity of the combined ELISA Antigen/IgM assay(against virus isolation), the recombinant IgM/IgG ELISA(against standard RT-PCR), and the IgM/IgG immunoblot(against IFA) were 90%(95%CI:88-91), 100%(95%CI:98.2-100), and 96.3%(95%CI:92.2-100) respectively.
CONCLUSION
Lassa fever has assays for antigenaemia, IgM, IgG and PCR detection. The RDT reportedly performed well but more data are needed from other countries and at temperatures above 30 °C. Most combined immunoassays perform better than the single IgM. Multiplex and pan-Lassa assays are needed. More well conducted field studies are needed.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Prospero registration number: CRD42018091585 .
Topics: Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Immunoblotting; Lassa Fever; Lassa virus; Point-of-Care Systems; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 31324229
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4242-6 -
BMC Health Services Research Dec 2017Dengue fever is rapidly expanding geographically, with about half of the world's population now at risk. Among the various diagnostic options, rapid diagnostic tests... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dengue fever is rapidly expanding geographically, with about half of the world's population now at risk. Among the various diagnostic options, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are convenient and prompt, but limited in terms of accuracy and availability.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted of published data on the use of RDTs for dengue with respect to their economic impact. The search was conducted with combinations of key search terms, including "((Dengue[Title]) AND cost/economic)" and "rapid diagnostic test/assay (or point-of-care)". Articles with insufficient report on cost/economic aspect of dengue RDTs, usually on comparison of different RDTs or assessment of novel rapid diagnostic tools, were excluded. This review has been registered in the PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (registry #: CRD42015017775).
RESULTS
Eleven articles were found through advanced search on Pubmed. From Embase and Web of Science, two and 14 articles were obtained, respectively. After removal of duplicate items, title screening was done on 21 published works and 12 titles, including 2 meeting abstracts, were selected for abstract review. For full-text review, by two independent reviewers, 5 articles and 1 meeting abstract were selected. Among these, the abstract was referring to the same study results as one of the articles. After full text review, two studies (two articles and one abstract) were found to report on cost-wise or economic benefits of dengue RDTs and were selected for data extraction. One study found satisfactory performance of IgM-based Panbio RDT, concluding that it would be cost-effective in endemic settings. The second study was a modeling analysis and showed that a dengue RDT would not be advantageous in terms of cost and effectiveness compared to current practice of antibiotics prescription for acute febrile illness.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite growing use of RDTs in research and clinical settings, there were limited data to demonstrate an economic impact. The available two studies reached different conclusions on the cost-effectiveness of dengue RDTs, although only one of the two studies reported outcomes from cost-effectiveness analysis of dengue and the other was considering febrile illness more generally. Evidence of such an impact would require further quantitative economic studies.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Dengue; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Fever; Humans; Point-of-Care Systems; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 29284474
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2789-8 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Dec 2017Duplex ultrasound (DUS) surveillance of infrainguinal vein bypass grafts is widely practiced, but the evidence of its effectiveness compared with other methods of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Duplex ultrasound (DUS) surveillance of infrainguinal vein bypass grafts is widely practiced, but the evidence of its effectiveness compared with other methods of surveillance remains unclear.
METHODS
Following an a priori protocol developed by the guidelines committee from the Society for Vascular Surgery, this systematic review and meta-analysis included randomized and nonrandomized comparative studies that enrolled patients who underwent infrainguinal arterial reconstruction and received DUS surveillance for follow-up compared with any other method of surveillance. The search included MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Scopus through November 2016. Outcomes of interest included all-cause mortality, limb viability, and graft patency reports. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model.
RESULTS
We included 15 studies. Compared with ankle-brachial index and clinical examination, DUS surveillance was not associated with a significant change in primary, secondary, or assisted primary patency or mortality. DUS surveillance was associated with a nonstatistically significant reduction in amputation rate (odds ratio, 0.70 [95% confidence interval, 0.23-2.13]). The quality of evidence was low because of imprecision (small number of events and wide confidence intervals) and high risk of bias in the primary literature.
CONCLUSIONS
A recommendation for routine DUS surveillance of infrainguinal vein grafts remains dependent on low-quality evidence. Considering that DUS offers the opportunity of early intervention and because of its noninvasive nature and low cost, vascular surgeons may incorporate DUS as they individualize the follow-up of lower extremity vein grafts.
Topics: Ankle Brachial Index; Graft Occlusion, Vascular; Humans; Limb Salvage; Lower Extremity; Odds Ratio; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; Vascular Grafting; Vascular Patency; Veins
PubMed: 29169544
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2017.06.113