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Endocrine Aug 2023To summarize the more robust evidence about the performance of tools useful for diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) such as calcitonin (Ctn) and other... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To summarize the more robust evidence about the performance of tools useful for diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) such as calcitonin (Ctn) and other circulating markers, ultrasound (US), fine-needle aspiration (FNA), and other imaging procedures.
METHODS
This systematic review of systematic reviews was carried out according to a predefined protocol. A search string was created. An electronical comprehensive search of literature was performed on December 2022. Quality assessment of eligible systematic reviews was performed and main findings were described.
RESULTS
Twenty-three systematic reviews were included and several findings were achieved. Ctn is the most reliable diagnostic marker of MTC with no evidence of improvement with stimulation test. CEA doubling time is more reliable than Ctn in identifying MTC with poorer prognosis. US sensitivity is suboptimal in MTC and only just over half of cases are at high risk according to Thyroid Imaging And Reporting Data Systems. Cytology can correctly detect MTC in just over half of cases and measuring Ctn in washout fluid from FNA is necessary. PET/CT is useful for detecting recurrent MTC.
CONCLUSIONS
Future guidelines of both thyroid nodule management and MTC diagnosis should consider these evidence-based data.
Topics: Thyroid Neoplasms; Thyroid Nodule; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Calcitonin; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Biopsy, Fine-Needle
PubMed: 36877452
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03326-6 -
The Canadian Journal of Urology Oct 2015Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is arguably the most common benign disease of mankind. As men age, the prostate inexorably grows often causing troubling symptoms... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is arguably the most common benign disease of mankind. As men age, the prostate inexorably grows often causing troubling symptoms causing them to seek out care. While traditionally treated by transurethral resection or open surgical removal of the hypertrophied adenoma, today the urologist has numerous medical, surgical and minimally invasive techniques available. In this supplement The Canadian Journal of Urology provides a review of the various techniques and medications available today.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
As an introduction to the supplement, the aim of this article is to review the epidemiology and economy of BPH as well as its natural history and diagnosis. A systematic review of available literature was looking for articles on BPH and its epidemiology, economics, natural history and management using PubMed database.
RESULTS
The prevalence of this condition is increasing with the population aging and so does the economic burden. The exact etiology of this condition is unknown, but some risk factors have been identified. The diagnostic and treatment of this very common disease should rely on a strong collaboration between primary care physician and urologist.
CONCLUSION
There are multiple options in treating BPH including medical, surgical and newer minimally invasive options. The challenge with having a variety of options is to review them with the patient and help the patient select the best treatment option for their condition.
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Biopsy, Needle; Health Care Costs; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Incidence; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms; Male; Prostatectomy; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; United States
PubMed: 26497338
DOI: No ID Found -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Feb 2019Because conventional prostate biopsy has some limitations, optimal variations of prostate biopsy strategies have emerged to improve the diagnosis rate of prostate... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Because conventional prostate biopsy has some limitations, optimal variations of prostate biopsy strategies have emerged to improve the diagnosis rate of prostate cancer. We conducted the systematic review to compare the diagnosis rate and complications of transperineal versus transrectal prostate biopsy. We searched for online publications published through June 27, 2018, in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The relative risk and 95% confidence interval were utilized to appraise the diagnosis and complication rate. The condensed relative risk of 11 included studies indicated that transperineal prostate biopsy has the same diagnosis accuracy of transrectal prostate biopsy; however, a significantly lower risk of fever and rectal bleeding was reported for transperineal prostate biopsy. No clue of publication bias could be identified.
SHORT CONCLUSION
To conclude, this review indicated that transperineal and transrectal prostate biopsy have the same diagnosis accuracy, but the transperineal approach has a lower risk of fever and rectal bleeding. More studies are warranted to confirm these findings and discover a more effective diagnosis method for prostate cancer.
Topics: Biopsy, Large-Core Needle; Fever; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Perineum; Postoperative Complications; Prognosis; Prostate; Prostatic Neoplasms; Rectum; Ultrasonography, Interventional
PubMed: 30760274
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-019-1573-0 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International May 2018Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The German S3 guideline of 2012 has now been updated to take account of advances in the early detection, diagnostic...
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The German S3 guideline of 2012 has now been updated to take account of advances in the early detection, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and follow-up care of this disease.
METHODS
The updating process was based on the adaptation of identified source guidelines and on reviews of the scientific evidence. A systematic search in multiple literature databases was carried out, and the full texts of the selected articles were evaluated. Suggested recommendations were then proposed by interdisciplinary working groups and modified and graded in a nominal consensus procedure.
RESULTS
The value of mammographic screening is confirmed in the updated guideline. As for the diagnostic evaluation of breast cancer, computed tomography is recommended for staging in patients with a high risk of recurrence, in addition to conventional methods. As for surgical treatment, the evidence supporting locoregional surgery for primary breast cancer now affords an opportunity for de-escalation: complete resection yields the best outcome, but a safety margin of several millimeters is not necessary. Axillary dissection is no longer recommended except in certain defined situations. Radiotherapeutic approaches consist of hypofractionated applications. Adjuvant systemic therapy is indicated for patients in certain high-risk situations defined by a constellation of factors including tumor grade, patient age, node status, Ki-67 antigen expression, hormone receptor status, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. All patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer should receive endocrine therapy. The indication for chemotherapy and/or anti-HER2 therapy should be determined in consideration of the expected benefit and side effects.
CONCLUSION
Consistent implementation of the recommendations in the newly updated guideline can help lessen morbidity and mortality from breast cancer. The actual extent to which breast cancer guidelines are implemented should be a topic of future research.
Topics: Aftercare; Aged; Biopsy, Needle; Breast Neoplasms; Drug Therapy; Female; Germany; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Mammography; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Oncology Nursing; Radiography; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 29807560
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2018.0316 -
The European Respiratory Journal Jun 2020The European Respiratory Society (ERS)/European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS)/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)/European Society for...
The European Respiratory Society (ERS)/European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS)/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)/European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) task force brought together experts to update previous 2009 ERS/ESTS guidelines on management of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a rare cancer with globally poor outcome, after a systematic review of the 2009-2018 literature. The evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The evidence syntheses were discussed and recommendations formulated by this multidisciplinary group of experts. Diagnosis: pleural biopsies remain the gold standard to confirm the diagnosis, usually obtained by thoracoscopy but occasionally image-guided percutaneous needle biopsy in cases of pleural symphysis or poor performance status. Pathology: standard staining procedures are insufficient in ∼10% of cases, justifying the use of specific markers, including and () for the separation of atypical mesothelial proliferation from MPM. Staging: in the absence of a uniform, robust and validated staging system, we advise using the most recent 2016 8th TNM (tumour, node, metastasis) classification, with an algorithm for pre-therapeutic assessment. Monitoring: patient's performance status, histological subtype and tumour volume are the main prognostic factors of clinical importance in routine MPM management. Other potential parameters should be recorded at baseline and reported in clinical trials. Treatment: (chemo)therapy has limited efficacy in MPM patients and only selected patients are candidates for radical surgery. New promising targeted therapies, immunotherapies and strategies have been reviewed. Because of limited data on the best combination treatment, we emphasise that patients who are considered candidates for a multimodal approach, including radical surgery, should be treated as part of clinical trials in MPM-dedicated centres.
Topics: Humans; Medical Oncology; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Pleural Neoplasms; Surgeons
PubMed: 32451346
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00953-2019 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2022Every year, an estimated one million children and young adolescents become ill with tuberculosis, and around 226,000 of those children die. Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Every year, an estimated one million children and young adolescents become ill with tuberculosis, and around 226,000 of those children die. Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra) is a molecular World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended rapid diagnostic test that simultaneously detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and rifampicin resistance. We previously published a Cochrane Review 'Xpert MTB/RIF and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assays for tuberculosis disease and rifampicin resistance in children'. The current review updates evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert Ultra in children presumed to have tuberculosis disease. Parts of this review update informed the 2022 WHO updated guidance on management of tuberculosis in children and adolescents.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert Ultra for detecting: pulmonary tuberculosis, tuberculous meningitis, lymph node tuberculosis, and rifampicin resistance, in children with presumed tuberculosis. Secondary objectives To investigate potential sources of heterogeneity in accuracy estimates. For detection of tuberculosis, we considered age, comorbidity (HIV, severe pneumonia, and severe malnutrition), and specimen type as potential sources. To summarize the frequency of Xpert Ultra trace results.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, MEDLINE, Embase, three other databases, and three trial registers without language restrictions to 9 March 2021.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Cross-sectional and cohort studies and randomized trials that evaluated Xpert Ultra in HIV-positive and HIV-negative children under 15 years of age. We included ongoing studies that helped us address the review objectives. We included studies evaluating sputum, gastric, stool, or nasopharyngeal specimens (pulmonary tuberculosis), cerebrospinal fluid (tuberculous meningitis), and fine needle aspirate or surgical biopsy tissue (lymph node tuberculosis). For detecting tuberculosis, reference standards were microbiological (culture) or composite reference standard; for stool, we also included Xpert Ultra performed on a routine respiratory specimen. For detecting rifampicin resistance, reference standards were drug susceptibility testing or MTBDRplus.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted data and, using QUADAS-2, assessed methodological quality judging risk of bias separately for each target condition and reference standard. For each target condition, we used the bivariate model to estimate summary sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We stratified all analyses by type of reference standard. We summarized the frequency of Xpert Ultra trace results; trace represents detection of a very low quantity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA. We assessed certainty of evidence using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 14 studies (11 new studies since the previous review). For detection of pulmonary tuberculosis, 335 data sets (25,937 participants) were available for analysis. We did not identify any studies that evaluated Xpert Ultra accuracy for tuberculous meningitis or lymph node tuberculosis. Three studies evaluated Xpert Ultra for detection of rifampicin resistance. Ten studies (71%) took place in countries with a high tuberculosis burden based on WHO classification. Overall, risk of bias was low. Detection of pulmonary tuberculosis Sputum, 5 studies Xpert Ultra summary sensitivity verified by culture was 75.3% (95% CI 64.3 to 83.8; 127 participants; high-certainty evidence), and specificity was 97.1% (95% CI 94.7 to 98.5; 1054 participants; high-certainty evidence). Gastric aspirate, 7 studies Xpert Ultra summary sensitivity verified by culture was 70.4% (95% CI 53.9 to 82.9; 120 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and specificity was 94.1% (95% CI 84.8 to 97.8; 870 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Stool, 6 studies Xpert Ultra summary sensitivity verified by culture was 56.1% (95% CI 39.1 to 71.7; 200 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and specificity was 98.0% (95% CI 93.3 to 99.4; 1232 participants; high certainty-evidence). Nasopharyngeal aspirate, 4 studies Xpert Ultra summary sensitivity verified by culture was 43.7% (95% CI 26.7 to 62.2; 46 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and specificity was 97.5% (95% CI 93.6 to 99.0; 489 participants; high-certainty evidence). Xpert Ultra sensitivity was lower against a composite than a culture reference standard for all specimen types other than nasopharyngeal aspirate, while specificity was similar against both reference standards. Interpretation of results In theory, for a population of 1000 children: • where 100 have pulmonary tuberculosis in sputum (by culture): - 101 would be Xpert Ultra-positive, and of these, 26 (26%) would not have pulmonary tuberculosis (false positive); and - 899 would be Xpert Ultra-negative, and of these, 25 (3%) would have tuberculosis (false negative). • where 100 have pulmonary tuberculosis in gastric aspirate (by culture): - 123 would be Xpert Ultra-positive, and of these, 53 (43%) would not have pulmonary tuberculosis (false positive); and - 877 would be Xpert Ultra-negative, and of these, 30 (3%) would have tuberculosis (false negative). • where 100 have pulmonary tuberculosis in stool (by culture): - 74 would be Xpert Ultra-positive, and of these, 18 (24%) would not have pulmonary tuberculosis (false positive); and - 926 would be Xpert Ultra-negative, and of these, 44 (5%) would have tuberculosis (false negative). • where 100 have pulmonary tuberculosis in nasopharyngeal aspirate (by culture): - 66 would be Xpert Ultra-positive, and of these, 22 (33%) would not have pulmonary tuberculosis (false positive); and - 934 would be Xpert Ultra-negative, and of these, 56 (6%) would have tuberculosis (false negative). Detection of rifampicin resistance Xpert Ultra sensitivity was 100% (3 studies, 3 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and specificity range was 97% to 100% (3 studies, 128 participants; low-certainty evidence). Trace results Xpert Ultra trace results, regarded as positive in children by WHO standards, were common. Xpert Ultra specificity remained high in children, despite the frequency of trace results.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We found Xpert Ultra sensitivity to vary by specimen type, with sputum having the highest sensitivity, followed by gastric aspirate and stool. Nasopharyngeal aspirate had the lowest sensitivity. Xpert Ultra specificity was high against both microbiological and composite reference standards. However, the evidence base is still limited, and findings may be imprecise and vary by study setting. Although we found Xpert Ultra accurate for detection of rifampicin resistance, results were based on a very small number of studies that included only three children with rifampicin resistance. Therefore, findings should be interpreted with caution. Our findings provide support for the use of Xpert Ultra as an initial rapid molecular diagnostic in children being evaluated for tuberculosis.
Topics: Adolescent; Antibiotics, Antitubercular; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; HIV Infections; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Rifampin; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sputum; Tuberculosis, Lymph Node; Tuberculosis, Meningeal; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
PubMed: 36065889
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013359.pub3 -
Journal of the American Academy of... May 2018Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disease that typically presents with tense bullae and severe pruritus. However, bullae can be lacking, a subtype termed nonbullous... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disease that typically presents with tense bullae and severe pruritus. However, bullae can be lacking, a subtype termed nonbullous pemphigoid.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the reported characteristics of nonbullous pemphigoid.
METHODS
The EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were searched using "nonbullous pemphigoid" and various synonyms. Case reports and series describing nonbullous pemphigoid were included.
RESULTS
The search identified 133 articles. After selection, 39 articles were included, presenting 132 cases. Erythematous, urticarial plaques (52.3%) and papules/nodules (20.5%) were the most reported clinical features. The mean age at presentation was 74.9 years. Histopathology was commonly nonspecific. Linear depositions of IgG and/or C3 along the basement membrane zone were found by direct immunofluorescence microscopy in 93.2%. Indirect immunofluorescence on salt-split skin was positive in 90.2%. The mean diagnostic delay was 22.6 months. A minority of patients (9.8%) developed bullae during the reported follow-up.
LIMITATIONS
Results are mainly based on case reports and small case series.
CONCLUSION
Nonbullous pemphigoid is an underdiagnosed variant of pemphigoid that most often does not evolve to bullous lesions and mimics other pruritic skin diseases. Greater awareness among physicians is needed to avoid delay in diagnosis.
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Autoantigens; Biopsy, Needle; Diagnosis, Differential; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Immunohistochemistry; Incidence; Male; Pemphigoid, Bullous; Prognosis; Pruritus; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors
PubMed: 29102490
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.10.035 -
The European Respiratory Journal Dec 2017Paediatric airway endoscopy is accepted as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, with an expanding number of indications and applications in children. The aim of this... (Review)
Review
Paediatric airway endoscopy is accepted as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, with an expanding number of indications and applications in children. The aim of this European Respiratory Society task force was to produce a statement on interventional bronchoscopy in children, describing the evidence available at present and current clinical practice, and identifying areas deserving further investigation. The multidisciplinary task force panel performed a systematic review of the literature, focusing on whole lung lavage, transbronchial and endobronchial biopsy, transbronchial needle aspiration with endobronchial ultrasound, foreign body extraction, balloon dilation and occlusion, laser-assisted procedures, usage of airway stents, microdebriders, cryotherapy, endoscopic intubation, application of drugs and other liquids, and caregiver perspectives. There is a scarcity of published evidence in this field, and in many cases the task force had to resort to the collective clinical experience of the committee to develop this statement. The highlighted gaps in knowledge underline the need for further research and serve as a call to paediatric bronchoscopists to work together in multicentre collaborations, for the benefit of children with airway disorders.
Topics: Advisory Committees; Balloon Occlusion; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Bronchoscopy; Child; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration; Europe; Foreign Bodies; Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Societies, Medical
PubMed: 29242258
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00901-2017 -
Investigative and Clinical Urology Mar 2016Urosepsis is the most feared complication of transrectal prostate biopsy. The incidence may be increasing from <1% to 2%-3% in contemporary series. Historically,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Urosepsis is the most feared complication of transrectal prostate biopsy. The incidence may be increasing from <1% to 2%-3% in contemporary series. Historically, fluoroquinolones have been effective antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infective complications but antibiotic resistance is increasing. The increase in antibiotic resistance may contribute to reported increases in urosepsis and hospitalization after transrectal biopsy. This article will review other methods clinicians may employ to reduce the incidence of infective complications after prostate biopsy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was conducted using literature databases PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE in August 2015 in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) criteria.
RESULTS
Effective strategies to reduce infective complications after transrectal prostate biopsy include augmented prophylaxis with other antibiotics, rectal swab culture directed antibiotic prophylaxis or a transperineal biopsy approach. Needle disinfection, minimizing the number of biopsy needles and rectal disinfectants may also be of use. These methods may be of particular utility in patients with risk factors for developing urosepsis such as recent antibiotic use and overseas travel.
CONCLUSIONS
The scientific literature describes various techniques designed to reduce infective complications caused by prostate biopsy. Clinicians should consider incorporating these novel techniques into their contemporary practice.
Topics: Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Biopsy, Needle; Cross Infection; Disinfection; Humans; Male; Needles; Prostate; Prostatic Neoplasms; Sepsis
PubMed: 26981590
DOI: 10.4111/icu.2016.57.2.94 -
Medical Ultrasonography May 2024To evaluate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) versus conventional ultrasound (US) in guided liver puncture biopsy through a systematic review and meta-analysis. (Review)
Review
AIM
To evaluate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) versus conventional ultrasound (US) in guided liver puncture biopsy through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Comparative studies on CEUS and US in liver puncture biopsy were systematically searched from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Two researchers independently screened and extracted data, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for data analysis.
RESULTS
The area under the curve (AUC) for CEUS and US in diagnosing liver biopsy was 0.98 (95%CI 0.99-0.97) and 0.95 (95%CI 0.97-0.93), respectively. CEUS demonstrated significantly higher single puncture success rate (38.0% vs 36.4%) [OR=2.67; 95% CI 1.38-5 .17; p=0 .003] and pathological diagnosis rate (95.6% vs 90.5%) [OR =4.35; 95%CI 2.25 -8.39; p<0 .001] compared to the US group. The diagnostic accuracy of the CEUS group was 95.6 % (1964/2054), while that of the US group was 90.5% (1729/1909). The combined analysis indicated significant advantages for CEUS over US [(OR = 2.36). 95 %CI 1.81-3.09, p<0.001].
CONCLUSIONS
CEUS is superior to US in the diagnostic performance, single puncture success rate, pathological diagnosis rate and diagnostic accuracy of liver biopsy in patients with liver lesions.
PubMed: 38808493
DOI: 10.11152/mu-4374