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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2015Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia may have long-term advantages for the patient; the longer psychosis goes untreated the more severe the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia may have long-term advantages for the patient; the longer psychosis goes untreated the more severe the repercussions for relapse and recovery. If the correct diagnosis is not schizophrenia, but another psychotic disorder with some symptoms similar to schizophrenia, appropriate treatment might be delayed, with possible severe repercussions for the person involved and their family. There is widespread uncertainty about the diagnostic accuracy of First Rank Symptoms (FRS); we examined whether they are a useful diagnostic tool to differentiate schizophrenia from other psychotic disorders.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the diagnostic accuracy of one or multiple FRS for diagnosing schizophrenia, verified by clinical history and examination by a qualified professional (e.g. psychiatrists, nurses, social workers), with or without the use of operational criteria and checklists, in people thought to have non-organic psychotic symptoms.
SEARCH METHODS
We conducted searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycInfo using OvidSP in April, June, July 2011 and December 2012. We also searched MEDION in December 2013.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We selected studies that consecutively enrolled or randomly selected adults and adolescents with symptoms of psychosis, and assessed the diagnostic accuracy of FRS for schizophrenia compared to history and clinical examination performed by a qualified professional, which may or may not involve the use of symptom checklists or based on operational criteria such as ICD and DSM.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened all references for inclusion. Risk of bias in included studies were assessed using the QUADAS-2 instrument. We recorded the number of true positives (TP), true negatives (TN), false positives (FP), and false negatives (FN) for constructing a 2 x 2 table for each study or derived 2 x 2 data from reported summary statistics such as sensitivity, specificity, and/or likelihood ratios.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 21 studies with a total of 6253 participants (5515 were included in the analysis). Studies were conducted from 1974 to 2011, with 80% of the studies conducted in the 1970's, 1980's or 1990's. Most studies did not report study methods sufficiently and many had high applicability concerns. In 20 studies, FRS differentiated schizophrenia from all other diagnoses with a sensitivity of 57% (50.4% to 63.3%), and a specificity of 81.4% (74% to 87.1%) In seven studies, FRS differentiated schizophrenia from non-psychotic mental health disorders with a sensitivity of 61.8% (51.7% to 71%) and a specificity of 94.1% (88% to 97.2%). In sixteen studies, FRS differentiated schizophrenia from other types of psychosis with a sensitivity of 58% (50.3% to 65.3%) and a specificity of 74.7% (65.2% to 82.3%).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The synthesis of old studies of limited quality in this review indicates that FRS correctly identifies people with schizophrenia 75% to 95% of the time. The use of FRS to diagnose schizophrenia in triage will incorrectly diagnose around five to 19 people in every 100 who have FRS as having schizophrenia and specialists will not agree with this diagnosis. These people will still merit specialist assessment and help due to the severity of disturbance in their behaviour and mental state. Again, with a sensitivity of FRS of 60%, reliance on FRS to diagnose schizophrenia in triage will not correctly diagnose around 40% of people that specialists will consider to have schizophrenia. Some of these people may experience a delay in getting appropriate treatment. Others, whom specialists will consider to have schizophrenia, could be prematurely discharged from care, if triage relies on the presence of FRS to diagnose schizophrenia. Empathetic, considerate use of FRS as a diagnostic aid - with known limitations - should avoid a good proportion of these errors.We hope that newer tests - to be included in future Cochrane reviews - will show better results. However, symptoms of first rank can still be helpful where newer tests are not available - a situation which applies to the initial screening of most people with suspected schizophrenia. FRS remain a simple, quick and useful clinical indicator for an illness of enormous clinical variability.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Diagnosis, Differential; Early Diagnosis; Humans; Mental Disorders; Prospective Studies; Psychotic Disorders; Retrospective Studies; Schizophrenia; Sensitivity and Specificity; Symptom Assessment
PubMed: 25879096
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010653.pub2 -
Cardiovascular Journal of AfricaCritical coarctation of the aorta in neonates is a common cause of shock and death. It may be the most difficult of all forms of critical congenital heart disease to... (Review)
Review
Critical coarctation of the aorta in neonates is a common cause of shock and death. It may be the most difficult of all forms of critical congenital heart disease to diagnose because the obstruction from the coarctation does not appear until several days after birth (and after discharge from the hospital), and because there are no characteristic murmurs. Some of these patients may be detected by neonatal screening by pulse oximetry, but only a minority is so diagnosed. Older patients are usually asymptomatic but, although clinical diagnosis is easy, they are frequently undiagnosed.
Topics: Age Factors; Angioplasty, Balloon; Aortic Coarctation; Cardiac Imaging Techniques; Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular; Early Diagnosis; Hemodynamics; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Neonatal Screening; Oximetry; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Stents; Vascular Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 29293259
DOI: 10.5830/CVJA-2017-053 -
European Journal of Heart Failure Nov 2023Diagnosing heart failure is often difficult due to the non-specific nature of symptoms, which can be caused by a range of medical conditions. Natriuretic peptides (NPs)...
Diagnosing heart failure is often difficult due to the non-specific nature of symptoms, which can be caused by a range of medical conditions. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) have been recognized as important biomarkers for diagnosing heart failure. This document from the Heart Failure Association examines the practical uses of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in various clinical scenarios. The concentrations of NT-proBNP vary according to the patient profile and the clinical scenario, therefore values should be interpreted with caution to ensure appropriate diagnosis. Validated cut-points are provided to rule in or rule out acute heart failure in the emergency department and to diagnose de novo heart failure in the outpatient setting. We also coin the concept of 'heart stress' when NT-proBNP levels are elevated in an asymptomatic patient with risk factors for heart failure (i.e. diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease), underlying the development of cardiac dysfunction and further increased risk. We propose a simple acronym for healthcare professionals and patients, FIND-HF, which serves as a prompt to consider heart failure: Fatigue, Increased water accumulation, Natriuretic peptide testing, and Dyspnoea. Use of this acronym would enable the early diagnosis of heart failure. Overall, understanding and utilizing NT-proBNP levels will lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of heart failure ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Topics: Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Heart Failure; Heart Diseases; Peptide Fragments; Biomarkers; Early Diagnosis
PubMed: 37712339
DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.3036 -
Indian Journal of Cancer 2020Cancer therapy is undergoing rapid advancements and many of the conditions that were incurable earlier can now easily be treated. Making a "correct diagnosis" is the...
Cancer therapy is undergoing rapid advancements and many of the conditions that were incurable earlier can now easily be treated. Making a "correct diagnosis" is the first step in the ladder towards treating the disease. However, once diagnosed, "breaking bad news" to the patient and his family that he/she has cancer is still a big challenge as it is a life-changing event not only for the patient but their families as well. The following article narrates an incident dealing with the significance of diagnosing the condition accurately and that of "breaking bad news". It gives an insight into the emotional ordeal that clinicians dealing with terminal-illnesses like cancer go through on a daily basis while trying to diagnose it and communicating it to the patient and his family.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Male; Neoplasms
PubMed: 32445328
DOI: 10.4103/ijc.IJC_418_19 -
Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North... Nov 2016Diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis of musculoskeletal (MSK) infection and determining the severity and extent of disease. The clinical... (Review)
Review
Diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis of musculoskeletal (MSK) infection and determining the severity and extent of disease. The clinical diagnosis may be challenging due to the nonspecific presentation of pain and swelling. There are certain features that are pathognomonic for infection. Pre-existing conditions an make diagnosing infection difficult. Prior surgery can create artifacts on advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography and MRI, obscuring the tissues immediately around the hardware. Recent technological advances have improved physicians' ability to diagnose MSK infection with greater sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.
Topics: Abscess; Arthritis, Infectious; Cellulitis; Humans; Joint Prosthesis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Osteomyelitis; Prosthesis-Related Infections; Radiography; Radionuclide Imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 27742026
DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2016.07.010 -
Canadian Association of Radiologists... Feb 2016The radiologist has a number of roles not only in diagnosing but also in treating osteoporosis. Radiologists diagnose fragility fractures with all imaging modalities,... (Review)
Review
The radiologist has a number of roles not only in diagnosing but also in treating osteoporosis. Radiologists diagnose fragility fractures with all imaging modalities, which includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrating radiologically occult insufficiency fractures, but also lateral chest radiographs showing asymptomatic vertebral fractures. In particular MRI fragility fractures may have a nonspecific appearance and the radiologists needs to be familiar with the typical locations and findings, to differentiate these fractures from neoplastic lesions. It should be noted that radiologists do not simply need to diagnose fractures related to osteoporosis but also to diagnose those fractures which are complications of osteoporosis related pharmacotherapy. In addition to using standard radiological techniques radiologists also use dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) to quantitatively assess bone mineral density for diagnosing osteoporosis or osteopenia as well as to monitor therapy. DXA measurements of the femoral neck are also used to calculate osteoporotic fracture risk based on the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) score, which is universally available. Some of the new technologies such as high-resolution peripheral computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and MR spectroscopy allow assessment of bone architecture and bone marrow composition to characterize fracture risk. Finally radiologists are also involved in the therapy of osteoporotic fractures by using vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and sacroplasty. This review article will focus on standard techniques and new concepts in diagnosing and managing osteoporosis.
Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Aged; Bone Density; Female; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Male; Osteoporosis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 26105503
DOI: 10.1016/j.carj.2015.02.002 -
Current Rheumatology Reports Oct 2021Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) arises from calcium pyrophosphate deposition throughout the body, leading to different clinical syndromes that may be... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) arises from calcium pyrophosphate deposition throughout the body, leading to different clinical syndromes that may be diagnosed using various imaging modalities. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent updates in the imaging of CPPD.
RECENT FINDINGS
Conventional radiography remains the initial test when imaging CPPD; but musculoskeletal ultrasound and conventional computed tomography (CT) may also assist in diagnosing and characterizing CPP deposits, with increased sensitivity. Dual-energy CT is also being used to differentiate CPP crystals from other crystal deposition diseases. CPP discitis has been diagnosed with MRI, but MRI has lower sensitivity and specificity than the aforementioned imaging studies in CPPD diagnosis. Assorted imaging modalities are increasingly used to diagnose CPPD involving atypical joints, avoiding invasive procedures. Each modality has its advantages and disadvantages. Future imaging may be able to provide more utility than what is currently available.
Topics: Calcium Pyrophosphate; Chondrocalcinosis; Humans; Radiography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 34623546
DOI: 10.1007/s11926-021-01044-4 -
Journal of the European Academy of... Oct 2020The male and female external genital regions are anatomical areas in which various types of skin disorders may occur. Although most of these conditions can be diagnosed... (Review)
Review
The male and female external genital regions are anatomical areas in which various types of skin disorders may occur. Although most of these conditions can be diagnosed by means of clinical examination and an accurate medical history, in most cases further investigations with time-consuming and/or invasive procedures are needed in order to reach the correct diagnosis. Dermoscopy, as a modern non-invasive tool, is able to better diagnose pigmented and non-pigmented skin tumours along with various inflammatory and infectious skin and appendage disorders. The aim of this paper was to provide a review of the use of dermoscopy in genital disorders based on published data and to include personal experience gained from real life, focusing on any possible gender difference and whether disease mucosal/semimucosal dermoscopy features may differ from those observed on the skin. In conclusion, genital dermoscopy should always be considered during clinical inspection in order to enhance the diagnosis or to rule out those conditions that may look similar but that show a different dermoscopy pattern, thus narrowing down the differential diagnoses and avoiding unnecessary invasive investigations.
Topics: Dermoscopy; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Genitalia; Humans; Male; Skin; Skin Diseases; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 32531092
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16723 -
Current Diabetes Reports Aug 2023This review aims to elucidate the limitations of diagnosing metabolic syndrome in adolescents as well as challenges and opportunities in the identification and reduction... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review aims to elucidate the limitations of diagnosing metabolic syndrome in adolescents as well as challenges and opportunities in the identification and reduction of cardiometabolic risk in this population.
RECENT FINDINGS
There are multiple criticisms of how we define and approach obesity in clinical practice and scientific research, and weight stigma further complicates the process of making and communicating weight-related diagnoses. While the goal of diagnosing and managing metabolic syndrome in adolescents would be to identify individuals at elevated future cardiometabolic risk and intervene to reduce the modifiable component of this risk, there is evidence that identifying cardiometabolic risk factor clustering may be more useful in adolescents than establishing a cutoff-based diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. It has also become clear that many heritable factors and social and structural determinants of health contribute more to weight and body mass index than do individual behavioral choices about nutrition and physical activity. Promoting cardiometabolic health equity requires that we intervene on the obesogenic environment and mitigate the compounding effects of weight stigma and systemic racism. The existing options to diagnose and manage future cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents are flawed and limited. While striving to improve population health through policy and societal interventions, there are opportunities to intervene at all levels of the socioecological model in order to decrease future morbidity and mortality from the chronic cardiometabolic diseases associated with central adiposity in both children and adults. More research is needed to identify the most effective interventions.
Topics: Child; Adult; Humans; Adolescent; Metabolic Syndrome; Risk Factors; Obesity; Body Mass Index; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 37273161
DOI: 10.1007/s11892-023-01513-3 -
The Journal of the American Osteopathic... Jun 2020There is no consensus on the correlation between clinical experience and accuracy in diagnosing somatic dysfunctions, which makes it difficult to justify the use of more...
CONTEXT
There is no consensus on the correlation between clinical experience and accuracy in diagnosing somatic dysfunctions, which makes it difficult to justify the use of more subjective measures to evaluate this important association. To better understand this relationship, palpatory forces can be observed while diagnosing a somatic dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify the pressure applied in diagnosing lumbar somatic dysfunction, find a correlation between accuracy of diagnosis and palpation pressure, set the standards for palpation, and develop precise palpatory skills for osteopathic medical students.
METHODS
The palpatory forces were evaluated between participants with varying experience levels (osteopathic medical students and attending physicians from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine). Two osteopathic physicians confirmed an L5 somatic dysfunction diagnosis in a volunteer standardized patient (SP), who served as the control. Participants then palpated the lumbar segment of the SP in a prone position with F-Scan System (TekScan) sensors, which recorded the amount of pressure and time used to reach a full diagnosis.
RESULTS
Participants (11 osteopathic medical students and 10 attending physicians) who diagnosed an L5 somatic dysfunction consistent with the SP's diagnosis had less of a difference in peak force (mean [SD] difference, 62.50 [325.7] g/cm2) between the contact points (right hand vs left hand). In contrast, participants with a dissimilar L5 diagnosis from the SP's had a mean (SD) difference in peak force of 319.38 (703.1) g/cm2. Similarly, the difference in the mean (SD) force of palpation between the contact points was lower in participants who made the correct diagnosis (16.81 [117.4] g/cm2) vs those who made an incorrect diagnosis (123.92 [210.3] g/cm2). No statistical significance was found between the diagnostic accuracy of the students and physicians (P=.387) or the time taken to reach a diagnosis (P=.199).
CONCLUSION
We observed that using equal pressures in both hands while palpating a lumbar segment correlates to more accurate somatic dysfunction diagnoses.
Topics: Humans; New York; Osteopathic Medicine; Palpation; Pressure
PubMed: 32451546
DOI: 10.7556/jaoa.2020.066